The importance of family support

We are going through another tough set of circumstances which all of us must endure to some degree or another within this new lockdown due to Coronavirus. The tension between health and the economy seems to be a reality where, as a nation, we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Without a doubt we are all experiencing what seems to be a surreal situation. It was brought home again to me in a small, but nonetheless significant way, as we had our family over on the weekend of the announcement on October 31st and worked through the circumstances of not seeing each other for a month except on Zoom, Skype or Facetime for the foreseeable future. All of us looking forward to December 2nd with the ‘R’ rate hopefully falling to acceptable levels so that we can all enjoy a
respite for Christmas and spend time together.

It has often been said that this season of goodwill can be a difficult time for many, as at times it brings home to some the lack of family support or complexities within family scenarios where relationships have broken down. However, if this Coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is
our common humanity and need of each other. We are created for relationship and community and of course family.

It is in unprecedented times like these that family support is so important, and those without good support structures may need our particular care, empathy and consideration. In my experience The church does a fabulous job behind the scenes in these areas of relational support and I want to
encourage everybody who feels vulnerable, especially with the challenge of mental and emotional health issues, to reach out to the church for help. All of us are experiencing the insecurities of this pandemic, so there is no shame in seeking help and support. Let me encourage you with the edition
of Lifelines newspaper which is being distributed with the Chronicle as a source of contact and a brilliant read in terms of individuals who have experienced the Power of True Love. You can even listen to these stories on Cross Rhythms Community radio 96.3 FM as well.

As we read or listen to these stories of hope and transformation let us think of all those who are investing in others. Once again, our thoughts, prayers and support are focussed on those on the front line of the NHS and staff working in ICUs and as paramedics. As human beings they also have
lives to live and although vocationally motivated like many within society, including church leadership, need to sustain themselves and their families in terms of emotional and mental health challenges and hope.

The true attributes of the genuine meaning of Love are courage, self-sacrifice, selflessness and a joy that comes out of loving your neighbour as yourself. God gives us the power to do this as He heals our broken personal identities and value through what His Son Jesus did at the cross at Easter.

Let’s hope and pray that this period of lockdown will give us all a respite for the Christmas period and that we’ll get a deeper understanding behind this annual celebration of God being born as a human being in a stable at Bethlehem. It is not about the consumerism, but about hope and
goodwill towards all. Stay close to the One Who loves you the most.