Finding Family | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Finding Family | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joy Mounce
01/23/16
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She was lonely, so she turned on the TV for the third time. Scrolling the channels had become the norm. Sometimes it worked, but usually she just stared at the walls of her apartment and wished for more.

When Joan moved to pursue a new career she had no idea it would be so hard to adjust. Not only did she leave her parents and friends behind, she had to leave her pet too. She thought because she was almost 30 it wouldn’t be so difficult to relocate. Boy, was she wrong!

She felt the sting of tears when there was a knock. Who could it be? The possibilities were limited and at this point she didn’t care! Whoever it was, was welcome. She did take a moment to look through the peephole just to be sure it wasn’t a burglar, as if they would knock. She saw a lady standing there patiently waiting. She flung the door open and saw the sweetest looking face with a smile that would lighten any mood.

Come to find out, the lady’s name was also Joan. She introduced herself as Joan Larson, but said most folks called her “Mama Joan.” MJ was from the church a couple of miles away. Each time she passed by there was something that caught her eye. There were ALWAYS cars there and most of the time people were outside talking in groups as if they hated to leave.

Joan thoroughly enjoyed her visit with Mama Joan. After presenting her with a small gift and invitation to visit Family Church, MJ agreed to stay for a cup of tea. Although Joan knew she had been lonely, somehow it didn’t seem that was the only reason she was drawn to Mama Joan. She sensed something in her that she desired to have. There was a sense of contentment and peace that she was missing. And she was going to find out what!

After the visit with MJ, Joan decided to visit The Family Church. After all, what did she have to lose? Come Sunday, it seemed everything tried to prevent her from going. From her alarm not going off, to coffee spilling and even her car was slow to start. However, she was determined and so off she went, making it just in time. The first thing she noticed was that she was one of the youngest ones there. The pastor was probably in his 40s and most of the congregation was that age or older. Oh well, she decided not to focus on that. After a few songs, everyone began to greet one another. And she was not left out! There was a sense of camaraderie that made her feel like she belonged. As soon as the pastor began his sermon she knew she was in the right place. He began by talking about family and asked the question, what is it that makes you family? Then he began to share about being in the family of God. By the end, she knew this is what she had been missing. She could hardly wait to walk forward at the end when the invitation was given to become part of God’s family.

In the days following Joan’s commitment, she began to learn what being in God’s family meant and rarely had time to feel lonely anymore. Mama Joan introduced her to so many people and they were all thrilled to have her as a new member. They made sure she had help in any way that she needed. MJ’s son even worked on her car and got it running as good as new. They included her in shopping trips and fellowship. She got involved and eventually formed a small group reaching out to neighbors who were her age. She was somewhat surprised to learn they felt just like she had before becoming part of The Family Church and God’s family.

Eventually MJ’s son came around more too. Yes, Bill became a regular at The Family Church and at Joan’s house.

Life became better than ever for Joan and she could hardly wait to tell her mom and dad about her new family. For Joan was learning what is said, that family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs, the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what….just like the people at The Family Church.

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