|
There are many things that acquire from our parents or others in our family. Our families pass on genetic traits... whether it be physical appearance, personality, disease, addiction, etc... both good and bad things. There are some things that are taught to us or that we pick up just from the experience of living with our parents and family. Again, they could be good or bad. For example, my dad would do whatever he had to do to win, even against us kids growing up. I find myself in the same boat when playing with my kids. I WILL win the game... no mercy :) Seriously though, while there are characteristics like my example that may be funny, there are some things that are not so funny... often referred to as family curses... that need to be broken.
Often times, people will too easily just accept negative characteristics and just say "well, that's just how I am... that's how I was raised... that's how my dad acts too... my whole family drinks, so I'll never be able to quit...", etc. If you struggle with negative attitudes, addictions, etc that have a negative affect on your life, job, family and everything else around you... then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Don't just accept it. You don't have to! It probably isn't something that you can address on your own, but if that is the case, then seek help. Talk to your pastor, a close friend, a parent... whoever is most appropriate in your situation... and don't forget - talk to GOD about it! He wants to help you into your breakthrough!
In some families, it is clear to see a common struggle that has passed from generation to generation. Pastor Perry has referred to this before as "the red thread". This could be alcoholism, physical abuse, or many other things. It seems to be very easy to fall into the same pattern that you grew up seeing modeled by a parent... and unfortunately, it is seen far too often become a reality in so many families. Is this the case in your family? Are you falling into a negative pattern just like generations before you? Or are you making a decision to be the ONE person in the family that chooses to break the family curse?!
In my family, I've grown up seeing a very clear picture of this. On my dad's side of the family, there were generations of alcoholism that wreaked havoc on the families. It lead to divorce, early deaths, and the rest of what usually follows that lifestyle. Fortunately, my grandpa made a choice... one that changed the generations to follow. After seeing alcohol destroy his family, he made a decision that HIS family was not going to follow in the same direction. He made his way to church and gave his life to Jesus. He continued on a path with God as the center. He married, had children, raised his family in the church, and lead by example... in the process, he established a NEW family. He established a whole new set of characteristics and lifestyle that could be passed on to future generations. Praise God!
Now, growing up I've seen this as a clear picture. While my grandpa broke that family curse, he had a brother who did not... a brother who continued on the same path as their father, a path that has continued onto to each generation to follow. Every few years, something will happen like the death of a great-grandparent that brings both sides of this family together. The picture was always so clear to me... one side was full of divorce, alcoholism, and one mess after another. The other side, my grandpa's side, was full of strong families that were Christians, and many involved in full-time ministry. No one had to explain this to me. It was easily seen and was always a reminder to me of how important our life decisions were. The decisions you make do not just affect you... they affect everyone around you and those to follow!
Over this passed Christmas season, we were reflecting on this... talking about that important decision my grandpa made that has made such a huge impact on our entire family. We are so thankful and have been so blessed! As YOU start this new year of 2011, is there something in your life that you need to change? I'm not talking about losing 10 pounds... I'm talking about major issues that have cursed your family for generations. YOU could be the one that changes the family from today and on into future generations! Keep God as the center of your life, and build your family on His Word. Make right decisions that will bring your family blessing instead of cursing!
|
perry meade
