Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Family is a verb

Some people believe the word family is only a noun. As in, family (n): a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for. That makes sense. That's definitely a valid definition.

But I think family is also a verb.

Family is a verb when you're so sick and your fever is so high that you can't move - and you're home alone with four kids - and a single text asking for help brings your neighbor and friend to the rescue. And she feeds your kids dinner while you moan in agony on the couch. That's what happened to me last week.

Family is a verb when a single mom is struggling through the holidays and a family from her neighborhood or her church comes alongside and brings Christmas presents and groceries and homemade caramels without being asked, and then invites her and her kids to Christmas dinner.

Family is a verb when a child is taken from his home because it isn't safe for him and for a terrifying, painful moment he's alone in the world, and then another family opens their front door and says, "Come on in."

I believe in the power of family. And as I aspire to become a published author, that's what the stories I write are about. I think the world needs more stories about what it means to family. And about how families can come in all shapes and sizes.

Would you consider joining me on my journey to bring stories of family to the world by visiting my newly remodeled website katiepowner.com and subscribing to my email list? For every person who subscribes, I will donate $2 to the Rehoboth Children's Home in the Philippines, where a group of men and women - many from our own Gallatin County - are working tirelessly to bring family to vulnerable children. I would really appreciate your support!

The holiday season can be a difficult time for people who don't have a stable, loving family. It can be traumatic and confusing for kids in foster care. Lonely and depressing for folks in nursing homes or rehab centers. Overwhelming for single parents or people struggling through illnesses or disabilities. As you count your own blessings today, I challenge you to think about how you can family this Christmas. Because remember - family is more than a noun. It's a verb.