Bio-relatives

“They were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.” (Acts 2:42 CEV)

A friend of mine was adopted as a young child. A few years ago, she tracked down her biological father and a few other blood relatives. She refers to these folks as her bio-relatives as opposed to her real family--none of whom are related to her by blood. I also have three single friends who have lived together for decades. They take care of each other and do life together. They are family.

Kinship is not merely sharing a bloodline but also supporting each other through the journey of life. The words kin and kind are etymologically related. Relationships that are based on obligation, entitlement, manipulation, shame, condescension, and bullying are not kind. The people who are consistently present in your life--those whom you can count on to drop everything and listen to you when you need to vent, those who are familiar with your deepest longings, fears, and insecurities, those whom you can trust, those who encourage you, love you, and accept the real you--they are your authentic family.