My 2 year old goddaughter (with the help of her father) drew this picture for me. When I look at it, it makes me think of family. I spent the first 8 years of my career teaching children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. I saw firsthand that if a child hadn’t developed secure attachment with their parents in the early years, it had a massive impact. They came into the classroom either numb of emotions or aggressive and disruptive. The impact of the trauma on their brain was seen in their daily interactions with me and their peers.
As we are all aware, the families we are born into have the ability to affect us deeply, even now as adults. Our brains have the capacity to store past memories. They can allow us to experience levels of joy and pain as we subconsciously recall them from time to time. When God invites us into his family, something beautiful occurs. Instead of performing a quick fix on our families, he comes alongside us and sits with us in the memories. He’s the perfect Father who is not limited in his ability to handle our fears, doubts and tears.
Father God says to me and all his children…
When the sun is out, smile and truly breathe its beauty. Let it be a reminder that because of Jesus, you are truly free.”
The family of God is not defined by human blood, but by the blood of Jesus who invites us to welcome those who are unlike us to be part of our family.
“Jesus loves me lots, not a little.” A recent conversation between my goddaughter and her mum. A good daily reminder.
When past memories are overwhelming, take a walk with a sister or brother in the church family. When it’s hard to see the goodness of God, we need the faith and light of others.
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”(Deuteronomy 33:12)
This is what my goddaughter and her sister have taught me. This is what little children can teach you if you learn to train your ears to listen. I’m continuing to learn and it is so good. - Eileen