Fractured families date as far back as the early days of Christianity; just consider the warring brothers Cain and Abel and their dysfunctional relationship. Still, God tells us that there is hope through Him in Jeremiah 29:11-12: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

No family experiences a happy life without the messiness of interpersonal relationships, says Michael P. Donaldson, director of the Office of Pastoral Care for Families in All Stages.