Friday, July 1, 2016

Protect

    When I saw the Five Minute Friday word I pondered awhile before writing. What am I passionate about protecting? The obvious words came to mind, freedom, rights, civil liberty, but these words and concepts, while I believe should be protected,  did not stir me to write. One thought jumped forward and claimed preeminent space in my mind and heart.

                            Protect The Family





I know that within the walls of the family sublime things take place and also some really horrible and damaging things. But, in my experience, family is the laboratory of righteous living. 
My parents escaped as refugees from war-torn Germany in the forties. They talked of freedom and oppression when I was young. I was born after WWII so I didn't experience the hunger and destruction. I heard them talk of coercion and public oppression. The most important message I heard was "WE SAVED OUR FAMILY".  My mother prayed daily for the safe homecoming of my father from Russia. My aunt went across the border twice to bring her sister and nephew into the west. They sacrificed for big ideas, yes, but more blatantly, for the family they loved. I look at my family past on, and still here before me, and feel eternally grateful for all of us protecting my family.


   I have been writing with the Five Minute Friday Group for two years and I really enjoy the talented writers who share their work. Would you like to join? 

8 comments:

  1. I loved your quote, "family is the laboratory of righteous living"! Although I know many young men and women who would not have this quote resonate with them, I am very thankful to have felt this first hand. Yes, there have been tricky, sticky, ugly times, but through interactions with my family I have learned about life and belonging and my Savior, Jesus Christ.

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    1. I am very glad that you have felt family love and righteous living. Not everyone has.

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  2. So true- big ideas are important, but people are more important. Part of being family should be protecting one another.

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    1. Looking at my post next to the words of your post we should most definitely protect the members of our family.

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  3. Check out Deut 6:4-9! For some reason, your post reminded me of it. I'm in the 53 spot this week.

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    1. I am not a Hebrew scholar but I believe that verse in Deut. is The Shema, or call to Israel. It is very fitting that it reminds you of what I wrote.

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  4. what an interesting story of protecting.

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  5. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Such a great reminder that family is worth protecting at all costs. We may not be fleeing a war-ravaged country, but there is plenty to threaten our families right here where we live. I want my kids to say what you do now. Beautiful. Glad I stopped by from Five Minute Friday!

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