I love my family. They mean everything to me. My best times are when I’m around them.

The great thing about living where I do, is that I get to know a lot of people. When you get to know the people around you, and know them well, something amazing happens: families sprout. Many see a family as the people you live with. But that’s not what I think, and I don’t think that’s how it works either. Families are everywhere, bound together by trust, understanding, and love for one another.

By this definition, I see that I have families all around me; people that care for me; trust in me. I have a church family. I have a blood family. I have a football family, a basketball family, and so many other people who are close to me.I love to be in a family because I know that my brothers and sisters and me are all in it together. No one gets left out, and everyone understands.

I honestly think a family is the best thing one can have. If you are down or lonely, find a few people around you and let them know what you’re going through. Tell them what bothers you. And if they really are someone you can trust, they’ll listen: they’ll listen like family.

When people come together as a family, their fight is stronger and their personal lives are benefitted. So I’ll tell you now. If you have a family, whether it’s at your house or on a team, tell them how much you love them, and show your appreciation. If you feel all alone, I encourage you to find at least one person you can talk to: to who you can truly show your thoughts without judgement. If you are having trouble with that, please, come find me and I will show you as much of God’s love to you as I can. Let me know what I can help you with, or pray for you about. I want to help.