the real family

i'm not sure if its because i was raised in america, or because i was indoctrinated by television, or because all i seemed to find around me at times were the models of americana. mom. dad. 2.5 kids. dog. 2 cars. etc. i'm sure that makes up a great population of the world. our family comes close to it. mom. dad. 3 kids. two cats.

but as our lenses shift from looking at our lives through modernized, western-civilized eyes, to the questionable, yet clearer scope of celestial kingdom eyes, we're given the chance to see things differently. we find ourselves in the midst of such a broken world where people are ripping the honors given to them, rejecting the gifts bestowed to them, and caving in to demon fears that taunt and paralyze them. unfortunately this leads to broken songs, ruined masterpieces, and spoiled desserts that could've sounded so sweet, entranced the eye, or tantalized the taste buds. these spoils come in the form of broken relationships and broken families. fatherless children. but also the potential for something greater to write new songs, create new masterpieces, and fresh desserts.

this past weekend i spent time in Va with some of the coolest people on the planet. seriously. they've known me since i was 18, truly known me, and that's a big deal. they're my tribe. my family. my fellow journeyers. and i'm so blessed to know them. what i love the most about them is that they comprise of beautiful pieces from an interrupted song, placed lovingly together in a new one- and it rocks! Lou was raised by his grandparents in Mississippi when his parents were in no form to do so. Nok was orphaned for 5 years before God united him with his true family, an ocean away. And with Tabitha melodically placed, a new song was written in light of God's dream of what a family is. is family comprised of blood or a common love? racial lines or basic humanity? social status or kindness in the eyes?

yay for a God who makes beauty from ashes and a triple layer chocolate decadent cake from a few chocolate chips. and yay to the families who can enjoy the cake, a bite at a time.