This morning, while making breakfast, I thanked a little Cellar Spider for catching some ants in my pantry. Living in the country, bugs can be a nuisance, and these spiders can be a real blessing, especially when you’re trying to stretch every dollar—groceries are more expensive than ever these days!

As I was tidying up, I listened to an article from The New Yorker that really got me thinking—and not in a good way. The piece discussed how younger generations are becoming increasingly estranged from their parents and other family members, claiming their family problems are too deep to fix. While I understand that certain family members can cause pain or drama, I’m deeply concerned about this trend. It’s frightening to see how easily people are willing to cut ties with their loved ones, especially when those ties could be mended with time and effort.

Except in cases of narcissistic or physical abuse, I believe there’s usually no reason to abandon family members. Problems are an inevitable part of life, and as adults, we need the courage to face them head-on. It’s through these challenges that we grow, both individually and as a family. My husband Dexter once shared a piece of wisdom that has stuck with me: “To be an overcomer, you must first be an overlooker.” This is echoed in the Bible, in 1 Peter 4:8, where it says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” While some might think quoting scripture is outdated, I believe the lessons are still relevant. The struggles younger generations face today are the same as those I faced 20 or 30 years ago—the key difference is how we choose to address them.

From personal experience, I know the power of love and respect. In my own family, I’ve dealt with both narcissism and having LGBTQ+ relatives. Despite differing beliefs, I love my family unconditionally and respect their life choices. Being LGBTQ+ is a choice, just like choosing a career, what to eat, or how to live. While not everyone agrees with me on this, that’s okay—I love them too. What truly matters is compassion, understanding, and allowing others to live authentically.

For those who use religion to condemn others harshly, I say this: shame on you. God calls us to love, not to push people away with judgment. The way forward on these social issues is through love, respect, and giving others the freedom to make their own choices. Let God handle the rest.

In these complex journeys of life, let’s remember that love and understanding will always bridge the gap. Let’s be overcomers by being overlookers.

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