Howdy folks! Mary here, and let me tell y’all, the good Lord has kept me around for 60 wonderful years, and in that time, I’ve seen just about everything under the sun. But today, honey, we’re going to dive into some modern-day drama that makes those 80s soap operas look like child’s play. Believe you me, you’d best strap in because today, we’re tackling one of those ‘Am I the Asshole’ questions. Now, for privacy’s sake—and I do respect my privacy as much as I do my Sunday morning sermons—we’ll keep the asker anonymous. But oooh boy, does this one have more twists and turns than a country road! So don’t y’all go wandering off before the end. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this. And hint, hint—this might involve a daughter-in-law and a whole lotta family drama.
When Honey Buns Turn Sour
Now, let me tell you a little story. Picture this: you’re at a big family gathering, maybe around Thanksgiving. The turkey’s golden brown, Aunt Sally’s yam casserole’s smelling sweeter than ever, and the kids are running around, high on sugary pie. And then, BAM! In walks your dear son with his new wife, let’s call her… Eleanor. Eleanor, bless her heart, might not quite fit the family mold. As a good ol’ conservative and devout lady, you might’ve had high hopes she’d be the church-going, apple-pie-baking gal. But nope, Eleanor’s got neon hair, strange tats, and let’s just say, her politics are a tad… liberal. Hmm, well rub my back and call me a possum, that’s a recipe for some drama right there!
The Elephant in the Room
Fast forward a bit. Your son—Whom The Good Lord entrusted you to raise right—comes up to you, eyes pleading, ‘Mom, Eleanor’s family now.’ And you, bless your heart, can’t help but feel like a bulldozer just rammed through your picket fence. You turn to him, feeling a bit like Job, and tell him what’s on your mind. You rattle out, ‘Son, Eleanor just doesn’t belong in our family.’ Oh honey, the silence that follows is louder than the Fourth of July fireworks. His face falls faster than a soufflé in a thunderstorm.
Family or A Family Unit?
Now, am I saying you’re an awful person? Absolutely not! But let’s take a minute and wander down memory lane. Remember the days when family meant unwavering support, shared values, and whole-hearted love no matter what? Sure, Eleanor might not blend in like sweet tea at a Southern picnic, but sonny boy loves her. She might even surprise you. Didn’t we all think the same about polyester pantsuits back in the day? And look how much mileage those abominations got!
When the Going Gets Tough
Let’s switch gears a bit, folks. Jesus once dined with tax collectors and sinners. Heck, He even washed their feet. Imagine! If Our Savior can break bread with the oddballs, surely you can find a way to sip lemonade with Eleanor. Now, I’m not saying roll over like a log in a stream, but maybe—just maybe—showing the love and patience of Christ might just soften those edges. Remember, the family that prays together, stays together.
Modern Woes and the Family Ties
Now y’all, let’s make something clear as crystal. Family units today aren’t like those ‘Leave It To Beaver’ reruns. No sir, they’re more like modern-day basket weaving—tangled and colorful. But oh, the beauty in that complexity! So telling your son that his wife doesn’t belong might’ve come from a place of love and protection, but it probably felt like a wallop to his chin. Pride’s a tough nut to crack, ain’t it? But maybe this is the time to follow the fairy Godmother’s advice from Cinderella: ‘Have courage and be kind.’
From Mary’s Booth of Wisdom
So, my sweethearts, what’s my final verdict here? Are you the asshole? Well saints above, that’s a tough one! But here’s the tea from Mary’s booth of wisdom. If any lesson in life has taught me anything, it’s that love is more powerful than a thousand midnight cravings for Oreo cookies. Maybe Eleanor isn’t who you pictured, but she’s who your son loves. Bridging that gap with grace and humility might be the Christian thing to do. And who knows? God might surprise you and bless that relationship in ways you never imagined.
So take a deep breath, sugar. Maybe it’s time for a heart-to-heart chat, a hot cup of cocoa, and some world-class forgiveness. After all, ask yourself: wouldn’t you want another chance at love and acceptance if you were in Eleanor’s shoes? Amen to that, and pass the biscuits!
Love and prayers,
Mary
