Years ago it was very common for families to be close; however, today it is very rare and looked at as odd. Before families would pray together, go to church together, eat meals together, go out together, and live in the same general area when the children grew up and went out into the world.

Today though, it is very rare to see families go out together, eat meals together, let alone pray or go to church together unless it is a Holiday or a major event in their life, such as a wedding or a funeral. This change saddens me more then I can express in words. I can only guess the reasons as to why this has changed: the job market, the increased living expenses, increased school requirements for homework and projects, increase in single parent homes (increased divorce rate)? These are some of the reasons why I think people are home with their families less.

I don’t blame just the parents it is the children too. Today they want to go out all the time, watch TV, and play video games. What happened to family picnics, family game nights, family movie nights? Why are they so uncommon? What are your excuses?

I was home schooled for most of my school life so I was with my family all the time. And the home school community always had events and projects going on for the whole family. I know public schools hold events for the families as well but are they enough to keep a family close? I feel very blessed to have spent a lot of time with my family during my growing up years because of home school and past health issues. My family and I are still very close because of it. A lot of families can not say they are as close to their relatives as my family and I are. I get sad at what a lot of people are missing out on.

I made a pledge to stay close, literally and figuratively, to my family no matter where life takes us all. Believe it or not I have been told by multiple people that they think this pledge is very odd and they just don’t understand why I would make a promise like that. I can give many reasons, but the main one is because I want to. I love my family very much and they are good people. I am glad to have them with me. Don’t get me wrong we have our difficult moments.

I have to say we have even lost touch in the time we get to spend together and sadly we don’t pray together much anymore, which we are trying to change as a whole.

The reason I am writing this is because I want you to sit down and think about your family or those in your life who you consider family and ask yourself these questions. Do you wish you were closer? Can you do anything to try and change that? Will you take the necessary steps to get closer to your family? You could be missing out on something great if you do not.

The Bible talks about how important families are all the time. Example:

*Genesis 12:3: (King James Bible)

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

*Psalm 68:6: (King James Bible)

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

 1 Timothy 5:8 (King James Bible)

If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. [who performs his obligation in these matters].

How about Acts ch: 7. The story of Joseph and his family, sure they had a lot of trouble, back stabbing each other over a coat, regret, anger, but in the end when they were reunited they still loved each other.

Or, how about Genesis ch: 5. Noah’s Family God told him to take 2 of every animal one of each gender, His wife, his three sons’ and their wives on the ark. Why? So they can Make and extend their families, to prosper the earth and continue to live.

Without A family we would not be here, we would cease to exist with out parents or children. We are in a family for a reason, to support each other in many ways not just financially but emotionally, physically, mentally, and SPIRITUALLY. Families should work, grow, lean, and love together. And to when the time comes, create new lives in the family if possible to keep the family going. That is a topic for another time.

Call a family meeting, set up one day a week for just you and them to do something, this will be easier if you’re a parent and you have children still living at home. If your family is spread out across the country make it once a month or once every 6 months? Or try a conference call or a chat room meeting for all of you. If you already do this encourage your friends and neighbors to do so also. In a loving matter of course, One gets more with sugar than spice. It doesn’t really matter what you do as much as that you do something. I recommend PRAYING TOGETHER at the least Even television shows realize how important this is, look at Gilmore girls and even Charmed. Maybe if we all did this there would be less broken homes, more caring people, and a happier and lower crime filled world??

Family is very important, and Thanksgiving is a great time to remember this and to give thanks for your family. There is a saying I love and I think is very true. “A Family that Prays together Stays together.” Mine is great proof of that…. So are we really that Odd? Or would you say we are blessed??

If you don’t have people in your life that you consider family, you have us here in this blog, and other Christian believers. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and one huge Family. So call on us. Find a good church where you can fellowship with other family members there. You will be welcomed I can assure you!

3 John 1:5 (The Message Bible)

Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.

Thanks for reading this, it has been on my heart for some time and I am sorry I have not said something sooner.

Ephesians 6:13 (The Message Bible)

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each others spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.