Family⁠ ⁠

I recently listened to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo telling the press that the state was shifting its paradigm from a healthcare system to a healthcare family in order to have more responsiveness and flexibility. It made me think; a system, especially a very large one, can seem impersonal, disconnected.

But a family, even large ones, have a more personal feel. Just using a different word, especially a powerful word like family, can be a game changer.⁠ ⁠ In our society, where families can be broken and out of touch, it is easy to feel like we don’t belong. And that feeling can come from that self-critical voice in our head that says we’re not valued, we’re not quite (you fill in the blank) enough to belong.⁠ ⁠

Take a look at the words of Jeremiah 31:3 “Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” We are His people. That is the foundational witness of our Judeo-Christian Faith. Both that faith and the scriptures expose the lie that we don’t belong.⁠ ⁠ As we approach the twin celebrations of Passover and Easter, both of which affirm our belonging to God, take some time to tune into Him.

If you are doubting you belong to Him and His family, take some time to pray and ask Him, “Lord, do I belong to You and Your family?” It’s a question God loves to answer. Write down the answers that come to mind (and they usually come quickly). In prayer appointments week in and week out at ONE, we hear the most beautiful words come to people, reassuring them that they do belong to Him. ⁠ ⁠ I pray you feel the connection of being a member of His family and that that feeling continues to grow in the weeks and months ahead.⁠ ⁠

~Rosalind Hervey