Dear Ester:

     I was raised in a strict Christain home and like many teens and young adults, I went down a dark road in my past.  During that time I made a lot of so called friends.  When God saved me from my darkness, I knew those friends would disappear.  God continued to bless me and I married and had children. As I and my family got more serious about serving God, the unexpected happend.  My own family turned against me!  I can't get so much as a phone call or card. They don't even come over when invited for birthday parties.  They still attend church but I had to join a different one just so there was no tension.  My husband and children don't understand what is going on and neither do I.  How could the very people who were there when the trouble was around, suddenly dissapear when everything is okay? 

Sincerly yours

Saved and Confused, Memphis, TN

 

 

 

Dear Saved and confused:

     First let me commend you and your family on staying strong in the faith and being serious for God even though your family does not understand.  I pray that you continue to serve in truth and in spirit and that you and your household grow stronger.  I will also pray that your family will learn to love the 'new you'.

 

     Let me remind you of when our Lord and Saviour returned home to Nazerene.  Though many rejoiced at his homecomming, most were unmoved and referred to him merely as the carpenters son. As Micah 7:6 reminds us, a mans and womans enemies are in their own house.  Your family will always remember the old you.  How you used to be when the chips were down.  Maybe now that you have gotten serious for Christ, you and your husband and kids have chosen to stay firm in the service of faith.  Many claim faith in Christ but have no works to back it up.  Because of that they may feel convicted or they may think that you percieve yourself too good for them. Whatever the case, don't let thier defensive behaviour trouble your heart.

 

      Yes, I said defensive.  God has changed you and you have realized that change both on the outside AND the inside.  Their reaction to you is not physical.  They still know that your are part of thier physical family.  Thier defensive reaction is spiritual.  They have not let the family of God manifest in thier life.  This new you is confusing to them.  Don't be upset. Just continue to do as God commanded that his family of believers do.  Love ye one another as Christ has love the church. Pray for your family. You have tried to reach out to them. Now let God do his part. And for the record, it is you who is saved and they who are confused!!!

 

Your friend in faith,

Queen Ester