Far More Than A Thousand Words

Thank you all for the excitement and interest you have shown in my blog. I apologize that blogging has not made it on my priority list lately. It has definitely been on my mind, but my focus has been on Mini M and Miss K as we recently learned about the passing of their mother. Out of respect for the family and friends closest to her, I will not be sharing any details.

At the conclusion of my last post, I wrote about the lack of resources for step-families. This tragic, life-altering event is something through which no resource alone can help you navigate. The guidance and wisdom you will need for your children must come straight from the one and only omniscient God. I am the type of person that anticipates the solution to every possible scenario even before a situation occurs. In times like these, I learn to walk through the problems of the day and wait for God to direct my words and actions. He already said He would do so in His Word. Just lean on Him.

Mr. M and I have handled these past weeks with care and sensitivity; at least, I think we have. I can't help but wonder why it takes a tragedy for us to go through life being extra sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around us. As Christians, we should handle every situation and every person surrounding us with loving care.

On another note, I have a piece of advice for all you step-parents out there.

No matter what point you come into the lives of your step-children, they had and will always share a bond with their biological parent. Be the best parent you can be for your child, but don't ever try to diminish that bond. That bond is something you need to embrace, and your efforts to do so will be appreciated now and for years to come. Don't stifle something God created. What God creates is good and necessary. You will mess up, but if this is your overall outlook, your kids will see that you care.

One way to embrace this bond is to give your children access to old photos of them with their biological parent. Seeing photos of their mother holding them as infants at the funeral brought Mini M and Miss K so much joy. A few days after I heard the bad news, I contacted several people and asked them to gather old pictures they had of Mini M and Miss K's mother. Watching how they enjoyed these photos makes me wish I didn't wait until this tragedy to find some.

If your spouse doesn't have these photos, encourage him/her to locate some or try to find some on your own. It may seem awkward at first, but your children will appreciate this more than you will know. From my experience, a picture is worth far more than a thousand words.

Continue to pray for Mini M and Miss K. I know they will need your prayers now and in years to come.

Thanks for reading! I won't be a stranger, and I hope you won't be either.