Stake Your Claim: Build a Spiritually Closer Family
Focus on the Future- Let Go Of The Past
“Commit your way to the Lord, and He will bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Every great adventure, every massive shift in a family’s legacy, and every spiritual milestone can be traced back to a single, defining moment. There is a classic proverb I love: "A journey of a million miles begins with just one step."
But when you are standing at the edge of a new beginning, looking out at the vast distance of where you want your family to be, that first step can feel incredibly daunting. Do you feel energized when beginning a new challenge, or perhaps you feel like I do; paralyzed and overwhelmed! You might find yourself wondering, “Where do I even begin? How do I fix the gaps? How do I fix my past mistakes? What if I pick the wrong starting point?”
Here is the beautiful truth about intentional living: It is not important where you start. It is only important that you start.
Thanks to August de Richelieu for this beautiful picture of family love!
Choose Your Starting Point
Wouldn’t it be great if you could push a button or wave a magic wand, to “fix” family challenges or struggles? As my dad used to say, “That’s not the way life works!”
There is no perfect, pre-paved highway for building a family that is deeply rooted in faith.
The good news is your starting point doesn't have to look dramatic or be over the top.
And if you’re a parent sitting in the painful silence of a strained relationship or estrangement: you don’t have to wait for your adult children to respond before you take action.
Your role doesn't stop because the communication has. Don’t wait for a sign—this is your starting line. Right now, you can begin a new journey to fight for the hearts and connections of the family God gave you, starting on your knees.
Wherever you are standing right now, whatever circumstances—that is your starting point.
There are millions of intentional steps forward—you don't have to take them all. Just choose one or two, and commit to doing them today." When that “one” step becomes natural and routine, then choose another intentional step to incorporate.
“Warning: The enemy loves to use perfectionism to paralyze us. He convinces us if we can’t do it perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all. But God doesn’t expect perfection- He’s looking for a willing, trusting heart to take the first step.”
Let’s Brainstorm Your First “Intentional Step” Together.
Remember- this list is to help you find 1- that’s “one” Intentional step. You don’t start a marathon by sprinting.
Pray intentionally: Commit to praying for your family members daily, calling them out by name. Follow up on little nudges from the Holy Spirit after you’ve prayed.
Ask curious, nonjudgmental questions: Cultivate a habit of asking about their lives in the moment, without trying to "fix" anything.
Gather around the table: Dedicate one night a week for a consistent, shared family dinner. Or provide a Brunch on Saturday morning for a relaxed, fun family time.
Practice active availability: Make a conscious effort to show up and help them with practical needs.
Be a consistent encourager: Speak a kind word or send a quick text once a week just to remind them they are loved.
Offer honest affirmations/Speak Life: Look for genuine character traits or efforts you can praise to actively build them up.
Write a letter or Send a Card- for thoughts and feelings that are hard to express, write some uplifting message about what they mean to you and how much you love them.
Share a weekly spiritual touchpoint: Send a quick text with a scripture that encouraged you this week, or a simple thought from your own quiet time.
Be the first to extend grace when family schedules get messy!
"The decisions you make every day—the way you love, the way you listen—are the building blocks of your legacy." — Unknown
Inviting the Ultimate Partner
You shouldn’t walk this road alone! We can’t rely own strength. I feel lost and overwhelmed so many times, unsure of what to do first. I remind myself, God’s totally invested in building our family and He wants to partner with me. I just need to ask and follow His wisdom and guidance.
““I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron.When you invite Him into the journey, incredible things happen:” NKJV - Many versions replace crooked places straight with the phrase “make the mountains level””
Rejoice and Relax- God is going before us- He will make your mountains leveled, the crooked places straight and remove the enemy’s barriers by even destroying bronze gates and bars of iron. (Can you shout for JOY with me??? This battle for our Family belongs to the Lord God Almighty!)
Get a vision for the journey. He opens our eyes to see the unique path He has for your specific family. What does your future family look like in your heart? Ask Him to bring it to pass and show you your part in this journey! His Word is our map and the Holy Spirit is our Guide.
You receive the courage to keep going. On days when the road feels long or uphill, His strength carries you forward. There are so many times I’m tempted to give up- but I’ve learned after letting go of the situation to Him who loves us most- AND getting a good night’s sleep- I am ready to journey on!
Draw Your Line in the Sand
We have no power, in & of ourselves, to stop the enemy or save our family- but through the Cross we have the victory!
I LOVE the epic moment in The Lord of the Rings when Gandalf is in the dark caves of Moria, fleeing a terrifying shadow and flame. The Fellowship is running for safety, but the demon is gaining ground. In that critical moment, Gandalf doesn't keep running. He turns around, plants his staff firmly into the stone right in the middle of the bridge, and cries out with fierce determination: 'You shall not pass!'
That is exactly what it looks like when you draw a line in the sand for your family. You stand in God’s authority and Jesus stands in the gap, placing Himself between your family and the evil and chaos of the world! Only with His power can we declare that the enemy’s patterns, distractions, and division stop right here.
It’s the battle cry of a parent who has finally had enough—one who rises up in the fierce determination, boldness, and spiritual authority of Jesus to plant their feet and declare: 'Not on my watch. You shall not pass.'
Today is the day to stop waiting for the "perfect time." It’s time to draw a line in the sand, stake your claim, and determine that you are going to start this journey of building your family on the foundation of Christ and sink your roots down deep into His marvelous love.
It doesn't matter what yesterday looked like, or how many steps you wish you had taken years ago. The horizon is wide open. Take a deep breath, ask God for the vision, and take that very first step today.
What is one small, intentional step you can take toward your family today?