BFine

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Romans 15:13
“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Ephesians 3:16-17
“I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit. I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love.”

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.”

1 Peter 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again
into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled
or lose their beauty are kept in heaven for you.”
 
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Gentle Lamb

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Hi, thanks for the scriptures guys, I know it's a long post, maybe TMI, but I'm just really frustrated & angry at how things are going. Just needing to vent a bit, don't really have anyone else to tell (besides my Heavenly Father :) ) who's not actually a part of the situation. It just hurts to see my family this way.
 
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I'm glad I am an adult, and even at this stage of maturity, this is a money-hungry world, and my boss at work and my parents see me, well, actually as I imagine how they would see me as a "money machine" - my boss relying on my job skill as part of the team, my parents relying on me for money borrowed until their pension pay every 2 weeks:.
At your stage of youth, you do become a victim of parenting instruction circumstances if things seem out of place, such as your negligence in making your bed, and you would have to come up with some trickery or brilliant idea to solve this bed-making negligence by tucking in the bed blanket edges underneath the mattress, so that when you do go to bed, you simply position yourself in the center of the bed and imagine that your whole body is a soft, still and light dandelion in Jesus Christ's giant hands - this is purely exaggeration, just to make you feel relaxed and less agitated as you turn your body to one side without too much movement in your legs:.
Focusing your imagination and emotions on Jesus definitely can take time to get used to, but once you do become focused on Jesus, somehow your strong faith in Jesus, puts your mind and emotions on autopilot, following what Jesus would do and feel towards the poor, sick and disabled, if you were in his shoes.;'*';.
 
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Hospes

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Hi, thanks for the scriptures guys, I know it's a long post, maybe TMI, but I'm just really frustrated & angry at how things are going. Just needing to vent a bit, don't really have anyone else to tell (besides my Heavenly Father :) ) who's not actually a part of the situation. It just hurts to see my family this way.
Personally, I think you display the marks of a Christ follower. Be steadfast.
 
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paul1149

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I'm so over this. I don't want to be this angry. I know that God is the only one who can fix things like this. Therapy won't work, talking won't work, only the hand of God moving through my family like He moved through my life and changed things, will work.

To one who's been there, you're making a lot of sense, and you have an excellent godly perspective on both the diagnosis and the Rx. I think you are going through a necessary awakening process. Like blood returning to a leg that's been asleep, the resurrection process actually hurts at first. But stick with it because it will have its good effect in time.

Paul actually tells us to be angry, in Eph 4. It's better to acknowledge and experience anger than to bury it internally, undealt-with, where it stealthily works all kinds of evil, even physically. But Paul goes on to say, "sin not, and don't let the sun go down on your anger".

The anger means you are coming to terms with your situation. That is a good and necessary thing. The godly purpose of the anger, which is in response to pain, is to motivate you to do whatever it is you need to do to change.

"Sin not" means not to respond to the anger in ungodly ways, according to the impulses of the flesh. Don't repay evil for evil.

"Don't let the sun go down" means that once the anger has performed its awakening and motivational functions it is no longer needed or healthy, and should give way to insight and resolve. If given unbridled rein anger will turn malignant, because it becomes an idol that draws us away from the reality of God's presence and power - ironically, the very things needed to effect positive change. But you can assess the anger and take mastery over it as a daughter of the Most High who has the full delegated authority of Christ, as one who is empowered and wise concerning the changes that both you and God want to effect.

Blessings.
3Jn 1.2
 
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Gentle Lamb

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Thank you for the comments & scripture references and encouragement, it's been helpful and I appreciate it :) I know we're all fighting these individual battles & for some of us it's in our families, some of us it's in other areas, might be health, etc. It helps to acknowledge the helplessness, it kind of feels good in a way because sometimes when we keep trying to do things we just keep failing. But when we give up, we learn to give it all over to God, who was the only one who could do anything in the first place! Just the waiting part gets hard though. But God's still good, whether the situation sucks or not :)
 
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TravelerFarAwayFromHome

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I don't know how else to word this. My family sucks. My parents are mean. This is an understatement. We have never really spent time together doing anything as a family, not playing games (except for one summer spent playing mancala with my parents a few times), not going on picnics, not going on trips, nothing of the sort. Everything has always been church related, and even that has been a huge mess, as my parents are verbally abusive and my family's problems have always been public knowledge, nothing was ever kept among us to resolve as a family. Together, my parents helped build up a church, provided shelter & kindness for those who needed it, but also destroyed that same church with their verbally abusive ways. They have taken many problems that they have had with individual church members and made them public knowledge, humiliating and hurting many people in the process, people who loved and looked up to them. The biggest horrible thing they did to my oldest sister was when my dad stood in front of the congregation and said he would return my oldest sister if he had a receipt for her. My mom has been a terror for most of our lives, she can be very cruel. Example - in high school, I used to get up at 5am and usually had to be at school by 7:50am, with a commute over 1 hour long. I am anemic (chronic, fatal illness, the Lord has kept me in good health) and it was way worse in high school. I used to go to bed around 11pm because I had so much homework to do every night and so little time to do everything (had nearly straight As in high school). One day, because I kept not making my bed in the morning as I had no time, I came home and found that my mom had taken my covers and thrown them on the floor. It was wintertime and I had many heavy comforters on my bed (had no heater in my room though I complained about the cold for 7 yrs). So it was up to me to remake the bed I didn't have the time, energy, or strength to do in the first place. (I have far worse examples, this is just one).

This is all just a tiny piece of a huge iceberg. In the past few months, God has done so much in my life and has helped to heal the many broken pieces in me, I couldn't be more thankful if I tried. He has helped to mend the relationship with me and my parents. Over the years, they actually have improved little by little, showing more kindnesses, but it always goes back to that same verbal abuse when I least expect it, so it's still a cycle of abuse. I was so bitter, so angry, so hurt, depressed, suicidal over my health (which has landed me in the hospital several times over the past few years) & horrible family situation. Being home was depressing. He lifted me out of that depression. Right now I'm just really angry. I know that God has everything under control, I know that in time, He will save the members of my family that I have been praying for who aren't saved. I know that nothing may ever permanently change with the way my parents are, they will probably stay the way they are till the day they leave this earth. But right now, I'm just really angry.

My cousin (Mary, in her 40s) is over visiting from another country, never met her before. Mary asked me to put her in touch with my oldest sister (Kay), which I did, stupid as I am. Kay has been estranged from the family because she is the oldest and has the most horribly relationship with my parents, especially with my mom. Years of verbal abuse and bitterness have turned Kay into a monster, and Kay is in an abusive relationship with a rude, nasty atheist that she will marry next summer (God willing, it won't happen). Kay and Mary have started talking though I warned Mary of my sister's nasty personality, Mary's incredibly naive and says that family problems should be resolved within the family. She doesn't have the slightest clue of what we've been through and how much I've tried to help. Somehow, as the youngest, I've gotten used the most as problem solver, until I recently resigned from this unwanted role, realizing that only God can fix this horrible stupid cycle of abuse. Anyways, Mary & Kay got together at my aunt's house (an evil woman, verbal abuser who's been abusing my mom for the majority of her life, who is also into doing satanic things in order to gain wealth, destroy my immediate family, etc.) and Kay seems to just have lost her freaking mind as she is going off on my mom, texting and calling and saying mean and nasty things about how Kay and my aunt are getting along so well and my mom doesn't know how to be a mom, etc. I'm angry that I've gotten used again as part of this situation, as I was the one who put Mary in touch with Kay, which has helped to set off yet another cycle of abuse. I'm angry because nothing has gotten better yet, just seems to be getting worse. My sister is now a drug user, an atheist, and is in an abusive relationship. All because of these cycles of abuse. My second sister Nala was speaking with me earlier and saying how we should talk to Kay and reason with her and I just kept telling her that I'm not going to speak to Kay as she has used me many times before as a means to an end, and I no longer want to be used. Nala kept insisting until she saw that I was getting angry.

I'm so over this. I don't want to be this angry. I know that God is the only one who can fix things like this. Therapy won't work, talking won't work, only the hand of God moving through my family like He moved through my life and changed things, will work. I'm just really upset right now. Don't even know if I'm making any sense. But any kind advice (and I do mean kind) would be much appreciated. Thanks.

hello

I am so sorry to hear this

I can only imagine how painful it is for you.....

I don't know what to say....

but I just want to let you know keeping distance with your sister Kay may be a good idea for now, I think you need space to work through things with God, anyway, I don't know if anything you say at this point could change your sister......

the only thing is to pray for her.

anyway, toxic relationship can have a destructive effect on us, I know that well, and I think protect oneself to make sure one is emotionally safe is so important, I am currently doing this with my extended family, otherwise, not only you wont help your sister, it can tear you down and destroy you spiritually through bitterness, anger and hatred.

and in case your sister have some type of emergency, I still think it is best to help her out from distance, like send her money and still maintain emotionally distance, or put someone who can handle her in touch with her.

I will keep you in my prayers.

May God watch over you and bless you and your family.
 
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My best suggestion is time. Hopefully over time the family members will see how they are damaging others. Try to keep your head held high, strengthened with faith; knowing that the goodness of God shining through you is to their own shame, not yours.

None of us understand the way God works in our lives, things may seem difficult now, but know that God will illuminate our paths. Sometimes the greatest mercies are shown at the darkest of times.
 
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sunshine456

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i know venting sometimes can be healthy and motivate us in a particular fashion and sometimes it can give rise to abandonment from others that have no compassion or caring. When we feel wronged and hurt we are often times confronted by episodes of doubt or inner self faults or questions as to WHY? we must not hasten to unfaithfulness, but stand steadfast and remain vigilant as the enemy the devil is roaring around us like a lion; seeking whom it can devour.

As true believers in JESUS the son of GOD we are to remain strong and carry our belief with us no matter where we are or go. this sometimes means leaving toxic environments behind as an example.....

Matthew 10:12-16King James Version (KJV)
12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.

13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

The holy scriptures are full of wisdom and we must learn to abide in it's truth as the sword the word of GOD. We must NOT lean on our own understanding, but on the grace of GOD through his son JESUS. We use the scriptures as a tool of wisdom to shake fthe foundation of the enemy and bring down strongholds.

The holy scriptures are to be utilized for rebuking, admonishing, rebuffing, and correction. We rest in the truth, because it is valid, and that which is invalid being lies is to avoided.

It is important to reflect upon ourselves and ask ourselves if there is anything we might posses that hinders our growth in JESUS the son of GOD or any "weeds" that need removal. If we are walking in the LORD we will pray for discernment and keep strong in the face of our adversaries. If we are not persecuted than i question if we truly are a part of the branch, the flock and one of the sheep of JESUS the high priest of the church and the son of GOD of Noah, Abraham, and Lot.

I advise you to pray for discernment. Maybe there is a reason for your scenario or placement. if living as a true believer means leaving because the "weeds" than so be it, but be loving and kind, living in the spirit of GOD the heavenly father, and seek refuge in his son JESUS and GOD. If it is the will of GOD that you are beckoned to another place than by all means approach that path if given and remain faithful.

We must be wary of the thorns that grow up amongst us, and be careful where we tread though; as sometimes the narrow path is hard to find and walk. We must also NOT be discourage and doubtful and keep our hearts and thoughts on things above rather than on things here down below.

Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 
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Goodbook

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Gosh I wish there was a place for christians growing up in unbelieving families to be transplanted to. Its hard to be the lily amongst thorns.

Really hard. I'm thankful I have my own room. I cant imagine sharing it or my bed with an unbeliever.
 
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Gentle Lamb

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Thank you all for your kind words and prayers, I do appreciate it! Just to clarify, my parents are believers, they've been saved for about 40 years. I just really don't know what happened with them, they didn't get the memo to treat their children with kindness I guess. As things went more and more sour with Kay while we were growing up, they just became less and less kind towards me & Nala. And there just wasn't much kindness to go around in the first place :( I mean, I don't have any self-pity over the situation or anything, it's just kind of sad. We do have our good times though and because God has drawn me closer and reminded me of the verse in my quote below, I began praying more a few months ago for God to put love in my heart for them and that began to help immensely once I asked God to help me with that (He will never fail you!:) ). My parents are the kind of people who are highly critical of others but never see the problem with themselves. Me & Nala have just come to accept that there is nothing that we can do or say to change the situation... myself more so than Nala as I've learned to give it all up to God so He can work it out (He's so highly capable!) but Nala is not there in her faith yet. I'm confident though that God will continue doing His work in my family. It's interesting to see though how my family is all over the place and just having the faith and confidence that God will work things out. I mean, He did it in my life, which was a mess (this is an understatement), I know He can do it in theirs too. It's good to have hope :)
 
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Gentle Lamb

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My cousin left today and I'm happy about it, mean as that may sound. It seems like she just came to cause division (not necessarily in a malicious way, but by all her actions). Apparently the main reason why she really wanted to get in touch with Kay was so that Kay could help her buy a laptop (my mom told me this). Kay doesn't have that kind of money so my aunt ended up buying the laptop for cousin Mary. Mary wanted to keep the laptop purchase a secret from my mom, even though she had TOLD my mom before that the reason she was seeking out Kay was to help her out financially. I feel that Mary's actions have just caused division and I just don't have a reason to trust her and I'm happy she's gone. I already have enough on my plate and I don't need any added drama by someone who is going to act in that manner.
 
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