Hello Friends,

Today is my sister Marie's Birthday.  She truly has been a wonderful example of a Christian in my life.  She is one of the inspirations for today's post.  Growing up we were typical sisters, loving, fighting, more loving, and driving each other crazy.  As adults it's mostly just loving and uplifting each other.  Marie is wonderful at listening to me vent about work, or life in general, and I hope she would say the same about me.  Years ago we attended a support group for something one of us was going through.  My mom was there and the leader of the group commented on how great it was that mom was so supportive.  Mom being mom, she just said, well, yes, it's my job to support her.  The group leader responded "my mom didn't."   My heart aches just thinking about it.  This is proof that Blood isn't always thicker than water (as the saying goes).  I am very fortunate that my sister is not only my own blood family, but also my sister in the Spirit, my sister in Christ.  I do not know where I would be in this life without her.  My struggle with depression and anxiety is real.  Although she doesn't completely understand my anxiety, she is very supportive.  She has learned how to be encouraging without being overbearing.  She tries to gently push me out of my comfort zone, and knows when to stop before I have an all out panic attack.  She is wonderful!

I also have a church family who are my brother and sisters in Christ.  Their prayers and encouragement mean more to me than they will EVER know. Like my sister, they make themselves available to listen, and encourage.  They may not always understand, but it doesn't matter to them.  If I'm hurting, they pray.  If I need to talk, they listen.  

Whether your Family is of Blood or of the Spirit, the Bible shows how to treat others:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing

Ecclesiastes 4:10 - If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up

Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ

I hope you have supportive and encouraging people in your life as well.  People that build you up, that pray for you and with you. People who will listen and let you know they care.  God wants us to help each other through this life (Galatians 6:2), encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and help each other when we fall (Ecclesiastes 4:10).  I am very fortunate to have this with my family, in Blood and Spirit.  I hope if you do not have a church family, you will find one.  If your church doesn't support you, perhaps try a different church.  Find one that shows the love of Christ and believes in the Word of God.  Unfortunately, there are some churches out there that skew God's word to make it fit their own human way of thinking.  Read the Bible so you know what it SAYS and find a church that matches that belief.  

I am a follower of Christ, I am not perfect, but I love Jesus.

Until Next Time,

Liz Allen