Definition of FAMILY

1 : a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head : household
2 a : a group of persons of common ancestry : clan
b : a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock : race
3 a : a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation : fellowship
b : the staff of a high official (as the President)
4 : a group of things related by common characteristics: as
a : a closely related series of elements or chemical compounds
b : a group of soils with similar chemical and physical properties (as texture, pH, and mineral content) that comprise a category ranking above the series and below the subgroup in soil classification
c : a group of related languages descended from a single ancestral language
5 a : the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family
b : spouse and children
6 : a group of related plants or animals forming a category ranking above a genus and below an order and usually comprising several to many genera b in livestock breeding (1) : the descendants or line of a particular individual especially of some outstanding female (2) : an identifiable strain within a breed
7 : a set of curves or surfaces whose equations differ only in parameters
8 : a unit of a crime syndicate (as the Mafia) operating within a geographical area


As you can see from the above definition of family taken directly from the Webster online dictionary there are eight scenarios that qualify the term "family". This is not a word I take lightly this is a word that for me holds boundless meaning. I consider my friends a part of my family. I consider my "family" to be of great value and I honour my family with the respect they deserve. I exclude no one. My extended family is held in the same regard as my immediate family. No one person is any less an important member than the next. We are all individuals and I cherish each and every one for their uniqueness.


If I see a family member (remember this also includes my friends) hurt or struggling with something I will offer my hand or a kind word. If I see a family member accomplishing a goal or attaining a dream I cheer and congratulate. If I see a family member set out to purposefully hurt another precious member of my family I am outraged! This is unacceptable. No one member of my family is better or more important than the next and if I hear of such imbalances I set out to right them again.


I am a peace keeper by nature. I have little tolerance for in fighting and when I have the opportunity to offer support or guidance to those family members encountering such difficulties I do my best to help. Granted there are times when the opposing parties just will not listen to reason. That's ok, eventually balance is restored and life proceeds accordingly. However there is no excuse for blatantly and purposefully hurting another individual so deeply that it sets them into a state of tremendous sorrow that lasts days. How can one be so utterly cruel? No amount of justification excuses this behaviour.

Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (NIV)


James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (NIV)


Two very pertinent verses to live by. Hold your tongue and show compassion. I am a firm believer in turn the other cheek but I will, when provolked, defend those who cannot or will not defend themselves. I will in my own quiet way let offending individuals know they have wounded deeply with their sword of reckless words. That no amount of self justification will reverse the damages. I know that in the end all wrongs will be righted and when we are faced with the question "are you worthy" there will be more than a few of us scrambling for an answer. Am I worthy? I don't know right now. I do know that my journey of becoming worthy is on going and though I take wrong turns now and then I eventually find my way back on my path.


Family is so very very important to the well being of the individual. It gives you a sense of belonging and worth. It reminds us that we are not alone that we have others to share our joys and sorrows. That there will always be someone there to "have your back" and to lend a hand when you need it. Family is not about hurt and distrust it is not about vengeance or negligence. It is about love and honour.

My wish for all those I consider my family, friends included, is for a sense of belonging and acceptance regardless of rank or race, religious belief or following. If we are all children of God then by definition are we not all family? Who among us can say who should be included and who should be excluded? Who is more Godly than the rest to make that determination? Who can look themselves in the mirror and say "My actions are just and worthy?" and know it's true? IF so, great. IF not what are you going to do to change your actions and make amends?

You have to ask yourself, "who have I hurt today?" and to be truly accountable for your actions. Take a mental inventory every night when you go to bed and if there is anyone on your list be sure to make amends as soon as possible because life is too short and you may miss your opportunity to make right your wrong to solidify your worthiness.


With much love, light and one big happy family,
Tammy.