by Larry Harris. MD

The health and prosperity of our society is directly related to the well-being of our families. Our families are the foundation of our great nation and of our world. Today, more than ever the traditional family is in trouble. Marriage between one man and one woman is under assault. Old fashion moral values are being attacked rather than passed on to our children. What can we do to recreate this tradition of strong and functional families?

1. Commit to our Marriage.  Marriage partners must fully commit themselves to each other and achieve love and respect through the guidance of God. It has been said that marriage with mutual love, respect, honor, intimacy, and lifelong commitment as its fabric, mirrors the love, sanctity, closeness and permanence of the bond between God and His church.

2. Rear our Children.  Proverbs 29:15 says "the rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother."(NIV) As parents we must be willing to accept this challenge. However, often we delegate or leave the task of training and raising our children to society. We expect the schools to teach our children about sex and morals. We allow television and movies to teach our boys and girls about love and relationships—one night stands. We expect the church to tell our precious ones about faith and trust in a higher being. Nothing could be further from the truth. As parents it is our job. We must accept the challenge of rearing our kids. We must get back to teaching the old fashion basics—the 3 R’s; Respect, Responsibility and Religion. This training must start early and it all starts at home.

3. Celebrate as a Family.  Children need encouragement like a plant needs water. Recognized or celebrate together graduations, birthdays or good grades. Thank your spouse for preparing that special dinner. Don’t forget to hug and show other signs of acceptance, affection or appreciation.

4. Compliment character more than talent. All too often in our world today the emphasis is on sports, popularity, physical appearance, ability and money. Everyone encourages, praises and supports the best three point shooter. A star quarterback is treated like a king. Television convinces our daughters that in order to be successful you have to look like a tall and thin model. On the other hand don’t forget to give high fives to the basketball star who exhibits good sportsmanship even when he doesn’t score. Give credit to the football star who respects the coach’s decision to allow others to play. Praise the young lady who befriends an overweight classmate. Over time, talent made fade or be lost, but the principles of honesty, caring, sharing, respect responsibility and love—character will last a life time. Invest in teaching and being a living example good character.

I believe that life is about ups and downs, successes and failures. How well we survive depends on how well we get up when we fall down. The love of God and the love of family are the hydraulic jacks that we need to lift us up. Let us all go to battle to recapture and secure our families so that the tradition will live on.

Dr. Larry Harris, author, of "It All Starts at Home: 15 Ways to Put Family First"

Hurricane Katrina Attacked Our Families: Now We Must Help Rebuild

by Larry C. Harris, MD

The foundation of our great nation is our families.  Hurricane Katrina attacked many of our families with the wrath and power of an atomic bomb. Lives were lost. Dreams were shattered.  Homes were destroyed.  Jobs are gone.  Families are homeless.  What can we do to help?

“It is not enough just to take care of yourself.  It counts more when you help somebody else,” says my mother and father, who are the parents of nine children.  They ingrained in us that helping others is our privilege and responsibility.

Many families have been torn apart by Katrina and we must help.  We must give of our means and our time.  We have to encourage and inspire the families to keep their heads up during these tough times.  We must also pray without ceasing that God will be with them every step of the way.  The Bible says that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16 ).

Everyone will experience challenges during their life.  Life can be full of ups and downs, but it’s how we respond that will determine if the outcome is one of failure or success.  Our response to this tragedy should be one of love and compassion.  In order to survive, rebuild, and arise victorious we must unite and come together as one.  Families must unite, not only with their individual family members, but also with those of the church and community. 

Let’s help to rebuild and strengthen the victims’ families.  Sharing and caring creates a better you - and it all starts at home.

Copyright © 2005 Larry C. Harris