It is Spiritual Sunday, a time to thank our Heavenly Father for the wonderful blessings in life and come to him in prayer. I am so thankful for my family. My life has been blessed with being a part of a large family. I grew up in a traditional Catholic Hispanic home. We are 5 siblings; 4 girls and 1 boy. We lived in south Texas near the coast. My dad loved the beach, so most of my cherished memories are centered around the times we spent at South Padre Island. Here is a picture of my family from the late 1970's. I'm not in the picture so I was probably taking the photo.
Below is a picture of my family as we squeezed in at the dinner table at my Great-Grandmother's house. The picture was probably taken around 1973. I'm the 3rd one from the left. We didn't have much, and I'm sure we were poor; but I didn't know. I knew I was loved, well fed, and having simple family fun.
The Hispanic culture is centered around the family, with all events being focused around family. Elders are respected and adored for their wisdom and experience. Children are seen as a blessing from God, even though the burden of raising several children is common. Most Hispanics see their life centered within the family unit and rarely see their life away from the family unit. This may seem limiting, but it can also re-enforce the deep sense of responsibility that is felt for our generations. In my family, independence and self-reliance was encouraged. I am still very close to my family, especially my sisters. I am so very proud of my parents and their accomplishments. My mother is my mentor and the sound of wisdom in my life. I admire my sister and my brother for having a blessed marriage, good family, and successful careers. They are all grounded in faith and live their life around family. I am blessed to have them and I will always love them.
Family Prayer
God made us a family.
We need one another.
We love one another.
We forgive one another.
We work together.
We pray together.
We worship together.
Together we use God's word
Together we grow in Christ.
Together we love all people.
Together we serve our God.
Together we hope for heaven.
These are our hopes and ideals.
Help us to attain them, oh God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Love and Blessings to you!
Yoli
Posts
Your memories are precious. Your parents have done a wonderful job with there family. You are blessed to have them. Thank-you for sharing this story today.
ReplyDeleteGinger
Thanks for sharing You brought my memories also back to be thankful for the memories i had as an kid with my family and bring forth prayer points to pray for my own family
ReplyDeleteBlessings
bernice
what awesome memories. I love that you were all together..for each other. thank you for shaing these beautiful pictures and your memories...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the memories and insight into your culture. The family prayer is precious.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Thank you and may God richly bless your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories you have of growing up. You are very blessed. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us and your lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Precious memories, how they linger....FAMILY! Your post is very encouraging and uplifting. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your family photos and memories. You have wonderfully strong family ties. That is so good to read...family is so important! Thank you also for sharing the family prayer.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to see your family photos. Your cultural beliefs about family are beautiful and need to be embraced by the whole world. God bless you and thanks for sharing. It make me miss all my grown children!
ReplyDeleteTruly words of wisdom from one so young. God's perfect design, a loving family to worship together and share all of life for His Glory. Enjoyed your post. Blessings meg
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