I
came from a family that is typical of many American families in that most of my
childhood was spent growing up with only one parent. Peoples’ view of marriage
and divorce changed in the late sixties and early seventies due to the “sexual
revolution”. It was easier to get a divorce. I can remember when my mother would date. I
told her that a multi-strand necklace was good for her to wear on her date
since it covered up her low-cut blouse. She laughed at me. If I could go back
in time, I would’ve stopped her from marrying my father when she was at the
tender age of sixteen. What were they all thinking? One thing was for sure: I
was determined not to make the same mistakes as she did.
How
does a child find a good influence for life when they are a product of a broken
home? Fortunately, I made the choice to spend my high school years on a
Christian campus. Though I look back at how very strict the institution was, I
needed that structure for my life much like a soldier needs boot camp. It was
there that I saw for myself how a family was supposed to love and communicate
with each other. At the same time I grieved in my heart when I walked away from
mail call without letters, and I grieved over the state of my broken family.
But making the choice to live on the campuses of my Christian high school and
Bible college were the best choices that I made early in life.
Marrying
my husband was my next best choice. He came from a very small but close knit
family. These people were the next ones that taught me the real meaning of a
family.
It
is now many years later. We live in world where information and communication
flash across the globe at the speed of light. Many people wish to change our
way of life on many levels and it isn’t for our good. We have many adversaries
both in our homeland and abroad. Yet in these dark times, I keep myself focused
on positive things:
- I stopped listening to
secular radio. Instead, I stay tuned to my favorite Christian radio
station at my work place and in my vehicle that broadcasts music with
positive messages by popular Christian artists. The DJs and listeners who
call in say words of encouragement at all times of the day and evening. I
found myself compelled to support this station financially since they are
only listener supported. I am helping to give other people hope through my
support.
- I stream sermons about
the Grace Revolution that is changing lives. No condemnation, only resting
in the finished work of my Lord and Savior.
- I also stopped
listening to much of the news on television. Yet, I keep myself informed
about headline news.
- And lastly, I get
involved with my favorite writing group on the side. I’ve come to know
some of my fellow writers, and I’m blessed to know them. On a side note, when
I started writing my first novel, I explored my own feelings regarding one
of my siblings and my father. I used these feelings to write about both
the antagonist and one of the protagonists in my story. I found this gave
me an emotional release from feelings that had been pent up for years.
I
began by talking about family. I will end by saying that family isn’t only
defined by flesh and blood. Family is made up of people of like minds and one
heart.
