Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday February 24, 2009

In the course of conducting the ministry the Lord has entrusted to me, I often refer to some aspect of the family from a positive or tragically the destructive perspective. Dysfunctional families appear to be on the rise as society discourages, even mocks the nuclear family.

The power of the family to encourage or discourage is attested by volumes of history and more people rise above the ordinary as a result of positive reinforcement from the family than the few who manage this in spite of negative input from parents and siblings. The best cheerleading squad is the immediate family.

Bonnie Hunt seems to be a rising star in talk television shows with a variety slant and I understand she is very good at what she does. Bonnie made a statement the other day that is making the rounds and it struck a chord with me that I think may resonate in your mind and heart. Not that I have any idea as to how to induce your family to cheer for you, but rather give a little nudge to you about encouraging family whom you influence. Referring to her mother, who is a weekly guest on her show, Bonnie said:

"In our business knowing your family really likes your work is a blessing."

It is my observation over many years of watching; that knowing your family really likes your work in any business is a blessing. Most sane people really do care about what their family thinks of their life work. During the recent political campaign the story made the rounds of a woman who was elected president of the United States. At her inauguration as she was being sworn in, her mother was heard to remark, "Oh yes this is a great day for her, but you do know her brother is a doctor." The point being the brother met the idea of Mother�s concept of what her children should be, while the daughter had chosen her own path, thus disappointing the controller/mother.

The ability for parents and siblings to rejoice in the chosen career of children or brothers and sisters is one of the great joyful motivators in life. To encourage family members to be very good in their chosen field is a great contribution to life in general. Many professions which may be chosen do entail some pain, even suffering, but that is a worthwhile price for doing them or in the case of some, obeying the call. Mary, the Mother of Christ understood this from the Conception of Christ and often while shedding a tear for His pain, grasped the truth of the reason for His being here.

From experience I understand you deeply want to know about my children and how I feel about their choices. Well, Dawn is an investment counselor for a multinational bank, and Jon pastors what is becoming a very large church. Am I happy with their choices? Pretty much, although my choice for them would have been that they each become multi billionaires with a deep love and sense of obligation to their poor old dad. But, hey you can't have everything.

Larry Lilly Copyright (C) 2009 Use with credit.

My new book, Lasting Friendships in 30 Days is ready at:
http://larrylilly.com/30Days.aspx

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