Hey darling, welcome back to the blog!

The soft patter of rain against the window feels oddly comforting as I settle into my favourite corner of the house. The day is quiet now—my daughter is asleep after an eventful afternoon of play and storytelling, and the house has that wonderful stillness. It’s in these moments, when the chaos of life pauses, that I often find myself thinking about the relationships that have shaped me, for better or worse.

If you’re anything like me, you know the weight of family struggles. For years, I carried unanswered questions and unspoken pain from fractured relationships and childhood wounds. Why were things the way they were? Was I not enough? As much as I wanted to move forward, I often found myself trapped by the emotional patterns those experiences left behind. It wasn’t until I began to truly seek God’s guidance that I realised healing was within reach.

This blog post is a deeply personal one, written from my heart to yours. Today I am going to be talking about what it means to heal from the wounds of broken families and the impact of toxic relationships. I’ll share how I’ve learned to set boundaries and how I’ve allowed God to lead me through the process of renewal.

Whether you’ve experienced similar struggles or are simply curious about dealing with difficult dynamics with grace and faith, I hope this will encourage you. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with God, it does happen. And the freedom that comes from stepping into a healthier, more hopeful place is worth every tear and prayer along the way.

The Struggles of Growing Up in a Broken Family

If you’ve come from a broken family, you might feel like you’re constantly picking up the pieces of a shattered past. I know this all too well. It’s painful to witness your parents separate, especially if it leaves you feeling abandoned or unsupported. These feelings of rejection and loss can carve deep emotional scars that may follow you throughout your life. I have learned, though, that while family can cause immense pain, God never leaves us to face these battles alone.

In Psalms 27:10 (KJV), we’re reminded: “When my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will take me up.” This verse has become a lifeline for me. 

Healing from Childhood Trauma

For those of us who experienced childhood trauma, whether through abandonment, abuse, or neglect, healing can feel like a long and difficult road. It’s easy to feel stuck in the hurt, unable to move forward. But one thing I’ve discovered is that healing is not only possible, but it’s also a process that is deeply rooted in our relationship with God.

Healing starts when we acknowledge the pain. It’s okay to admit that we’ve been hurt, and it’s important to give ourselves grace for the emotional scars we carry. It’s also essential to remember that our past doesn’t define us. As followers of Christ, we have been made new in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our identity is no longer bound by the trauma we’ve experienced but by the love and redemption of Jesus.

Toxic and Boundaries

One of the hardest things to navigate is dealing with toxic parents. Whether they’re emotionally distant, manipulative, or outright abusive, these relationships can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Setting boundaries with family members, especially parents, is not only necessary but also biblical.

I’ve had to learn that setting healthy boundaries is an act of self-care and, more importantly, an act of obedience to God. The Bible teaches us to love others, but it also teaches us to protect our hearts. In Proverbs 4:23, we are instructed: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Setting boundaries is a way of guarding your heart and ensuring that you’re not continuously exposed to toxic behaviours that hinder your spiritual and emotional growth.

But setting boundaries is often easier said than done. It’s uncomfortable to confront loved ones, especially those who may not understand why we’re distancing ourselves. But God calls us to honour ourselves and Him in these situations. Remember, boundaries are not about rejecting people; they’re about preserving your peace and well-being in Christ.

Forgiveness and Moving Forward

Forgiveness is another key element in this process. Forgiving those who have hurt us, including family members, is one of the hardest yet biggest things we can do. It’s not about condoning their actions but releasing ourselves from the weight of bitterness and resentment.

I’ve had to forgive people who may never apologise, and it hasn’t been easy. But every time I choose to forgive, I feel God’s peace washing over me. In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus teaches us about forgiveness, urging us to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times. Forgiveness is a continual act of obedience, and while it’s hard, it frees us to move forward.

Leaning on God for Strength

One thing I know for sure is that we can’t do this alone. The emotional weight of broken family dynamics, trauma, and toxic relationships can be overwhelming. But God promises to never leave us. He is our strength when we are weak (Isaiah 40:29), and He is the ultimate healer of our wounds (Psalm 147:3). When we are tempted to give up, He will carry us.

Through the pain, God is shaping us into the people He has called us to be. The struggles we face don’t have to define us, they can refine us. As we lean on God, we can begin to experience His love in deeper ways, and that love empowers us to heal, forgive, and walk in freedom.

You Are Not Alone

If you’re reading this and feeling discouraged, I want you to know that you’re not alone. So many of us have walked through brokenness and have found healing in Christ. If you’re struggling with toxic relationships or childhood trauma, know that God is with you, and He sees your pain. His love is bigger than any hurt you’ve experienced, and He offers a path to healing through His Word and His presence.

You are not defined by your past. In Christ, you are made whole, and He has a beautiful plan for your life. Trust in His timing and His healing power as you take the steps toward setting healthy boundaries, forgiving, and embracing His peace. Let’s continue to grow in faith together, supporting one another as we navigate the challenges of family, boundaries, and healing. God bless you as you walk this journey of healing and hope.

The rain has stopped now, and as I glance out the window, I see the first glimmers of sunlight breaking through the clouds. It feels symbolic somehow, like a quiet reminder that no matter how heavy the storm, clarity and peace always follow. Healing from broken families and toxic relationships can feel like a storm too—messy, overwhelming, and seemingly endless at times. But God’s grace is the sunlight, and He always shows up.

As I look at my daughter, I’m reminded of how much I want her to grow up with love and security, knowing her worth in Christ. The desire to give her something better is what drives me to face the past with courage. It’s not just for her, though, it’s for me, for my relationships now, and for the generations to come. Breaking cycles isn’t easy, but it is deeply rewarding.

If you’re on a similar journey, take heart. Healing doesn’t mean pretending the past didn’t hurt—it means refusing to let it define your future. It’s about setting boundaries that protect your peace and trusting God to guide you in restoring what’s broken. And it’s about knowing that, no matter what, you are loved and valued beyond measure.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or your story if this blog post speaks to you. Share your experiences in the comments, or pass this along to someone who might need encouragement today. Together, let’s keep stepping toward the freedom and wholeness that God has promised us.

Sending blessings to you!

Scherise. X