“Family is not just blood; it is also who you would bleed for.”
by: Emily Yanok
We don’t choose the family we are born into, but we do get to choose who we call family. Families help mold you and set you up for who you become. Although your family doesn’t define who you are, you learn from them, more than anyone else you encounter. I realize that not everyone has a solid family, but you need to know that you still have people who unconditionally love you – a family of friends who believe in you. “Family is not just blood; it is also who you would bleed for” – Brice Mitchell.
Isn’t it crazy how God specifically placed us into a family? I say that because whether you are born or adopted into one, God specifically designed you to be with those people for a reason. Family, blood relatives or not, are your number one support system. They are the people who love and stand by you no matter what. Relationships with family members are messy, they are never perfect, but bring stability. I’m thankful to be surrounded by those in my family. And to whoever is reading this, I hope you are thankful for those who surround you too. Whether you feel supported or not.
If you are growing up in a messy, broken family, you have a Heavenly Father who loves to restore. Most likely that restoration and healing will bring forth people who you call family outside the one you are born into. In our household, we have been taught to welcome people into our home, who have nowhere to go. As I get older, every holiday, we have more and more people joining our family and traditions, and they are automatically called family. Just like Jesus welcomes His children to take a seat at His table, I urge you to live like Jesus and invite others to sit at yours, literally.
Even though my family may look “happy” on the outside, inside we deal with pain and loss like every other, but we all face it together. I believe the hard stuff we go through with our families is what strengthens the bond between loved ones. In every argument, every loss, and even every victory, you are shaped by the experiences you go through with those people. And if you do not think your family is not going through your battles with you, you are wrong. Remind yourself of what the Word says; “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9).
We all need to hear this, especially because we as humans hold onto what is evil and use it against one another. Let love be genuine and true and hold onto what is good. Do not push away family because they will be the ones who are by your side when you fall. Your family matters and will forever be the most important people in your life.
