Do you have a grown child who's rejected you, as well as your Christian values? If so, you're not alone, as thousands of parents are alienated from their adult children, according to an article by Dr. Vijai P. Sharma.
If you’re hurt and disappointed because your grown children have rejected you, here are some suggestions to still find peace, joy, and contentment, even though they don’t share your Christian values.
Release Them
First, you have to let go. It's not easy, but if you expect God to intervene in their lives, as well as give you peace you need to give them back to God. That's what many a godly parent did such as the late Ruth Graham (wife of the world's greatest evangelist, Billy Graham), when her son, Franklin, rebelled in his youth. However, he, along with other rebels, such as Richard Roberts (son of evangelist Oral Roberts), came back to the Lord thanks their praying parents. And, if they never return to God while you're alive, that doesn't mean God didn't hear your prayers. Sometimes although we don't live to see the fruit of our prayers, our wayward children eventually find the Lord before they take that last breath.
Grieve and Then Move On
After releasing your grown child, you may have to grieve the loss of a relationship. In other words, let the tears flow. If you don't grieve, you'll stuff your sorrow, which could lead to depression or unhealthy addictions such as overeating, drug addiction, or alcoholism. The late Barbara Johnson, widely-read author and speaker, once thought she didn't want to live anymore after losing two of her sons, (one whom was killed in Vietnam and another in an automobile accident), followed by her third son disappearing into an alternate lifestyle. She relates in her book, " Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy" how she used to go to the city dump and sob for hours. Then, one day, she decided the grieving was over and she was moving on with her life. That's when she not only found joy again, but started helping other hurting parents through her "Spatula Ministries" support groups.
Set Up a Joy Room
Barbara Johnson relates in her series of books helping hurting parents how she found happiness in a variety of simple things. She collected all the articles that made her happy in a special Joy Room. There in her Joy Room, Barbara included everything from old greeting cards to "Joy" detergent, so her mind would dwell on positive things, rather dwell on the loss of her sons. In her Joy Room, she reflected on God's goodness, as well as pray for her prodigal son. Years later, her son returned not only back to the Lord, but also to his family, after ten years away from them.
Find Support
Chances are, you'll need to talk to others who've been through the same painful experiences. Look for support groups in your area or connect with small groups in your local church. You may even find support groups online by doing an internet search. On the other hand, start your own group and be a blessing to others who need help.
Finally, remember that God loves you and your wayward children even more than any earthly parent. Knowing this, you can release them, even if you don't know where they are or what they're doing.
Venice Kichura - Venice Kichura is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of subjects. She holds a special passion for topics relating to art and ...
