My husband and I felt inspired to make our move from Glendale to Gilbert for several reasons but a big one was we wanted to develop closer relationships with family members. As I have lived in this complex and as our time in Gilbert is nearing an end I have been HIT IN THE FACE over and over again about the importance of fighting for ones family. Without going into to all the details of the pains I have felt for others my time here (like I am pretty much crying right now), let me just say that after all of it (and the more to come I'm sure) I know now more than ever that YOU AND THE ROLE YOU PLAY IN WHATEVER FAMILY YOU HAVE MATTERS!!!! My heart is yelling this right now! YOU, YOU, YOU - YES YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU TO FIGHT FOR THEM!
Now let me be clear that when I say I am a fighter it doesn't mean I'm looking for a fight. Being a fighter can be substituted with the word defender, protector, safeguard-er...anways, any kind of action word that means you are willing to do what it takes to keep your family strong. Going along with that let me also add the words Nurturer, spiritually in tune, prayerful...
I have sooo many examples in my life of men and women who have fought for their family. My Mom is a hero among heros in that regard. She has taught me, though I haven't really realized it till now, the importance of fighting "for the right, without question or pause, to be willing to march into Hell for a Heavenly cause". How? Mom isn't just a word for her, Mom is someone who listens, encourages, LOVES, nurtures, mentors, and is a "Lioness at The Gate". I know just how much that title "Mom" means to her. I can't talk about her in -exchangeable role as Mom without talking about my Dad. He has the smile that goes to his ears, a voice of reason and guidance, a provider, and priesthood protector both spiritually physically. The two of them work side by side in making our family a place where the Christ is the center and and home is our fortress against the storms of life. What a team!!
There are many other Fighters in my life! One fighter can seemingly hear every problem anyone has ever had and still is a spiritual rock for her family and the people around her. One works endless hours and sacrifices more than I can even imagine for her children and after all that is often seen at the park with them. Another is her children biggest cheerleader and advocate and loves her husband dearly. My husband works endlessly for us and then takes time to listen, be crazy, and be the spiritual leader we need in our home. Another doesn't have any children but is most the loving and truly caring person to everyone I see her talking with! I can go on and on...in fact, think of a way that you fight for you family and go ahead and insert it here!
Sometimes we feel like fighters because we are literally having to fight to keep ourselves together from freaking out, or on a bigger scale, our family together for eternity. PLEASE keep fighting! You are making a difference! So often I am having a precious family moment and I catch it on film only to then notice that my house was a mess behind the fun or my kids were practically naked in the picture. I think of the picture perfect pinterest captured moments and think there is no way I can share this! Stupid! I am not focusing on things that matter in life! As my mom said to me today "when some part of life is going crazy, there will ALWAYS be another part of life that is going right". To people that are having times much harder than my crazy messy house or not getting kids dressed by dinner time,
To you fighters that feel like you are the only one that even cares about your fight, please please please know that I know that there is a Father and Mother in Heaven that notice the difference we are making and are making up for all of the things we lack.
I truly believe that family is central to God's Plan for us. Being a Mom is so sacred to me, and whatever role you have, Sister, Daughter, Son, Brother, Grandpa, Grandma, Friend, YOU AND YOUR IMPACT ON YOUR FAMILY IS CENTRAL TO GODS PLAN TOO! I don't know why I've had to learn this lesson such a hard way these past few months, but because of this I am willing to fight, nurture, provide, pray and do whatever it takes to be with my family for eternity. Family is the center of my plan too...and I'm a fighter.
