Family Mission

I love my sister!  We are alike in a lot of ways, yet we each have our own distinctiveness.   We both love being a mom, and we each have four children.  We love holidays, traditions and family gatherings, homemade ice cream, and creating fun and memorable times.  She used to live halfway around the globe, which made those things a little challenging at times, living here in Los Angeles.  She sings and writes beautiful poetry.  I play the piano.  She loves animals.  I tolerate a dog and a cat at my house.  However, we both share a high priority for living a missional lifestyle—sharing Jesus with others through our lives.  We utilize our homes and lives as missional outposts. 

There are three aspects that make up this perspective in our lives.  I will share the first one this week, and the other two in the following two weeks.

First, take a look at your family.  God has given your family a mission.  It is easy to understand that God has a mission for each of us as an individual, but he also has a mission for your family to accomplish.   My family enjoys hosting people—for parties, small groups, dinners, etc.  We want people to feel loved in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  We love to share through the arts as well—movies, live shows, music, art, etc.  We try to celebrate anything we can—with other people!  My sister’s family participates in events that reach out to other cultures and faiths through holiday parties, Karaoke nights, meals at other’s homes, and even through helping the homeless and distressed by packaging supplies and food and taking it to them.

Your family has particular strengths.  Extraordinary gifts.  Distinctive uniquenesses.  What are they?  What characteristics have others expressed to you that typify your family?  As you think about these qualities, bring them to your family and talk about them.  Discuss how you can excel in loving others and sharing Jesus with your own unique expressions! 

Isaiah 8:18 (NIV) “Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord almighty…”