My pastor’s sermon last Sunday mentioned that troubled families have an atmosphere of, “don’t feel,” and “don’t talk,” and especially “don’t trust.”
I lived this but didn’t know we were different. From the outside we look like the perfect family.
In 2013, I flew to Oregon to help my mom after surgery. My sister drove me to Portland to pick up a rental car and we met our brother for lunch. I was 50 years old and it was the first time the three of us sat together alone, without spouses, parents, or children taking our attention.
We talked for the first time about the things that happened back in 1969-1973. The conversation centered around what happened. We never gotten around to how we feel about what happened. The waitress heard enough to think we could be talking about a movie.
God started to open my eyes in 2017 to our family dynamics! I tried to communicate what I was understanding, but my parents couldn’t deal with the emotions and changed the topic saying, “Shall we play cards?”
This is the point texted a friend realizing, “My family is nuts!”
May of 2010, God brought us to Westwood during one of the lowest points in our lives. We have been accepted and thank you.
It took me a year or more to gain enough boldness to go to the Tuesday morning Bible study. After a few weeks, a woman invited me to join everyone for lunch after each meeting. This offer set me up to learn how to “BE” in a group.
Shortly afterwards I joined the book club the church offered. They accepted me! These women taught me how to be in a group of women my age. The books they choose also tapped into emotions that had been buried for over 40 year, God Bless each of them for staying.
I believe Westwood is a place God wants to use to help the broken people. I do thank each and everyone of you who has gone on this journey with me. God Bless you all with His Mercy and Grace, Amen.