Where Renewal Meets Relationships
Hello Friends,
Welcome to spring! We hope you’re enjoying the gradual lengthening of days and warming of temperatures. I see the arrival of the first cherry blossoms in my neighborhood and revel in the renewal of life and growth that typifies this time of year.
Firm Foundation Family Services’ community involvement continues and we’re seeing some exciting momentum begin to build.
Chia-Hua hosted the first 3FS Gracefully Art Workshop last week at local non-profit coffee shop, SimplyBe. We’re thrilled to make this valuable offering available to the community. Future daytime workshops are already scheduled for April 29and May 20 from 11:30am to 1pm. Be sure to sign up for one or both of these workshops and to stay informed of other upcoming art-focused events.
Carrington has two April speaking events coming up. You can find me tonight, April 1, at the Rust Library in Leesburg at 7pm talking about fortifying relationships with your children in an AI-saturated culture. Then, on April 27 at 7pm join me at a chapter meeting of The MomCo at Park Valley Church in Haymarket. All moms of kids still living at home are welcome to come for an evening of good food, good company, and good conversation. You don’t have to be a current member to attend, but please do reply to MomCo@ParkValleyChurch.com to let us know you’re coming so we are sure to have enough refreshment for all.
FEATURED BLOG
What Makes a Marriage?
Marriage is a present, physical symbol of God’s faithfulness to His people and a living illustration of His call to commit ourselves to a life of sacrificial love and unconditional service.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Ask Again, Yes
by Mary Beth Keane
“She'd learned that the beginning of one's life mattered the most, that life was top-heavy that way.” (p. 235)
This month a novel tops the list of recommended reading. Keane’s story tells of the complex interplay of two NYPD families in the late twentieth century. This multi-generational saga tells a heart wrenching and triumphant story of marriage, family, mental illness, perseverance, and forgiveness.
MONTHLY PICKS
CARRINGTON'S CORNER
Reflections for faithful living
ONLINE RESOURCE
Family estrangement has become an unfortunate trend in recent years with an increasing number of parents and children finding themselves on opposite sides of wide chasms. Check out this site to discover a community of people with personal estrangement stories looking for support at all stages of their experience.
PODCAST EPISODE
Episode 291: Understanding Estrangement: Finding Peace Even if Reconciliation Feels Impossible
Special guest: Matthias Barker, founder of Estrangement.com
RELATIONSHIP TIP
In the wake of relational rupture, sometimes the pressure to reconcile can get in the way of genuine healing, forgiveness, and renewed connection. Pressure can be self-imposed or rooted in family or community expectations. If you feel rushed, badgered, or coerced into reestablishing relationship, keep in mind that feigned forgiveness is no forgiveness at all. Take the time you need to seek support, assess your needs and responsibilities, and own your side of the story.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 15:4-6
As springtime settles in, we work and pray for continued growth and change here at 3FS. The task of supporting marriages, families, and strong individuals is equal parts noble and daunting, and we continue to seek to make our work relevant to the community’s needs and effective in its application. We welcome your referrals, your partnership, and your feedback
Walking with you,
Carrington
