PRESCRIPTIONS FOR A HAPPY FAMILY
By Pastor & Mrs. Booker, Sr.

What is a family?
A Family has traditionally been defined as a married couple or group of adult kin with children who cooperates and divide labor along sex lines, rear children and share a common dwelling place.

There are a variety of families that has emerged in todayıs society.

They are as follow:
  • Single-parent Families
  • Cohabiting Families
  • Blended Families
  • Families without children
  • Gay and Lesbian Families

The Function of the Families is to:

  • Provide knowledge of the Love and Grace of God
  • Provide a source of intimacy
  • Provide financial resources
  • Provide socialization for the children within the community

1. The First prescription for a Happy Family is "COMMUNICATION":

  • Communication in the Family Col. 3:8 and 1 Cor. 15:44
  • Communication to our Fellow-man Eph. 4:29

2. The Second prescription for a Happy Family is "AFFIRMATION":

For most of us, we like to hear the phrase "I Love You". It may be a short sentence, but it can go a long way in smoothing a hurt, drying a tear, restoring a crumbling self-worth and maintaining a feeling of satisfaction and well-being.

By letting others in our family know that we care about them and that we are interested in their projects, problems, feelings, and opinions; and also by having our family members return our affirmation, this is essential to family health.

Affirmation can be displayed in three areas: Titus 3:8

  • Words - cheerful, kind, and pleasant words are to be spoken.
  • Deeds - perfect in purity of thought, word and deeds.
  • Actions - Brother Keeper

3. The Third prescription for a Happy Family is "RESPECT": (James 2:9 and Roman 2:11)

Maintain a respect for their uniqueness and differences even though we may not necessarily agree or understand. Criticism, ridicule, and rejection undermines self-esteem and severely restricts individual growth. Families that hamper the express of their childrenıs attitudes and beliefs tend to send into society children who are unable to respect differences in others. In addition to exhibiting respect for others, a healthy family member also insists on being respected in return.

4. The Fourth prescription for a Happy Family is "TRUST": (Proverb 3:4 & 5)

Children who know they are trusted are able to develop self-confidence and a sense of responsibility for themselves and others. Not only do children need to "earn" the right to be called trustworthy but parents do too. It is important for parents to be realistic in their promises to children and honest about their own mistakes and shortcomings. It is also important for children to see that their parents trust each other.

5. The Fifth prescription for a Happy Family is "ROLE MODELING":

A loving relationship between parents seems to breed security in the children, and in turn, it fosters the ability to take risk, to reach out to others to search for their own answers in becoming independent and to develop a good self-image. [Work, play, and worship]

The more children observe their elders in situation that demonstrate mutual trust, respect, and care; the more they are encouraged to incorporate these successful and satisfying behaviors into their own lives.

6. The Sixth prescription for a Happy Family is "RESPONSIBILITY & MORALITY": (Roman 6:12)

The acquisition of responsibility is rooted in self-respect and appreciation of the interdependence of people. When we as children develop a sense of our own self-worth, we begin to understand how much difference our own acts can make in the lives of others: This feeling of making a difference aids the further growth of self-esteem.

Successful families realize the importance of delegating responsibility in household chores, sharing in family decision, and by developing responsible behavior (Completing homework, remembering appointments, keeping their words, cleaning up our own mess).

Healthy families also know the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes and face the consequences. These lessons can be very painful at times, but they are stepping-stones to growth and success.

7. The Seventh prescription for a Happy Family is "SPIRITUAL WELLNESS":

Spiritual Wellness gives meaning, purpose, and hope to a family. It provides a sense of community and support. In times of adversity, families tap their spiritual resources to gain the strength they need to sustain themselves.


Seven ways to help spirituality work in families

1. Set aside time each day for meditation; prayer. Try to get outdoors to enjoy the beauty of nature.

2. Join a discussion group; such as Sabbath School, Prayer Meeting, or Bible Study...

3. Examine your own values. Try keeping a journal of your thoughts.

4. Help your children to clarify their values.

5. Identify three of your strengths. Work on developing them more fully. Identify three of your weaknesses. Decide how you can improve in theses areas.

6. Have regular family devotions. Read inspirational materials, pray together, sing together, count your blessings, and reaffirm your love and commitments to each other.

7. Volunteer time, energy, and monies to a cause that helps others.

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