Ciaossu,
Ever had one of those days where for some unexplainable reason, you feel totally alone, like everyone was going against you. I didn't go to church for about a 3 weeks because I was grounded so I could concentrate on my examinations. During this period, many things didn't go the way I wanted it to and my life was a total mess. I felt extremely emo during this time and a quarrel with my parents came as a final blow.

Looking back, I'm glad that I was able to put my trust in God after such a prolonged period of not going to church. I was totally at a loss of how to repair my life but thankfully, my exams had ended and I could resume attendance at church. I even invited my close buddy/sister to my church and I can be sure that without her presence, I would never have had the courage to face my parents. We had had a heated argument over something very minor, that threatened the very foundation of our parent-child bond. I, who had not gone to church for a long time, felt more alone than I had ever been in my 15 years of life. To tell the truth, I had almost lost hope during the night of the quarrel as the prospects of patching it up with my parents seemed grim.

The service that night was special. I felt that in some way, it was specially arranged for me. I totally broke into tears at the end of it. I was praying and praying so hard that I didn't want to feel alone anymore... During fellowship cum dinner, I received a call from home suggesting that the problem had gotten even worst. At that point in time, I really had no idea what to do or say to my parents when I got home. I even contemplated the idea of not returning home that night. My cell group was really a great support during that period. I'm glad that I mustered up some courage in the end to tell certain members about my family argument. Though the couldn't help me solve the problem, they gave me the courage to go home that night. I finally realized that I had never been alone... REVELATION.

That night, a cg friend sent me home. As I walked through the door, I felt a deep presence arising in me...comforting me. My family and I thrashed things out for a full 150min session and at the end of it all, all 3 of us realized something important. We had been so absorbed in our own lives that we had forgotten to be a family. Thinking back, we had never done many family activities together and we didn't know each other well. Continuing such practices for a prolonged period of time had allowed us to accept this as a norm and brought us even farther apart from each other. After that heart-to-heart chat, I can now say that things have improved beyond my imagination. My initial goal was to just resolve the argument with my parents and continue life as usual. Now I can see that God had even greater plans in store for me. As long as we're willing to trust him, miracles will happen.

Having told this long (possibly boring) story. My actual issue for today's post is actually FAMILY. I've seen many people fall out with their families over minor/major issues and are unable to repair their family ties for many years since they believe that the matter is too complicated to solve. The problem is that many people are unable to find the courage to face their family. They believe that their parents will not listen to their opinions as to the parent, he/she is always right. However, the more time one decides to run away from the problem, the deeper the misunderstanding will get, straining the family's ties even more. I believe that there's always a way even if the future seems bleak and miracles may not happen. It is easy to fall out with someone, but not as easy to patch things up. However, one must NEVER believe that patching things up is impossible no matter how many years have passed since the problem appeared in one's life. Treasuring the present and doing something about it NOW will be the best way to solve such problems. Of course no one can promise that things will change overnight, but it's always better to do something than do nothing.

My secret for solving my family misunderstanding: Keeping a cool head and never losing my temper/raising my voice even once even if the other party starts to scream at me. Someone once said to me that when one starts screaming, it becomes noise to the other and he/she won't listen to you. Believe in God and He will give you a peaceful heart. Believe in your true friends and they will offer you support. Believe in yourself and in others and nothing will be impossible. For all those who read this post, thank you for taking your time^^ Things may seem impossible at first, but never lose hope and everything will find its appropriate place in the end. Stay positive and always try your best:)

Lots of Love,
Elizabeth

PS: When there is a will, there will be a way. Never give up and always believe in God and yourself. Trust in Him and He shall reveal to you the most beautiful miracles in the world through you.