We live in a very self-centered society, particularly here in the United States. Everything is geared toward what the individual can achieve and acquire. There is an excessive emphasis given to what feels good to “me”, with little regard for how others feel, what others need. Such an attitude creates indifference at best, and at worst, failed marriages, children who feel inconsequential, and a society where neighbours not only don’t know each other, but don’t care to.
Family Centered Living creates an atmosphere of interdependence rather than independence. An interdependent atmosphere focuses on the needs of all members of the family, a family that is engaged and concerned for the well-being of all. Such a family will have long, successful marriages, children who know that they are loved, and who are confident – literally with faith- and are consciously and actively engaged in society.
In a family centered environment, achievements are striven toward as a family unit; and success belongs to the entire family. A family, like a sports team, succeeds when all of its members work together toward a common goal, with a set of strategies, and rules of play.
Family Centered Living is totally counter-cultural. It changes the game entirely. It turns a family’s world into a culture of interconnectedness, of inclusiveness. It is a culture of life-giving love.
The first step is to establish a family mission.
