Now in her adult years, Angie knew he was a blessing to their family. In fact, they had become so close as adults that they even exercised together. When her husband died unexpectedly, her stepdad was one of the people she turned to for assistance and encouragement. Angie would now walk with her stepdad and her mom through this trial, just as he had stood with her in those years of resistance and rebellion.

Sandi e-mailed her friend with her assurance that she would be praying and checking back with her often. As she prepared a card for Angie’s stepdad, she prayed for their family and thanked God for His goodness in allowing them to be a wonderful example of a family that had overcome through God’s love.

Blended families are everywhere, and no one would pretend it is easy to merge those relationships, regardless of how they were established. But often only the difficult, initial adjustment is the focus. The truth is, many families speak of healed relationships and loving commitment between family members who have successfully blended. God’s grace and mercy can repair what is broken, restore division, and bring about bonding.