--CARRY EACH OTHER'S BURDENS ~~

--"Carry each other's burdens,
and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
---[Galatians 6:2/ NIV] -- bible

---TEARS FILLED my eyes when my husband, Kevin--who's also my pastor--asked me to speak at last year's Thanksgiving service. "Can you speak about why you're thankful for our family?"
"But honey, our family isn't doing so well."

--In the the four years since our daughters divorce, she' struggled to make ends meet while raising three kids. Our grown son had wrestled with depression for over twenty years. My ninety-two-year old widowed mom was quickly declining. What could I offer to encourage others?

Kevin reassured me that while our family isn't perfect, we always support each other. That's what keeps us going. My mind filled with of the many times we'd helped each other we'd helped each other navigate some rough patches. "Well, when you put it that way...okay, I'll do it."

I began my remarks by confessing how reluctant I'd been to talk about our messy family, but that Kevin's insight helped me see our situation in a new light. Moist eyes, smiles, and nodding heads responded to my admission. I said, "Flawless isn't what Jesus looks for in a family, but rather kindness and encouragement. His example of unconditional love empowers us to stand with each other and say, "I've got your back,. I'll walk through this darkness with you."

Kevin told me afterward how silent the sanctuary was while I spoke. I was glad I'd listened to him. Our family will never be perfect--whose is? But Jesus has filled us with love for each other that knits our hearts together, a perfect reason to thank Him.
--"In al things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."-[1 Thessalonians 5:18]
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Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." [John 14:6]