The word family is “in”. Its popularity continues
to increase. This resurgence pleases me, for I don’t
know of any realm of life that offers more companionship in
a chaotic world or greater feelings of security and purpose
in troubled times than the close ties of a strong Christian
family. A happy family life does not just happen.
It’s a result of deliberate intention, determination,
and practice. We see several families that are deteriorating
in today’s society. From divorce and rampant immorality
to child abuse and rebellion, it seems to me that the close-knit
family is becoming extinct. But strong families are not just
found in novels, short stories, or fairy tales reruns. It
is truly possible to enjoy a warm and wonderful family life,
if we are committed to it, when we spend time with and appreciate
each other, engage in constant communication, and most of
all when we pray together as one.
Raising
a Family
I was a very young housewife when I came across the book
entitled: Husbands, Wives, Parents, Children (Foundations
for the Christian Family). I must have read it a good
number of times. It inspired me in raising my family. Author
Ralph Martin has encouraged me to set biblical priorities
that enabled me to enjoy my husband and my children in the
good times and also stay together through the bad times.
He has inspired me to fill my home with love, laughter,
mutual respect, encouragement, aspirations, and a treasure
chest of beautiful memories. Life can be filled with personal
trials, domestic concerns, and economic difficulties. “Marriage
is not a bed of roses”, goes a famous quote. But no
matter the ages of our children are or how difficult the
circumstances, this book has offered a rewarding and inspiring
look at creating a family that sticks together and stays
happily together.
Domesticity
and the Workplace
Millions of us prefer books, films, songs, and television
channels that portray bits and pieces of modern life. Whether
they are performances about personal heroism or neighborhood
crime, silly sitcoms, or never-ending telenovelas,
family-related shows get our highest vote. Yet though the
family is enjoying prominent place in the theater and media
exposure, who says that the domestic scene being read, portrayed,
sung, or staged is an accurate one? The models on
display may be entertaining, endearing, upbeat, even funny,
but would most of us agree they represent the truth? Does
their message really equip us to build a home founded on
Christian values and teachings?
Rise of Dysfunctional
Families
Reading popular bestsellers, watching an interesting movie,
or even a wholesome, humorous television show alone or with
company may be relaxing – even stimulating. But is
it enough to redirect the garbage today’s real world
coming in our direction? Something terribly important
is missing: a consistent dose of biblical truth mixed with
wisdom to be practiced in most families. By substituting
the entertaining for the eternal, a shortcut to happiness
and satisfaction is suggested by what mass media can offer
us. What disturbs me is the number of dysfunctional families
that continue to rise in our society today. What saddens
me is the number of families that have lost touch with their
spirituality.
Strengthening
the Family Foundation
What good is it if the family is “in” but this
timeless wisdom is “out.” By that, I mean an
understanding of the family that goes beyond a list of shallow
rules and rigid regulations, a deeper sense of religiosity,
and strengthening the foundations of a Christian family.
That, in a nutshell, explains why I have chosen
to give my time and attention to my own family and in partnership
with my husband place proper emphasis on wisdom despite
all odds, trials, and complexities in family living.
Nothing is
Impossible
Ralph Martin’s book on the family evokes many emotions.
His readers must have been affirmed, encouraged, and reassured.
Others, however, must have been all the more confused and
continue to wonder how they can change horses in midstream.
Still others must have been disappointed, feeling they have
lost precious time in raising their families. Looking back,
many parents long for the impossible, namely, a chance to
raise their families all over again.
Life on Graceful
Wings
It would be wonderful if we lived a cut above humanity
– soaring through life on graceful wings. It still
brings a smile on my face every time I see a family reunited
at town fiestas, birthday parties, or simply enjoying precious
hours at malls. Watching them engage in caring conversation
and arm-in-arm affirmation renews my hope for our society
now downtrodden with many broken families. It is a beautiful
sight to behold parents and children treating each other
as the best of friends. What matters is that fathers
and mothers are staying at the unheralded, relentless, and
often thankless task of building their homes by wisdom,
establishing it by understanding, filling each room with
precious hugs and kisses, and building unforgettable memories
that will last for a lifetime. Enough children reared in
places like that will provide all that is needed to turn
our much-troubled world around.
The secret rests with the family – yours and mine.
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