Dissension in the Ranks

I’ve had quite the eventful week, family wise. My youngest daughter, who is 13yo, is struggling with her identity (regarding faith).  This has been a challenge for both of us – and that’s an understatement.  After much discussion and prayer (!), I’m happy to say that (for now) things have settled down.

I do hope you have a support system in your life. Once again, I found myself relying on friends and family to help me to think things through, see things from a different perspective, send up prayers for us and just be sounding boards.  These dear people in my life are my rocks.  They don’t always have answers for me (I don’t ask or expect them to), they don’t always completely understand the situation or my approach to it or my perspective, but they always care enough to ‘be there.’  And that makes all the difference.

What does a person do if that support system doesn’t exist for them? Perhaps you’ve moved to a new town and haven’t yet made friends or known your new friends for long enough to lean on them in this way.  If that’s the case, then get on the phone to your friends and family who are now long distance.  You may prefer to have that person physically with you, but if that’s not possible, the phone definitely can work wonders.  Afterall, it’s the talking and the care that matter…and that can happen over any distance.

What if a person doesn’t have this kind of relationship with anyone? I don’t know how to answer that question except to suggest counseling and getting involved in organizations, groups, clubs – anything in which you have an interest.  Meet people with whom you have something in common!  Oh, and don’t forget online communities.  Virtual relationships with people who are going through similar experiences can be VERY supportive.  These relationships aren’t ideal – “in person” relationships are still best – but virtual ones definitely fill a need.

We ALL need people in our lives for love and support. We also all need to be able to give love and support to others…it’s a two way street and a win win situation.

Any other suggestions on how to build a support system? Please share your ideas with us.

Manya