Let me explain what I mean by “in the middle,” because I’m not talking to the middle child of the family. I’m talking to the people who have a broken family that cannot get it together.

First off, I hate, hate, hate associating brokenness with family. No one can understand every person’s home life, but believe me when I say we all have something behind the Christmas cards.

I am the kid in the middle

It has taken me years of pain and personal brokenness to understand that it is not our fault. Divorce wasn't my breaking point. Fortunately, my parents realized they weren't quite compatible when I was around two. I was very accustomed to living with my mom and the two hour drive we took on the weekends to go visit my dad. For most of my childhood, I was blessed to say my parents were pretty civil with each other. I could look at both of them and they were equals.

Somewhere down the line things grew colder between my parents. Bitterness set in, especially between my dad and stepmom. It was made clear to me that I was about to have to take a side between my parents.

I was 14 and treated like I was 35. My head was being filled with thoughts about my mom that no one should ever have to hear from their dad. Whether your parents are together or divorced, they are supposed to be a united front and put away their differences.

Stop feeling like you are not enough

I never felt like I was enough for one half of my family because they just couldn't help tearing down the woman that raised me. No matter what anyone says, you and I are enough. Don’t let the toxicity that your family members may spread pollute you.

Stop feeling like you have to sway when you are tugged in so many directions. Stand your ground whether you're two feet or six. You have a mind, you have a soul, you have feelings and your family, sweet child, should not be what is breaking you in such a cruel world.

They should be your solace.