How to Effectively Pass on Family Tradition - FamilyVision Column

By: Daryl Green
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:41:45
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“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps, for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” Psalms 137:1-4

Our family is filled with sadness due to the death of the last matriarch of our clan. Why do I feel that something is missing? I can remember all the family history and traditions that were passed along. Who will tell the children those outlandish stories? Do you remember the story about walking through snow going to school? Family history is something most people take for granted. Who keeps up with your history?

Most family history is verbal. It’s handed down from generation to generation. No one wants to admit that his or her favorite relative will die someday. Most families expect the next generation to do better (education, wealth, leadership, etc.). These expectations can scare us because we don’t want to be responsible for any setbacks. Well, to be honest, this frightens me.

Several years ago, I spoke at my father’s funeral. I could not hold back the tears. God had given me a great mentor to guide me through manhood; God was now taking him back. My dad had achieved so much despite his lack of a formal education. He had set a standard for me…my measuring stick. I felt my father’s shoes were too large to fill; however, I could not hide from my responsibility. It was my turn. Would I falter under the pressure? Passing the family’s collective experience to the next generation is a necessary part of building strong leadership within families.

How can families preserve this rich knowledge base? Who is going to remind us of the old ways? Read the newspaper and you’ll find youth on the rampage. Many want to point fingers--media, society, movies, and ill-equipped parents. Society needs to find answers to help this young generation. Let’s use one of our greatest treasures, our seniors. Age doesn’t always translate into wisdom, however.

You shouldn’t follow some person just because of his age, but look at that person’s life. Look to individuals who have a proven track record. Today’s parents complain about the pressures and costs of raising children. Older parents (some with ten or more children and less money) managed, however, to educate their children with no government assistance. As we enter this new millennium, we cannot afford to reject the wisdom from past generations. Here are some suggestions:

• Use senior citizens in mentoring young people with their expertise.
• Encourage seniors to write their stories and experiences for the next generation.
• Visit a nursing home and discover all the wisdom there.
• Conduct videotape interviews with seniors for your church/community archive.
• Submit articles to news editors relating to seniors in your community.

Knowledge is wasted if it isn’t used correctly. Why make the same mistakes, over and over? Take heed from the wisdom that’s all around you. Build on the previous generations by avoiding the same traps. We must preserve our heritage and legacy. It is a responsibility we must all bear. If you don’t preserve this rich history, don’t expect anyone else to care about your own generation. Give future generations that corporate knowledge that exists now. Start today.

Article source: Expert Articles