Christmas is only 6 days away. I really do love Christmas, it's my favourite time of year, but this Christmas will be a little more challenging. My sister-in-law and brother broke their marriage vows and decided to split up last year, just after Christmas, and continue to be at odds with eachother. As my parents feel the pull of being with both sides - and especially with the children, I implore you to pray for them. We have a small family - just my brother and I, so when one is missing it is painfully evident. Please pray for the family this Christmas as we feel our way through the holiday, and for the children (My neices and nephew) as their traditions and expectations will be drastically changed this year. They will be blessed with many, many gifts and presents this year, but it's the feeling of "togetherness" that they will struggle with this season. It is love, joy and peace in their home that will be missing - and no amount of gifting can make up for that.
I haven't written much about this, during the past year. Part of the reason for this is that it is difficult to be made to "choose sides", and I fear that anything I say or write could be the cause of offence. I love my brother dearly and I love my sister-in-law, and I especially love their dear children. I am so sad as I consider the joy that has been lost in their lives.
It's nearly one year later and I still don't know how to feel about it all. I think I am mainly just sad. I am saddened that vows can be set aside. I am saddened that people are hurting. I am saddened by the way some people have reacted. I am saddened that when things such as this happen that the children don't usually get FIRST consideration. I am forced to think "Could it happen to my family?"
And, so, I ask for your prayers. Pray for this family - pray for the children, and pray for the Grandparents as they strive to sort out their own role in all of this. May God be lifted up and glorified despite the circumstances.
3:54 AM, Monday, December 24, 2007
.. Posted by flapjacks
I've prayed for you all - it's very hard for you when you are grieving for this relationship and the pain caused to the children and the rest of the family, and at the same time you have to be so careful to say and do the right things. It's so true that 'a soft answer turns away wrath'... and soft answers require wisdom and forebearance.
We heard this year that some Christian friends of ours split up and we were so shocked - they seemed like the last people to do so, but as you say it makes it very close to home.
Remember that we have a God who makes all things new.
May God be with you this Christmas,
Alice
Hello!
5:52 PM, Sunday, December 30, 2007
.. Posted by Anonymous
I am terribly sorry to read of your brother and sister-in-law and I will certainly be praying for both them and your family as well. I hate turning this to me but if you think about it, please pray for my parents. This separation WILL be difficult, it already has been, and while I have full confidence that my parents would never "split up" prayer before any bad seeds might take root is good.
Anyways, just wanted to say hi really. I've been busy, very busy but I still think about everyone here in blog world. :-)
-Mellie
Sorry...
5:53 PM, Sunday, December 30, 2007
.. Posted by melarooski
that last comment was from me. ;-)
-Mellie
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5:51 PM, Monday, December 31, 2007
.. Posted by Andrea
Dearest Rachel, I am sorry for the rough time you are in. As i do not know the circumstances I ask you consider this ... sometimes things will happen in a marriage that God did not want. Sometimes for the physical, emotional, phsycological and spiritual safety of the all the people involved the best option is to 'split' before things can get worse. It is a very very hard decision for a person to end thier relationship. it is scary and upsetting but at times it needs to be done. They will all need your support and help to get through this and to finds Gods path as they move on.
Wishing
4:43 PM, Thursday, January 3, 2008
.. Posted by hugabunchmom
I am so wishing I had hopped over here before Christmas to be praying more specifically for your brother and entire family. We are battling much the same, but the divorce is final for my brother. This Christmas for them brings driving all over the country to visit family...and then his daughter will be settling in with her mother as he returns home with their son, the children will now be living apart. So many prayers are being lifted for you and yours...I will pray for healing in 2008.
