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Family Strong
“Army Strong” is the recruiting slogan used by the United States Army. Through television advertisements and social networking opportunities, soldiers show why they are proud to be a part of this military operation—a “family unit” in its own right.
As great as the Army is, nothing compares to being a part of God’s army. Just as the Army is strong in its operation, the Christian family can also be strong through the power of God.
Strong families on TV
Whether it’s the Evans of Good Times, the Huxtables of The Cosby Show, or the Kyles of My Wife and Kids, through the years, television has provided examples of strong African-American family structures. Many viewed these families as models of how their family could be. However, God has given us more to teach us His plan for the family.
Home Strong
God created the family as an extension of His divine love. Even before man’s creation, one can see the care God took in fashioning the earth and, ultimately, Adam and Eve’s garden home. He dressed each creature, every blade of grass, and every drop of water to serve in making the human family strong.
Although it is easy to overlook the need for natural beauty in the modern home, we have been designed to need homes filled with sunlight, fresh air, nourishing food, and the compassion and love of family. The Christian home should be inviting to every guest that they might gain vitality and strength through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Father Strong
When someone thinks of a father, so many characters come to mind. Maybe he was fun and witty like Michael Kyle from My Wife and Kids, or stern and direct like James Evans from Good Times. Or, maybe he was just around once in a while like the dad from What’s Happening. How we describe our father plays a larger role in how we picture our heavenly Father. This is why the man of the house must be so much more than the provider. He must be a strong “house-band”—one who holds it all together.
Holding the family together is an art that can be mastered only by one who seeks God’s guidance daily. This is the only way to learn how to be a tender yet strong leader in the home. Under the direction of God, the “house-band” serves as a much-needed help and comfort to his wife, as well as a kind shepherd to the little flock entrusted to him. He shouldn’t be legalistic or speak in harsh tones to prove his might. Instead he should always seek justice and point his family to the love of God.
Mother Strong
As depicted in the character Clair Huxtable from The Cosby Show, mothers play a vital role in the home. She stands at the side of the “house-band” as a true helpmeet. Her role as an equal is very different from that of her mate’s, and is so much more than managing the affairs of the home and helping to make ends meet. Her most essential role is to nurture, train, and develop the minds and character of her children. It is only as she walks with her Father that she can teach her children what it is to walk with Him.
The responsibilities of mother have such far-reaching effects as we see in the life of Moses. It was the teachings of his mother that prepared him for greatness in the Egyptian government, and ultimately as God’s appointed leader of the children of Israel. It is the foundation laid in childhood that shapes the character building of adulthood.
Children Strong
Remembering the antics of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, it is easy to see how kids can get themselves into all sorts of trouble. However, with the guidance of godly parents, our children can be strong too. A strong child learns how to deal with bullies, to manage friendships, and do his or her share of the chores in a manner that brings glory to God from parents who model and communicate the same. These strong children bring light into their schools, and onto the playground as they stand out as ones who will not follow the crowd because they are beginning to know the joy of living for Christ, for He is their best Friend.
With the firm foundation of Christ, the Christian home is a beacon in its community that can’t help but make a powerful impact on the morals of society. A great example of this can be found in the life of Abraham, who, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, not only led his family, but a community of hundreds to serve God.
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