Family

Family, the simplest, yet most complicated unit, in history.

Family is where we come from. We may be blessed with a wonderful family or come from very humble beginnings.

Holding Violet

Holding Violet

Recently we had a family reunion. Our 'hillbilly' cousins stayed with us for about a week. We see them every few years. What a heartwarming scene of cousins playing together and experiencing true laughter from the belly. One day, my little 4 year old cousin collapsed in my arms from sear exhaustion. As I was holding her on the porch swing, an overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace came over me. What came to mind is 'family are 'your people' God places before you to share life together'. We share joys, sorrows, troubles, successes, failures and usually lots of food.

Do you build up the family or tear it down?

I recently was listening to a Catholic radio station and a priest was asked about sex before marriage. He said the most beautiful thing. Rather than talking about what is a sin he looked at the reason why we have this 'rule'. He said “the seeds of society are grown by the love of a woman and a man. This goes all the way back to Adam and Eve.” Got me thinking, this is a great and grave responsibility not to be taken lightly. The reflection of a society starts with a glimpse into the family life. Where a man and woman love, care, nurture, support their children, the family is a solid, loving unit. Where there is discourse and selfishness, the family is not a cohesive unit. Off course, the best parenting can result in not-so-good kids, we can thank free will for that, but for the point I'm making, family reflects society.

No matter what, family is there.

Sometimes it's annoying.

You want your personal space. My oldest likes her room. Family love is unconditional. No matter what choices you make, friends may come and go, but family is constant and puts up with you. We may not support or like every decision another family member makes, but we are one thing: there. A healthy family will do whatever it takes to make sure you're are taken care of and loved.

Seventeen years could pass before you see a cousin but it's like you meet a new person who has always been there. The family connection never dies.

Simple Family

There's no such thing as a simple family. We are complicated and unique as snowflakes. However, the task of each family member is simple, that is to have a love that never wavers, faults and all. If we do this within our own family, wouldn't that be a great society to live in?

Catholics call the family the “Domestic Church”. Holiness begins here. What is holiness? Rubbing tired feet, doing chores without complaint, sharing meals, playing board games, going to church together, attending sporting events, dance recitals, encouraging hobbies, being lazy on the couch, talking about life, doing things you don't want to do but doing them anyway, simple, ordinary things done with love.

The Miracle of Fatima

In 1917, the Blessed Mother Mary appeared to three children in Portugal; Jacinta, Lucia, and Francisco. 

You can read more here: https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/why-fatima-matters-in-the-battle-for-life-and-family 

These children had visions of the Blessed Mother Mary and she told them many things. Our Lady predicted the shooting of Pope John Paul II and the 2^nd World War. She was very concerned with Russia and communism. Sister Lucia grew up to be a nun. Sister Lucia said Our Lady told her:

"the final battle between the Lord and the reign of Satan will be about marriage and the family. Don’t be afraid, she added, because anyone who operates for the sanctity of marriage and the family will always be contended and opposed in every way, because this is the decisive issue. And then she concluded: however, Our Lady has already crushed its head."   

Our Lady of Fatima is calling for repentance and prayer.

Not to be all doomsday, but isn't that happening now? Now, some of you may not believe in Marian apparitions, but this one is remarkable. The grave responsibility of a man and woman planting seeds is being replaced by the pleasure principle. Today there is a 50% chance you will get divorced. The marriage commitment is passe. Many get married with knowing there is an opt out if you are bored or not happy. That leads me to a question. Why are people so unhappy? Not to be all judgy, judgy but from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely pray that our society will once again see the value good marriages make for the betterment of humanity.

So what if you are in a bad marriage? Work on it until you are exhausted. Find peace in knowing you have tried all you can. Yes, even good marriages are exhausting. Yes, some marriages need dissolved. Don't let your marriage end because you were lazy.  Marriage is hard work. If you want our society to become better, pray for marriages.

So what if you have a bad family? You can't control where you come from but you can control your thoughts, words, and actions. Recognize there is no such thing as a normal family, we all have our dysfunctions. Be thankful for the gift of life and learn to forgive. It will bring you peace.

No worries, our Mother is comforting. She also told the children of Fatima that we will have a time of peace on Earth. Maybe this time is after we win the battle of the family?

Family all begins with the love a woman and a man. Seeds are planted, Violets and Daisies grow. God's plan is beautiful. He gave us the family, companions so we don't have to be alone on our Earthly pilgrimage.

Do you help society by building your family up or tearing it down?

Thank you for indulging me in reading my random thoughts. God love you!