Family Matters!

I have always known how much family matters, but walking through these last two weeks has shown me that family is everything. I couldn’t imagine going through difficult situations in my life without their support. When I think of how many people were not raised in a home like mine, I can’t help but be so grateful. It’s definitely made me appreciate the family I have and how I have been raised.

All of the principles we stand on as a family are starting to become a reality to me. One in particular is the principle of tithing. Tithing is when you give back 10% of your gross income that already belongs to God. I really don’t want to teach on it in this blog. My dad does a great job teaching it—so, we can get him to write about that! But anyway…every Sunday, we take our tithe to the offering basket, and we make a profession based on Malachi 3:10-12 and Psalm 91:1-16. In both of these passages, there are promises of God that we hold on to as a family. I have no doubt that this is one reason why I am here today. As a family, we call these promises “TITHER’S RIGHTS”. These promises in the Bible talk about the protection of God and the blessings of God. This is part of who we are as a family. And I wouldn’t change it any other way. I will hold on to this principle no matter what!

We have been through a lot as a family over the years, but we stick together no matter what. This is another principle my parents have instilled in us—that we are here for each other no matter what! My parents have been the best examples of this. Being the youngest in our family has allowed me to see a lot of things that my brothers have been through. Some things have hurt us, embarrassed us, and even shocked us. But no matter what, my parents have shown the greatest love any person could ever show. They definitely don’t put up with a lot and are quick to discipline and correct. But in every situation, they kept standing on God’s word and never allowed any situation to shake their faith. They just kept standing for righteousness and loving them no matter what. And it seems like every situation worked out and it made them become a better person. I have seen a lot of families go through things and split up, divorce, say bad things about each other and so on. But one thing I can say about my family is that when they say they love and they will be there no matter what, you can count on it. It may be the tough love at times, but they are always there. During the past two weeks, this principle has been so real to me. My parents have been so amazing in their support for me and what I am dealing with. I can’t imagine living life without them. It makes me want to pray that other teens my age would have the kind of parents I have.

Another thing I love about my family is laughter! We always laugh. Whether it’s my brothers making fun of each other or my mom saying the craziest things, we always seem to laugh and have a good time. We have a lot of game nights at home with family and friends. And we have nights where we all just sit around and watch our favorite shows. We are always together and are always laughing. I am not sure what I would do without them. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit drains one’s strength.” Part of my strength has come from this principle—laughter! I am so thankful for the way my family keeps a smile on my face! They have taught me to let the peace of God rule my heart and allow the joy of the Lord to be my strength.

I truly believe that family is a part of God’s design. He created family. He created family to work together, to play together, and to worship together. That sums up my family for sure. My parents have done such a great job raising us. I am so thankful for my father—even though I think he is wayyyyyyy overprotective. LOL. I know it’s for my best. He truly does protect me from getting hurt and making dumb decisions. And I can’t stay mad at him for more than a minute—I’m a daddy’s girl! Plus, I get his amex anytime I want because he spoils me rotten. (well, maybe not anytime I want!) Where do I even start with my mom! She is the best listener. I can talk to her about anything. She always encourages me but is always honest, too! Even in my desire to play so many sports. She has never been that mom to tell me how good I am when I wasn’t that good! LOL. But I love that about her. She pushes me to be a better person. She is my best friend. When I was little, we would always do this thing where we lock our pinky’s and say, “Pinky promise, best friends forever!” I feel like my mom and I share a bond that is only growing closer with time. I can’t imagine my life without her!

In all of this, the support and principles they have shown me means everything. It has helped me come to the place in my life where I can understand how important it is to put Christ first and love each other no matter what. However, one thing they say that always sticks out to me that they have always been blunt about is—I have to have my own relationship with Jesus. And even in my life now, they are pushing me to have faith…my own faith in Christ. They can pray for me all they want, but if it’s not my faith in Christ and my own personal relationship with Christ, then none of it matters. They can only push me so far or pray for me so much. At the end of the day, it’s my decision of where my faith lies. I am so thankful for my family. It’s because of them, I can truly stand and declare to the world that, “MY FAITH IS IN CHRIST! I AM HEALED AND WHOLE. I BELIEVE GOD IS BIG ENOUGH! AND NOTHING IS GOING TO HOLD ME BACK!”