We can all naturally gravitate toward people who are easy to talk to and relate with. But what about those individuals who are awkward, quiet, or hard to understand? We all know people like this. This person could be your uncle, sister, your child, or a member of your church. God is not partial and does not show favoritism, but cares equally for those deemed easy and hard. Therefore, we, as his followers, are spurred on by his love to consider the hard people in our life. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Good intentions run up against confusion and failed efforts. While there is no formula for success, Scripture does offer us a perspective on loving hard people and creative wisdom can open doors to meaningful connection and relationship. This breakout will consider the practical how-to’s of reaching out to those on the relational margins of our families, our churches, and our communities with the purpose of bringing them into a fuller communion.

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From Series: "CCEF Conference: Family"

Embracing the Blessing. Facing the Brokenness. Family. What image springs to your mind? Big smiles and warm hugs? Dark looks and harsh words? An empty frame and yearning for what never was and may never be? Perhaps it’s more complicated than that–maybe the smile is real, but the eyes reveal something more. Perhaps blessing and brokenness are tangled together. Or perhaps we’re troubled when we compare the snapshots in our mind with images of family immortalized by Norman Rockwell or the picture we envision of what a “Christian family” is supposed to be. But what are we to make of the fact that in all of Scripture not one single family is held up as an idealized role model? How can that be? Because the Bible is no stranger to the complexities of family. At this year’s National Conference, we’ll be exploring the ways God forms and reforms family, how he shapes and reshapes us through family. Whatever our situation or experience, whether single or married, old or young, whatever roles we play, this conference will help us face the brokenness and embrace the blessing of family. Used with permission. This recording is copyrighted by the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). This recording is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws and may not be reproduced, transmitted, displayed, prepared as a derivative work, or performed in any form without the prior written consent of CCEF. The distribution of this audio is done with full permission from CCEF. All rights reserved. For more information on classes, materials, speaking events, distance education and other services, please visit www.ccef.org.

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