“People who don’t take care of their … own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn’t have faith in the Lord” (Timothy 5:8 CEV).
“What am I going to do, Pastor Gary?” A woman cried as she burst into my office.
“What’s wrong?” I asked while handing her a Kleenex and gesturing towards a chair.
As she wiped at her at eyes and took a seat, she described how she had found a “stash” of drugs in her teen’s bedroom. When she confronted him, he became violently angry towards her and threatened to leave.
“He cussed at me and threw things!” She said, raising her voice in the telling of the story. “I’m a single mom. What do I do? Who do I turn to?” She shouted, as she slumped down, covering her face with both hands.
What would you say to this mom? Her story is not unique. The American family is in crisis. We have become disconnected from the family structure that once taught us how to be husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. A previous generation learned these things from living in close proximity to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. But this generation lacks this family community and sense of roots. The American family is adrift.
Also missing are the spiritual roots that families once drew upon. There is an amazing lack of spiritual wisdom and faith when it comes to building families today.
But as Christ-followers we should not fear. We can face this crisis. Starting with our own families, we can overcome and grow families that are a spiritual legacy to the Lord.
I don’t think the crisis in the family should keep Christians from having families. No, I think the crisis should motivate us to pursue growing great and faithful families all the more! The world needs our example.
So, what did I tell the single mom? I told her not to give up! I told her to pray and give her son to God. I told her that God would give her the grace to face this crisis and walk through the fire with her son, loving him with a “tough love” that didn’t shirk responsibility.
“Do you think I can get through this?” She asked, lifting hopeful eyes to mine.
Returning her gaze, I said, “Yes, God will bring you through this crisis. Someday you and your son will look back on this as an important turning point. Just don’t give up hope! Keep the faith!”