Today as I listened to conference a talk really hit me.
As Brent Nielsen spoke about the parable of the prodigal son, he related a personal story about his sister who left the church and how patient and loving his family were toward her, until the day that she returned to full activity in the church. Great story that I did enjoy, because that's how it should be when a family member struggles, they should be loved, prayed for, encouraged and helped out in any way they need. We should always look for the one....
But........
Wonder if you don't have that awesome family that loves unconditionally? Wonder if your church going family is actually down right mean to you??
I made some serious mistakes in my life that I am sure caused my parents great heartache and for that I will be forever sorry and while I know that I was loved, it wasn't that perfect story of patience, love, encouragement and prayer. I faced some pretty harsh criticism and was looked down on, never measuring up. I take full responsibility for the choices I made and I did all that I was supposed to do to repent and come back in to full church fellowship. I did have family pulling for me, praying and encouraging me but it was not the family here on this earth, it was my family in Heaven that never lost sight of me, especially my brother Bruce who knew that my life would be hard and did all he could to get people to take care of me. Just prior to him going to Viet Nam, he took both of my older brothers in a room and told them that my life was going to be hard and he needed them to promise him they would watch out for me, the brother that told me about this said it was not just a promise it was a covenant, however, they didn't live up to the promise they had made.
It was a loving Heavenly Father who had me in His very watchful eye helping me along the path that was meant just for me. I had friends that loved me as their own, that never judged me even though they didn't always agree with my decisions, While I didn't have what you would consider the model family I did have many tender mercies come my way, I was shown in a million different ways how much I was loved and cared for. I had a large number of people that were brought into my life that loved me, prayed for me and encouraged me until I could see for myself what I should be doing. They are dear friends that I have a very close bond with and consider family.
So, it's ok !! If you find you are out in this big world feeling like you are standing alone in the storm, I promise you that you are not. Heavenly Father is always there and He has a plan that He implements every moment, and the people that you need the most and that can help you the most will always be there, He will make sure of that because....He loves you
