Why Family Oasis?
Firstly, we love the name. However, let's explore the meaning behind these two words that hold great significance for us.
Family
: a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit.
: all the descendants of a common ancestor.
Oasis
: a fertile place in a desert, due to the presence of water.
: something that provides refuge, relief, or a pleasant contrast.
Marriage is a sacred covenant, and the commandment to be fruitful and multiply extends an invitation to expand our family. I love that the Oasis is a fertile place amidst a desert. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding you, you possess the capacity to access this oasis. Our homes serve as a refuge from life's challenging conditions, offering relief, refreshment, and a place of rest, where unconditional love thrives, even in the face of our imperfections. A place where we can flourish, be encouraged, and truly grow.
Healthy families infuse hope. It oozes from every pore and spills into the surrounding community in which we have been placed. When our families are healthy, not flawless (for we're often the ones setting unrealistic expectations upon ourselves), but steadily growing, our words may be few, yet our lives will abundantly manifest what people everywhere yearn for: unconditional acceptance and love. The thought of this prospect fills me with excitement!
I understand that just by reading this, it could intensify the stress, and all the ways you perceive yourself as falling short may come rushing back, along with the complexities of your family situation.
However, understanding the divine intention and acknowledging His redemptive grace are not conflicting ideas. Our God truly sees you. He is with you. Don’t let your heart shrink because of the pressure you might feel. The Good news is that we are not left to navigate this journey on our own. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all and be our helper, teacher, comforter… because He is God.
There is always hope. I will share more about my journey and upbringing, which was far from ideal. It had the potential to wear my mother down and dampen her faith. However, God, in His infinite power, can accomplish beyond our most fervent requests, and our most unbelievable dreams, and even surpass our wildest imagination! He did exactly that for our family. There is hope.
If you are feeling that you are carrying excess baggage, remember, that His burden is light. Surrender it to Him. Pray right now for Him to calm the storm, for His peace to surround you, and for vision to arise.
Matthew 11:28-30 TPT “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.
He is our Oasis. Let’s embark on this journey, which I so lovingly call a marathon together.