Counterfeit Affection & the Cornerstone of Family
A gentle reflection on discernment, deception, and the sacredness of connection
“As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
— St. John Paul II, Theology of the Body
This quote has been lingering in my heart lately—especially on my daily prayer walks. It reminds me of something holy and foundational: the family is a cornerstone of society, yes, but more than that—it’s a cornerstone of our hearts. It’s how we learn to love, to trust, to be seen.
And when something tries to divide that? It matters.
That’s why I want to gently share something that’s been troubling me—not just because of what’s happening on the surface, but because of the deeper spiritual threads beneath it.
Many of you are familiar with The Chosen and the beautiful portrayal of Jesus by Jonathan Roumie. His work has deeply touched so many. But sadly, with that kind of light often comes shadow.
There are people using his name, his likeness, and his reputation to scam others online—posing as him, or as his manager, or someone close to him, reaching out through private messages. Sometimes it seems innocent. Other times it leads to emotional manipulation and even financial harm.
But more than anything, it causes spiritual confusion.
And I say this not from a place of judgment—I say it with so much tenderness. Because I know the feeling of reaching for connection. Of wanting to be seen. Of hoping the message that feels “just for you” is from God.
But the Holy Spirit is never deceptive. He does not move in secret. He does not isolate us from our people or ask us to hide.
If someone—anyone, even someone claiming to be a beloved public figure—asks you to keep a connection secret, or discourages you from including your family, that’s not the Holy Spirit. That’s a red flag.
I’ve had to learn this the hard way. I’ve done things I hoped were harmless, but deep down, I didn’t want anyone to know. And that feeling? That impulse to hide? It’s what Adam and Eve felt after the fall: they were naked, and ashamed, and so—they hid.
Shame always tries to pull us into secrecy. Love brings us into the light.
This kind of manipulation doesn’t just happen online—it shows up in daily life, too:
Friends who love you… until you speak a truth they don’t like.
Men who offer affection right away, but disconnect you from your roots.
Voices that seem comforting at first, but leave you confused or isolated.
If it pulls you away from your people, your values, or your peace—it isn’t love. Even if it sounds like it.
And so, as I ended my walk today, I returned again to John Paul II’s words: “Families are the cornerstone.”
How disconnected have we become that we reach outside our homes, our communities, even our faith, looking for someone to confirm we exist? I’ve been there. And I know how easy it is to mistake attention for affection, or fantasy for faith.
So this isn’t a callout. It’s a calling in.
Back to discernment. Back to community. Back to Love Himself.
If this resonates with you, I’m praying over you right now:
🕊️ for clarity,
🕊️ for peace,
🕊️ and for the courage to turn from counterfeit comfort toward what is real and holy and healing.
With grace,
Chelle Lynn
Serenity Driven
🕊️ A Closing Prayer:
Lord, You are the voice of truth and peace. You call us out of hiding and into holy connection. For every person reading this, I ask that You pour out clarity, protect their hearts from confusion, and help them feel Your presence as their anchor. Where there has been shame, let there be grace. Where there has been deception, let there be discernment. And where there has been longing, let it be met by Your love.
Amen.
💭 A Gentle Reflection:
Have I ever mistaken attention for affection?
Is there any area of my life where I feel the need to hide?
What does God’s love feel like when it’s real and healthy?
Take a few moments to journal, pray, or simply sit with these questions.
💌 Want to Talk More?
If you’re feeling confused, hurt, or unsure what to do next—please know: you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And I’m here to pray with you, support you, or just listen.
📬 Feel free to reach out or submit a prayer request here: chellelynn@serenitydriven.com
💬 Leave a comment or DM if this resonated with you.
This space is safe. You are seen.
