Thanksgiving and other holidays can be a time for rejoicing, gathering with family and friends, eating delicious food, sharing laughter, and recalling precious memories. What about those families who are broken and divided during the holidays? What are some ways we can all reach out to broken families this Thanksgiving?
What Is a Family?
Families come in different sizes and shapes. From one or two people to hundreds or more, families can be biological, adopted, or a group of friends. Have you heard someone say, “He’s just like family.” or “She’s family even though we’re not related.”? These sentiments are heartfelt and expressions of love.
One definition in a dictionary defines “family” as any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family. Spouses and children, individuals living together in one place, groups of people believing the same ideas, and other definitions can be found in various places.
Not all families live together. Reasons such as separation due to employment, divorce, death, and other circumstances can cause families to be broken.
Think of your family. How do you define family? Mom, Dad, siblings, grandparents, cousins, and others may be included. Give thanks to God for your family.
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20 NIV)
How Do We Reach Out to Broken Families This Thanksgiving?
As we gather with family for Thanksgiving, remember to think of those who will be alone or are part of a broken family. There may be many reasons the family is broken.
There may be strained or severed relationships or distance issues. They may be single parents or prodigal children who have not returned home.
There may be simpler reasons why families can’t get together for Thanksgiving. Some families have members facing terminal medical diagnoses, which hinders travel or how many people can join.
Whatever the reason, each person needs to feel wanted and loved.
Pray and ask God for opportunities to reach out to broken families. Remember to show respect and not pass judgment. God calls us to love one another. God doesn’t ask us to give conditional love.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV)
10 Ways to Reach Out to Broken Families This Thanksgiving
Here are 10 ways to reach out to broken families this Thanksgiving. There are various opportunities to extend love, grace, and hope. What can you add to this list? Before reaching out to others, go to God in prayer. Ask for His guidance about who you can help and how you can share His love and glory.
- Can you encourage and uplift any broken families in your neighborhood at Thanksgiving? Select a family and surprise them with a “Thanksgiving basket.” Items for the basket could include paper plates, napkins, cups, plastic silverware, canned goods, and desserts. Gift cards are also a nice way to give people the opportunity to make their own choices.
- Create handmade Thanksgiving cards to distribute at churches, community centers, nursing homes, orphanages, and jails. Remember, families are sometimes broken due to difficult circumstances.
- Ask a broken family if you may provide a meal for them. Inquire about food allergies or likes and dislikes. Pray as you prepare the meal. Ask God to cover the family with His love and protection. Ask God to bring peace to each person.
- Volunteer to serve Thanksgiving meals at a local shelter. Some broken families visit shelters during the holidays. Remember to smile and look in the eyes of the person you are serving. If possible, visit with the people at the shelter. Share conversation and prayers.
- Ask your church leaders for names of people needing support and encouragement at Thanksgiving. Be respectful of each family and their situation. Phone calls are one way to begin a conversation with family members striving to reconnect after a crisis.
- Offer to have a Thanksgiving Bible study at your home. Include children and adults. Prepare activities for all ages. Read Scripture, create a “gratitude” basket, and encourage everyone to write what they are thankful for on a piece of paper. Read each message of gratitude aloud.
- Invite a family to your home to share a Thanksgiving meal. Let the family know they don’t need to bring anything. If they offer to bring something, accept the offer. Being included in the preparations can be a blessing for everyone. Sharing conversations before, during, and after meals can bring peace and joy.
- Create a Thanksgiving tree at church. Have people use a sign-up sheet if they would like to have help with a meal at Thanksgiving. Print their first names on a paper leaf and then attach the leaf to the tree. When someone chooses a name, they can contact the church office for further information about the family. Privacy and respect can be shown in this project.
- Think about the groups you participate in and consider “adopting” a broken family for Thanksgiving. Ask your church clergy or local community center for names and ways to help a family.
- Most important is the power of prayer. When you decide to reach out to a broken family, remember to pray for the family first. Ask God for wisdom and discernment in the words you speak and in your actions.
10 Prayers for Broken Families at Thanksgiving
- Father, thank you for Your mercy and forgiveness. Please bless those families who are broken and filled with emotions such as sadness and anger. Guide each person to know that You love them forever. Amen.
- Lord God Almighty, we know there are known and unknown reasons for the brokenness of these families. Please help each person to share Your love and forgiveness with other family members. May the brokenness be replaced with togetherness. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
- Father, so many families are broken. Sometimes, we know the reasons. Other times, we wonder what happened. Please bless the children and adults. Cover them with Your love and peace. Amen.
- Dear God, our hearts are saddened by the many broken families in the world. Relationships are strained. Harsh words are spoken. Children are not sure who to trust. Please place Your hedge of protection over each person. Guide them to You. Thank You. Amen.
- Lord, thank You for loving families. Thank You for providing ways to share Your love and glory with each person. Please hold each person of a broken family in Your loving arms and cover them with peace and calm. Amen.
- God, please bless the brokenhearted. Fill them with Your love and joy. Help broken families to find the best way to communicate with each other. When communication is not possible, please bring Your comfort. Thank You. Amen.
- Heavenly Father, please bless each family. Help give us the best words to speak when we have conversations with broken families. May we remember that each person may be journeying through experiences we don’t understand. Amen.
- Father, please guide family members to communicate with each other in positive ways. Help the conversation to show compassion and understanding. Thank You. Amen.
- Lord God, we ask for broken family members to reconnect as they travel. Please place your hedge of protection over each person. Give traveling mercies and safety to everyone. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
- Dear God, please be with families that have prodigal children. Bring peace into the family and guide the prodigal home. May the family that is broken be whole and filled with Your love. Amen. On Thanksgiving Day and every day, God’s love can be shared. We don’t have to wait for a special holiday or celebration to show His love and glory. Through our words and actions, another person’s life may be changed, and they may begin or renew a new relationship with God.
How can you reach out to broken families this Thanksgiving and every day?
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Drazen Zigic
Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals, and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers.
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our larger Thanksgiving Resource Library. Learn about the first Thanksgiving, what Thanksgiving means in the Bible, how to get along with your family, and ways you can make this celebration more meaningful.
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