Ripple Effect

Think about the ripple effect that a dysfunctional childhood can have on someone.

Well into adulthood, people are still trying to heal and recover from all the damage done.

If we do not shine a light in the darkness, the secrets and shame lie dormant, often manifesting years later in raw and unexpected ways.

So often, I can see myself repeating patterns from my parents.

"I sound like my mother" isn't a compliment when I lash out at my babies with a nice passive-aggressive backhanded compliment that stings.

Dysfunction and unhealed wounds can have long-term effects on us and generations to come; I'm pretty sure we all can relate to that truth.

But there is good news.

God's redemption can cause a ripple effect that will break the chains of dysfunction and pain.

A friend shared a quote with me yesterday from Martin Luther:

"The sin underneath all our sins is to trust the lie of the serpent, that we cannot trust the love and grace of Christ, and that we must take matters into our own hands."

Dang. That is so true.

Taking matters into our own hands causes the same patterns to repeat again and again.

Left to ourselves, hurt people will just keep hurting people.

But with God's help, we have the power to change the story and make a ripple effect that can affect the literal trajectory of our families and the world around us.

The ripple effect of Jesus on our lives can heal the deepest wounds and help us to understand, forgive, and find a new way forward.

God can help us reach those dark corners where we have hidden our deepest pain and bring light and healing.

And imagine the beautiful ripple effect our healing can have on others.

When we heal, we no longer inflict our pain on others.

When we heal, we bring light into the darkness. Shame and secrets have no place here.

And when our family is healed, our community can be healed.

And when our community is healed, our world can be healed.

As God is my witness, I will be a chain-breaker in my family line. I will do all I can to heal and bring healing to those I love.

And one thing is sure: I'm not listening to a stupid serpent telling me to do it alone.

I will trust and lean on God's love and grace every minute of every hour to get me through this life with all its ups and downs, twists and turns.

And the ripple effect I see from that love and grace is breathtaking.

Ephesians 2: 8-10

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.