“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing…” – Psalm 68:5-6, NIV
Father’s Day has just passed, and for many of you this Father’s Day must have been a painful reminder of the father you lost, either through COVID- 19 or some other means. Without your loved one, life can be lonely, and this is why I’m writing this post in hopes that it will encourage you and help you cope with the loneliness this day can bring.
For those of you who still have a family, consider yourself blessed. Unfortunately for others, the one you lost may have been the only family you had. Or, like Bree in this story, maybe you never had a family.
Bree grew up in the foster care system. She had been passed from one family to the next with very little stability. But her grades were good and she was able to get into a local community college.
While there, Bree made friends with one of the professors and her husband. When the holiday season arrived, Bree’s professor invited her to spend thanksgiving break at her house.
During their time together, Bree shared how sad she sometimes felt at not having a family. Bree’s professor led her to the living room. She pulled a thick, well-loved quilt from the sofa.
She explained as she ran her hand along the material. “It’s a patchwork quilt. My grandmother used pieces of different materials and sewed them together.”
She paused to smile at Bree, “It’s not unlike what God does for those without families. You may feel lonely but God is sewing you a patchwork family.”
Like Bree, Father’s Day or any of the holidays may be difficult for you if you don’t have family. But know that whatever’s going on, God is at work, easing your pain and bringing people into your life to fill it with love and joy.
God, when I feel alone, send people who will step in and act as my family. I long to be placed in a family. Please walk with me through this.
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