Whoever Does God's Will Is My Family

My Extended Family – by Keith Henry

“'Who are my mother and my brothers?' he asked. Then He looked at those seated in a circle around Him and said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.'” (Mark 3:33, 34 NIV)

For the last few years, my entire family has come together because of some life event; we have celebrated two weddings and my parent’s fiftieth wedding anniversary. We have always been a close family, but once my siblings and I became adults we scattered to the four winds, in proximity we could not be farther apart. Though we remain close and always will be, I have often asked, “'Who are my mother and my brothers' when mine are so far away? Who stands in the gap left by the miles?"

“Here are my mother and my brothers!” I exclaim as I look around St. Paul’s United Methodist Church--my family for fourteen years. This community of believers has literally helped to raise my three children, and now my two grandchildren. I have found brothers to horse around with and to confide in when mine are so far away. There are many sisters to pick on and to ground me when I cannot be near mine. Motherly advice can be found in the back row or walking with a cane on the patio. Fatherly wisdom is found playing bass in the band or standing behind the pulpit. This community has always loved my family, especially in our darkest hours; even when I turned away from them for a season. I love my biological family and I love my extended family; thank you SPUMC for everything.