Who Should Introduce the Children to the Family Members? Part 2

Greeting Sister’s,

First, I want to say I’m very sorry for the delay in posting this article.  On September 11th we had a major Hurricane that hit land where I live, we remained at home for 2 days with the power off, but my dad began to get confused, and I got sick because of the heat.   The Lord spared my home and all my neighbors, but we lost electricity for a week.  During that time, my sister and her husband opened their doors unto us.  They even came and picked us up and we remained with them until the power was restored. Once we returned home, I had to work on getting someone to clean up all the debris in the yard; and try to get my home restocked with food and other supplies.  I give God all the praise, honor and glory for keeping us safe once again, in Jesus name. Amen.    The month of October brought more storms, but this time it was medical ailments which came and seemed to linger on into the month of November.  God came through again and delivered me, I give Him all the glory, honor and praise for doing it again, and again!  Amen.

The Dangers of Not Informing Your Children of Their Family as well as Extended Family Members:

Maybe you’re wondering what we’re going to talk about on this topic, but it’s a very important one.  There have been times that, because the parents didn’t do their job in educating their children on who all the family members were, that some have married their close cousin and even their siblings.  That is why it’s so very important for you to be sure that your children continue to be involved in the lives of your family members.  

We Are All Part of a Family Unit:   Today, many families have a one parent home, but if you’re blessed to have had two parents (a dad and mom), you were very fortunate.  Sometimes the paternal or maternal grandparents are included within that family.  Some cultures prefer to bring the elders to live with them as they are older, so they can take good care of them.  If there has been a loss of life of a family member, if they had children, they may be taken into that family unit as well.  

You alone should have clear knowledge of all the members of your family, if not, then try to make an investigation to locate them.  It will help to bring clarity to many questions you may have regarding them, and also help you to give answers to your children. 

If your parents didn’t raise you, please forgive them and love them.  

1 Peter 4:8 says, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover a multitude of sins.”  

John 13:34-35 says, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  

Do you see what Jesus said?  While we were yet in our sinful state, He gave His life for us.  He didn’t tell us to change first, then He would go to the cross for us!  He was obedient to what His Father asked of Him, even unto His death!  He realized that His Father had a greater vision for humanity, and He had a role to make that come to pass. Therefore, for whatever reason either of your parents may have been absent from your home, if you have given your life to Jesus, it’s your duty to obey His word, which tells you to love one another, just as He has loved you.   If you find it hard to do, ask the Lord to give you the strength, and to heal you of whatever may be standing in the way of you fully loving them.  

Dear Friend, God can truly change your situation if you open up your heart and allow Him to do it!  

If your parents or grandparents are living with you, please show them all the love you can, because if it weren’t for them, there would be no you.  They are at the age in their life where they deserve lots of love, peace, and rest.  Their struggles should be over, and whatever their short comings were must be forgiven.  This is the time of their life when you should make certain that they are fully knowledgeable of who Jesus is, the sacrifice He made, and see that they’re welcomed into the Kingdom of God family.  What years they have left on earth should be spent living it in the presence of the Lord until He calls them home.

Ephesians 6:2-3 says, “Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

If you have siblings, it’s your duty to show them the love of God.  If there is any problem between you, see to it, that you work towards forgiveness and restoration.  Life is too short to waste valuable time on petty things.  Make a habit when you can, to do something special for each of them.  It could be a simple phone call to see how they are doing.   It could be to send a “Thinking of You” card with some heartfelt words; to let them know how much you love them.  You might wonder why you should be the one initiating this, it’s simply because you’re the one in the light, so learn to let it shine brightly!

Who Should Introduce the Children to Family?

Maybe you have had that talk with your spouse about who should be in charge of introducing the children to those of your extended family.  Though the responsibility doesn’t fall on one person, it takes a village to raise your children.  Meaning everyone in your family has something to add to the life of your children.  It’s up to you to determine how close you want them to be with each member. 

Dad, mom, and grandparents of both of you, should all do their part.  The elders, (your paternal and maternal parents) should handle the introductions of the children to their siblings.  You and your spouse should make the introductions of the children to your parents, and, siblings.  Just be certain you are present with them at all of these introductions, so you can observe their response and be there to comfort them if needed.  

If either of your parents live out of town or in another state, then a special trip should be plan by both of you, to bring the children to be introduced to them.  If they live in the same town, you still have to schedule a specific day and time, when everyone can go together. Try and make the trip as pleasant as you can, don’t be in a rush, be sure you don’t have to work the next day so you all can enjoy the outing.  

Before any Introductions, Please Take the Time to Prepare Your Children:

Most importantly, take the time during the week to prepare your children, let them know you will be bringing them to meet their grandparents.  Take time to show them some pictures of them, and tell them a little about them.  If you have pictures of yourself and your siblings allow them to view them as well.  Encourage them to ask questions about your childhood and the place where you grew up.  Before you go on the trip, take them to the store to purchase as small gift which they could give to your parents.  

I pray that you will be able to utilize all of this to enrich your family and strengthen the bond between everyone.   

May God Bless You All, and Happy NEW Year!

Elder Henry