IJS: LINKS AREN'T MADE TO BE BROKEN

Family is the link that joins others together. Once upon a time blood connections meant nothing could break that bond, not even loyal friends who would literally walk through fire with you. However, the meaning of family does not always mean blood connections. Growing up in a two-parent home with one sibling and cousins all around I didn't know that. I had to learn that aspect later in life. Maturity and life's experiences will present new perspectives that are much more valuable and rewarding.

Life is a journey with many hills and valleys. Every step we take should be leading us towards our God-given destiny. Our devotion to blood connections should not hinder our steps but strengthen them with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of our foundation. If we as individuals would simply take a moment to live a devoted life connected to God first, we will find that our link to others goes beyond genetics.

God, in all His glory, has orchestrated a beautiful story for each of us. If we close our eyes for a moment and remember a few milestones in our lives, we may also see people who helped us get to where we are today. Somehow in some way, our beautifully written story is tied to someone else's decisions, whether indirectly or directly. I suppose this is why we should disregard our own understanding and seek God constantly. But even when we don't, it is great knowing that God is an all-knowing God. He tells us that everything works together for our good. His plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. Therefore, the links are never broken because they are the lifeline that continues to develop us, encourage us, direct us, protect us, and empower us.