Often times relationships can be difficult or even strained between family members.  Even when everyone seems to be getting along well, not everyone will see eye to eye.

My family (sister, brother, mom, and I) did not have the best of relationships, more so between the three siblings.  We struggled, not knowing how best to communicate with each other. 

My husband and I were living in Virginia when we got the call to come home.  My mom was diagnosed with terminal lung and liver cancer.  She lost her life in July 2011.  What little closeness we had was torn apart after her passing.  My brother turned to   alcohol to help deal with his feelings.  They had a special bond, and her death took a toll on him.  About six months later, we received another phone call to come home.  This time it might be to bury my brother.  He ended up in the ICU, battling for his life.  The cirrhosis of his liver was so severe that his body was shutting down.  He had lost all feeling in his legs, and it was paralyzing him.  His attending physician advised me to put his affairs in order; they did not expect him to recover.

By the grace of God my brother did recover, and with months of rehabilitation he is  sober and is able to walk.  However, it was during this time, a period of about five years, that there was a lot of arguing, accusations, and hurt feelings.  We no longer talked or even visited with each other.  Not only was this hurting us but our children as well.

This was tearing me apart on the inside; I missed my sister and brother.  I began to pray in earnest and asked God for his forgiveness and for His help and His guidance to bring my family back together.

I was reading the Upper Room and came across a devotional that fit my situation,  Matthew 5:23-24.  As I sat praying, God spoke to my heart, telling me to forgive and let   everything go.  I’m now on speaking terms with my sister and my brother, and I continue to pray for a complete reconciliation.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Guide us to always lean on You, especially in times of heartache.  Your strength and love for us can carry us through those hard times.  Amen.

 Contributed by Carrie Cardenas