Family Struggles

Family life can be sweet and blessed, and it can be hard. We all like the light hearted and sweet

times together and we would all like to run from the hard and difficult moments. It becomes a

great challenge when the moments become days, the days weeks, and we then live with an

ongoing struggle.

What are we to do when these difficult times become the reality for our lives? What do you do

when your spouse, a child, a sibling or another is stuck in a difficult season of life and it affects

all around them? Perhaps this season has become their whole manner of living. They are stuck.

To compound the struggle they are blind to their behaviors and do not consider anything about

what they do to be in the wrong. Everything they do is right. They will always justify their

behaviors making you the problem.

This is difficult.

We need to admit this without feeling guilty about acknowledging the reality of circumstances

being hard and difficult. When we acknowledge the truth about our situations, we can then begin

to address ways and means to cope, to endure, and how to respond with wisdom to the difficult

family member.

In seeking help, ensure those you speak with truly have knowledge and wisdom to be of help.

Rule out community gossips, they are troublemakers, and will only make more trouble than you

care to have. They will. Do not follow counsel that justifies your anger, and encourages you to be

angry. Over time, this will grow your discontent, your impatience, and will justify any negativity

you may feel. Feelings often are the opposite of wisdom.

When you have found the right counsel speak openly and confidently of the trial. Be sure to

discuss you part in the difficulty. It is rare that we have not had some part in it. Perhaps you have

responded incorrectly and need to hear sound wisdom on how to enable gentle responses. We

encourage counseling which enables you to own your part, and to then set about making amends.

This kind of counseling will grow and strengthen you to act in wisdom, to be kind and gracious

irrespective of the difficulties that surround you. When this is practiced, you will become the

calming influence in your home. In quiet responses, peace is usually restored.

#family