The importance of protecting the family unit

SUMMARY: The teachings of a father endure in the lives of his children leaving a mark that neither time nor the changing conditions in life erase. The author shares a teaching their father gave them in a time of illness that he knew would be brought into the presence of the Lord. His desire was to establish unity and harmony between them as siblings. He used an image of five chopsticks to represent the family unit and how staying in unity will help them not only achieve their individual goals but also prevent them from being hurt by walking alone. The author reflects on the importance of unity in families and how it promotes a healthy and united church. They pray for their family and the church to have unity and harmony in all relationships.

The teachings of a father endure in the lives of his children leaving a mark that neither time nor the changing conditions in life erase. I want to share a teaching my father gave us in a time of illness that he knew would be brought into the presence of the Lord. His desire was to establish unity and harmony between us as brothers.

I grew up in a home with three sisters and a brother. As you know, where there are so many children, there is no lack of conflicts over toys or any situation. My parents bought all of us dolls or toys so that we wouldn't have little fights, of course they also bought trolleys or toys for my brother. Also, when it came to clothes, they bought us all dresses, shoes, etc. Unless it was a birthday which explained a special day for each of us. In times of little trouble, they taught us and helped us reconcile and we ended up hugging and playing again. Already being all older at the time my father was affected by terminal cancer, he received word from the Lord that he was going to take him away.