The Domino Crisis Effect
It is a fun toy to play with. It creates challenge and ingenuity. As we age, it helps push the boredom blues away. It can be a great teaching tool too.
Standing the dominoes in position, we line them up one after another like a family. We create this vision of perfect unison and conformity.
The problem is, when one is dramatically affected by one slight push, those around them will also be affected. We can relate this to the most vulnerable of families, the one in crisis.
It starts out for many families, a hurting and struggling teen. From there, the impact can determine the strength or weakness of the family unit.
Any crisis can cause an overwhelming amount of pain and stress on the parent. This crisis will ultimately determine the outcome for the rest of the family.
The question is, can parents overcome and rise above that crisis when it arrives?
Some parents do not have the strength to fight or find help when chaos happens. Most times they are shocked, then later on tired and weary from the ongoing battle with their teen in crisis.
From there, parents are confronted with finding ways to cope with their hurting teen. Unfortunately that coping can entail negative results for that parent such as: abusing prescription drugs, falling into a deep depression, being entrapped into an eating disorder, and even create problems in a marriage.
It seems never-ending. From one crisis to another, it leaves a trail of dysfunction.
Hope. That is what parents like you are looking for, not just for your teen but for you too.
The good news is that you do not have to live this way. You don’t have to feel shame, embarrassment or needlessly walk this journey alone.
First and foremost, there is one that stands beside you if you are that hurting parent. God wants to see your broken family healed. He will lead the way to find the support and help that you need. There are more resources today than ever before that are available to you. You don’t have to walk in discouragement or fear.
By seeking God, His provision will come through many avenues such as counseling, medical and mental therapies, special programs, and pastoral help for your spiritual needs. You would be amazed to find out how many other parents are suffering right along with you.
Reading God’s Word and praying for your family is a must. Within these spiritual sources, you will find the strength and peace you need to cope through each day. The answers are right there. Finding support through others such as family, friends, the church, etc… can help you not feel so burdened and alone.
As a parent, you will begin to realize how much you need for your own healing process. It will make a world of difference, not just for you but for your hurting teen also. The domino effect will finally come to a halt. Having the tools in place, you will be able to stand tall and conquer anything that comes your way.
The Lord upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
Psalm 145:14
Image Courtesy of Morguefile.com
