Greetings! BlogFam, I just had a feeling that I needed to write.... that I needed to write and share something. And since I have that feeling right now, I decided to follow my gut that I too often ignore when it comes to moments like this. Now, I will not deviate too far from my norm as it relates to this space. I will still reflect on a verse or two and see where the Spirit will lead us... The passage of Scripture that is weighing heavily on my heart in this very moment is this one: GENESIS 50:19-21 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. These verses are at the close of the Book of Genesis. Perhaps I am somewhat "in my feelings" because this is a chapter about family coming together and on this very weekend, I will attend my own family reunion. I do not know how you feel about your family but anyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love my family - immediate and extended. I could not ever imagine living through the mess Joseph's brothers put him through. First of all, my parents would not have let such hatred toward and amongst my siblings exist or get that far. Secondly, though we are spread apart, we like to be all up in each other's business so someone would have known something and would have spread the word that one of us was in a pit. Thirdly, at the very heart of all of our nosey-ness is a truly genuine desire for ALL of us to succeed! I cannot relate to families who fall out and cuss each other out and push each other away or do not speak for decades. I cannot relate and I do not want to ever experience that kind of division in my life from the people who have the same blood. By the GRACE of God, in spite of our disagreements and disappointments, we have always come back together. I know that I can ALWAYS go home and for that I am so very grateful. Friends, I am praying for you on today. As my family is traveling for the biennial family reunion and as I am preparing to greet them and embrace them and laugh with them, I pray that YOU will reach out to someone in your family today. I pray that the family reunions that take place on social media, in person or via a phone call or text, Skype or OoVoo are sweet moments that you will cherish forever. I pray that you will have moments that reunite your family and get you all on track and on a path of love and commitment to each other. I pray that you all would trust GOD and forgive one another. I pray that you would apologize where you have done wrong by your own blood and humbly regain their good graces. I pray that Joseph's blessing upon his family who did the most horrific things and had the worst attitudes towards him... I pray that his blessing would flow from your lips upon your own family... 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. And I will reassure MY family and speak kindly to MY family.... GOD LOVES YOU and I DO TOO! Delesslyn FOLLOW @AudraSunshine |