When we hear the word family, we usually think of this word as referring to blood relatives. When Jesus spoke about the family, He often described another family; His family. We believe that He was referring to those who hear the word of God and live it as members of His family.

         During the recent passing of my son John, I discovered again just what Jesus meant when He spoke of those who seek to follow Him. I have been supported through cards, phone calls, hugs by acquaintances in the grocery store, sympathetic smiles at the bank and this outreach has helped all of us who are grieving the loss of my son.

         The family of God is everywhere. To recognize it we just have to be in tune with His will, and trust that He is watching over us, and will find ways to comfort us through the dark valley of the shadow of death. I have always loved the words of the 23rd Psalm, especially the first line: “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” In the last couple of years I have walked through this valley with the loss of a husband, then a mother and now my son. Yes, my faith has certainly been tested but each time, by the grace of God, I was uplifted and survived the sadness.

         The kindness of people who share our world, especially those of our faith community, offers us the tools we need. Time is a great healer, and as long as we continue to put one step in front of the other, with our hand holding tightly to the hand of God, we will make it. 

         I live in a small community of less than 50,000 people and it is a blessing. My son loved his hometown very much and spent many years promoting it as a great place to live. Although I had moved away for ten years, I am happy that I returned a few years ago and once more, am experiencing the reasons why he never left. He was able to follow his dreams and raise his children here, and left a legacy of friends who are now supporting all of us.

         Look around your world today and see the family of God who are supporting you as you travel your journey. Take time to celebrate those friends of God who will be there for you when you are in need.

(This piece was first published at inspirationaltv.net, a New Zealand Christian blog)