Family Ain't Always Blood: My Tribe, My Spiritual Kin

Family isn’t just the folks you share DNA with—sometimes, it’s the people who show up when life’s throwing punches and you’re down for the count. I’m super grateful for my blood family who are there for me when they can be, especially my dad, who’s my absolute rock, always in my corner no matter what. But I’d be lying if I said everyone in my family is close—some don’t talk to me or include me much, and that’s okay; we all have our own paths and struggles. Living with SMA my whole life, I’ve got challenges most folks can’t imagine—like not being able to move or not being able to get out when I want to. And let's not forget the not so Prince Charming that played me like a fiddle. This past year, depression and anxiety had me so far down in the dumps, I was practically living in a pit of despair. But God? He’s got a way of sending the right people at the right time, and let me tell you, the crew I’ve found has been the glue I needed. Without them and my supportive blood family, I’d be lost in a fog of self-doubt, probably staring at a wall, questioning every life choice I’ve ever made.

These people—my chosen family? They’re my spiritual kin, handpicked by God who decided I wasn’t meant to go at life alone. They’re the ones who text you whenever you’re spiraling, talk to you when you're ugly crying without judgment, or just sit with you in silence when words ain’t cutting it. They’re not here because they’re obligated—they’re here because they choose to be. And that? That’s some holy-level loyalty right there.

One guy in particular? He’s like the brother I never had. God sent him into my life when I was at my lowest, drowning in the weight of my own headspace and the daily grind of SMA. He’s been there through thick and thin, no judgment, just pure, unwavering support. Whether I’m a mess or having a rare good day, he’s got my back, helping with everything from emotional support to just vibing with me while we battle it out in Alien vs. Predator Clue. (Btw, I usually win. Just in case anyone was wondering.) That kind of bond is rarer than a pig in a purple prom dress. He’s family, plain and simple, and proof that God knows exactly who you need when you need ‘em.

I’ve had moments this year where I didn’t know how I’d make it through—big losses, bigger doubts, and a few “what the hell am I doing” crises, all while wrestling with my mental health, still trying to get over my last relationship and the physical limits of SMA. But my crew, my brother-from-another-mother, my dad, and the family who show up when they can? They were there, no questions asked. My dad’s like a lighthouse in a storm—steady, unshakable, always there when I need him most. My blood family who are present give me so much love, and my chosen family fills in the gaps, cheering me on when I’m winning, picking me up when I’m losing, and reminding me who I am when I forget. That’s not just friendship or obligation; that’s family forged in something deeper—call it soul, call it spirit, call it God’s sneaky way of saying, “I got you.”

The Bible talks about this, you know—Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Jesus also indicates this in Matthew 12:48-50. "Whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother." That’s my people—both the ones I was born with who show up and the ones I found along the way. They’re proof that God doesn’t just give you family at birth. Sometimes, He builds you one, stitching together a patchwork of souls who get you, lift you, and make you better.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They’re my anchor, my hype squad, my spiritual and blood kin. Blood or not, they’re family—and I’m damn grateful for every single one of them, especially my dad, my rock, and the brother God sent to pull me through the dark.

If you're feeling lonely or that you don't feel that you belong anywhere, don't give up. Your crew is out there somewhere who will be there for you through thick and thin. God will send the right people to you at the right time. I admit I still feel lonely at times, but I know I found my pack. So will you. Keep looking, keep believing and never give up.