My Very Own Soap Opera

Did I mention being in a blended family is a lot like being in a thick plot of a TV soap opera??

In blended families, the cocktail is right for all things drama; anger, insecurity, resentment, fear, bitterness, jealousy and manipulation. There are exes, baby mamas, opinions, court battles, he said-she said and attitudes…the list goes on….and on…and on….

Drama comes with the territory here and you are either one side of the drama fence or the other…the participant or the self-controlled.

We all get caught up in the drama from time to time and let our emotions get the best of us. As good as it may feel at the moment, no good comes out of it…. there are always consequences.

The bible says:

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 

For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

James3:13-18

Our consequence of participating in drama is “disorder and evil of every kind”. What’s worse, it usually is not the two participants who are the most impacted in a blended family situation…the children are. The kids, whether you think so or not, are ALWAYS caught in the crossfire!!

When we participate in drama, we are inflicting disorder and evil things on our children…OUCH!!!

So…in the heat of the moment, when the opportunity arises for you to respond to an attack, when you are wronged, when the drama comes to your door…BE THE PEACEMAKER!

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18

I can speak for my situation and to live “peaceably” is hard. I get offended, angry, and insecure at times. I have to invite God into the process DAILY. His mercy is new every morning and I know I am better now than yesterday. By God’s grace, I can overcome adversity.

I pray for strength and wisdom. I ask for love to rule my heart with kindness, gentleness, patience and self-control. I pray for my adversaries; for their peace, wisdom and protection. I pray daily for my children; for God to guard their hearts and shield them from the attacks of the enemy. I pray for solid family foundations for my home and the homes of the ex-spouses. I pray for PEACE to rule my heart, my family and my household.