LL: Family Changes Everything

*This is a part of our series, "Lessons Learned", where we're reflecting on what we've experienced over the last 9 years of ministry! For the rest of the series, you can check the main post: Introduction

Sitting in conversations, being in the child welfare space, the concept of "family" is broad. Biological family, adoption, fostering, "chosen family" - there's a flexibility because family is important. Family changes everything.

Being in the church, the concept of family is similarly broad.

We think of Moses in the river being taken in by the Pharoah's daughter (Exodus 2)
Mordecai raising Esther (Esther)
the call on God's people to care for the orphaned, widowed, and displaced (Deuteronomy 10, Isaiah 1, Jeremiah)
the continuation of this call in the New Testament (James 1, 1 Timothy 5, John 13:34)

More than broad in theory, the Lord calls us to broaden our understanding of family and to put this understanding into practice. We are called to be community.

This is a concept that everyone we speak to agrees with quickly - to be without family (the safety, support, and social structure it provides) at 18 is a terrifying thought. Here are a few additional thoughts that have really solidified that family changes everything over the years:

Your family, biological or chosen, orients you to the world around you. The people in your circle call your attention to things that are true, provide counsel, and encourage you along the way (Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 24:6, Hebrews 12).
Family, biological or chosen, are a safety net that makes sure you are sought after in times of struggle. As we've worked in the anti-trafficking space, we've seen how important it is to have people who are seeking for you, and family is that first line of safety, those who sound the alarm.
You never "age out" of needing a family. It's common to hear people say a transition to "independence", but no one is ever truly independent. Family, biological or chosen, are your interdependent, reliable network that doesn't go anywhere, because life doesn't stop being difficult at 18 - or 21, or 30, or 50.
When you've experienced safety in family, you want that for everyone around you! Our team is filled with individuals who have found safety in their families, biological or chosen, and the love of God as our Father.

In 9 years of ministry, nothing compares to the impact of family - at any age, at any stage. Our organization is blessed to be a part of a larger network of chosen family and believe that has been a central purpose God built this organization for.

If you find yourself looking for family in this season, please know that we're praying for you!

If you'd like to connect please comment below and a member of our team will reach out - you're not alone!

If you're looking to provide support and family to others, please comment below and a member of our team will reach out - we can do this together!