Church is family.
When I was a child growing up in Wellingborough, my Dad was the deacon of the church we attended. It was a small church. There was the Elder and my Dad the deacon and a few other members besides. As far as my memory serves, the Elder and my Dad had a very good relationship. Indeed the two couples were so close, I call the Elder my Uncle and his wife my Aunt. In those formative years they literally were more family to me than blood relatives.
I remember when I was in my teens, there was the occasion when my Uncle Elder got a new school bag for me. He worked on a market stall and so kindly got me one of those really useful bags that could be used for various requirements from the school books to the books plus my packed lunch to the books, packed lunch and PE kit including football boots. My Uncle Elder was family like that.
It was good for me to get this insight. Later on in life I would benefit from other expressions of church as family life. Brothers and sisters helping me out financially, or through their time and resources. It has been a tremendous help to me.
Recently, as you know, my immediate family has undergone yet another traumatic upheaval from one location to another. That is still a process we are settling down from. I am glad to say, however, that there has been supported from the church family. Tangible evidence of their care for us. I am grateful for that support.
I am also only too aware, that for the glory of God and the real expression of the love His children have for each other, I will continue to need that real church family support.
(Photo by Josiah Weiss on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 