Ding!

The ring of a familiar phone sending signals as some friends and I eat together.

They’re coming tonight.

Soon, we scurry and begin to work from floor to ceiling (and you better believe everything in between) to make everything seem perfect and desirable. The thrill of the seeking salesman coming at any moment to whisk away the place many of us called home.

Like a science fiction novel being read live on HGTV.

It got me thinking: what is “home”? What is “family”? We often think very statically about these concepts. Home is where you live, and family is the people who are related to you; but for some of you, neither of these concepts are welcoming, nor inviting.

A brief history:

Growing up I did not believe that homes were a place where loved flourished. I saw the home as a place that harbored ships of resentment, not redemption. Testing, instead of confessing.

Many of us believe that we are stuck with these situations, and for many children, they are. My life growing up was by no means the worst of the worst Dateline type stuff, but your pain is your pain, and I definitely had mine.

When I entered adulthood I began to question my held beliefs of family; what this idea looked like and what I could do about it. I began to realize that true family are the ones who are always there, looking out for each other and supporting one another. Being with one another on a regular basis, checking in on life, and selflessly caring for one another. Also, those who willing to purchase large quantities of food together.

That is family.

This new family of mine consists of many different people, of many different races, cultures, ages and socioeconomic status, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I see these “brothers and sisters” often, or at least communicate on a regular basis.

They are my co-workers at Starbucks, my church community, my best friends and my dog.

Sharing moments with them makes up for any lack of moments growing up. In the end, there is no object or status that can replace the beauty of true community.

Who is your family? I encourage and challenge you to figure it out. Thank those, young and old, that make an effort to be in your life. To build you up in times of trouble, and go cray cray with you during times of joy.

The words that caused pain for many are now being transformed into words that bring life for many.

I am nothing without my “family,” and through them, I’m even being able to reconcile with my old family.

It's through others that we experience a deeper sense of Love that opens doors, not to hurt, but to help. To welcome into something greater.

Give someone a hug today. Hugs are freaking awesome, and so are you. To quote one of the greatest cinematic franchises:

There’s always room for family.