A Massive Undertaking for My Family

[strike8echo]

I just moved my family into a house that is contained within a building bought by my parents. They bought the building, which consists of the house, a warehouse, a flea market, two apartments, a dance floor and a service kitchen for the purpose of owning a place where all of our family can live together under one roof, pooling our resources while still having enough space that we don't drive each other insane. The problem is that my mother and stepfather entered into this arrangement despite intending to divorce in the near future. They cannot cooperate or agree on anything other than that my wife's side of the family should not be here. Some progress was made convincing my mother to be kinder, less judgmental and more forgiving, so she has agreed to give them a clean slate. That's a start, but in order for this arrangement to work for me, I require peaceful coexistence. Not just between my family and my in-laws, but internally between my own family. My stepdad hates my brother who hates him back. My kids hate my mother, except for the youngest because he currently lives with her (we had bedbugs and he's allergic). My mother constantly butts heads with my wife because they are both extremely stubborn. Despite all that, this is the best opportunity we have had to gel together as a cohesive unit and be a driving force for ministry (the goal of the flea market and warehouse). Please, send up some prayers that God works his perfect will in all our hearts and in this building, so that all of the above may be put to use glorifying and magnifying him.

 

[Andyindauk]

Oh dear Lord God, what a complex painful family you've given to poor Strike! I pray Lord for extra portions of blessings on him. I pray Lord that he will glow with your Holy Spirit. Your son Jesus warned that you bring conflict in our families, and there seems to be plenty of that already. Please God give Strike the wisdom to navigate through this and to shine a light in a dark place. Amen.

 

[strike8echo]

Thank you Andy. It's a pain I wouldn't trade for anything.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Greetings @strike8echo

I will pray for your situation.

I was just wondering which members of your family and extended family are Christians?

You could spend time praying together.....that would be powerful and uniting in faith

 

[strike8echo]

My mother, stepfather and grandmother actively profess faith, while my mother-in-law quietly acknowledges its virtues. My wife has doubts, but generally accepts that the logic with which I justify and defend the faith is unfailingly sound. As for the rest, I cannot say with certainty what they believe. One thing that everyone does seem to agree on is that I am fully right in my desire for peace. Most are simply unwilling to put forth the effort.

 

[Br. Bear]

reminded of a song...

....you can't be a beacon if your light don't shine!


Bless you and yours ....><>