Freedom to Change

What will we pass on to those who follow? Do you ever wonder? We can look at history on a global level and see many great moments in time. Victory in war resulting in the freedom of slaves. Victory in war resulting in the defeat of Hitler and the freedom of Jews, and most of Europe! Victory in developing mechanical limbs giving freedom to those in wheelchairs. Victory in medicine giving freedom to those suffering chronic or terminal disease. We can pass on victory.

We can also pass on defeat. Failure in relationships leading to the inability to understand forgiveness. Failure in finances leading to the inability to support a family. Failure in careers leading to low self esteem and self worth. Failure in corporations leading to unemployment and for some poverty. Failure in communication leading to global tension and proliferation of extremist groups.

When we get down to the individual human level I believe we are individually responsible for our own behavior and decisions. There is no blaming mom, dad, siblings or others! It is impossible for some to be willing to accept that responsibility. It will always be someone else's fault we feel the way we do, look the way we do, act the way we do. But truth be told whose mother has ever sat and forced them to eat an entire case of ice cream. Except for Cybil and a few others probably not many. A slice of white cheese or a piece of fish, but then that is a normal portion, an attempt to get you to grow if not your weight at least in your taste.

When we look back at our family units, we may see patterns of victory or failure. These may be communicated in the family stories, behavior or expectations. We can also look at our own reflection and see what the bent of our life entails. But at this point we have a choice to change history. We can change it for the future generations. What would we change, and how would we change it? Instead of ill fated repetition of the past, what can we do to pass on better things for our children? Behaviors? Actions? Words?

I know that in many corporate pep rallies we hear that you can not keep repeating the same actions/words/behaviors and expect a different outcome. You will always melt the butter if you keep putting in a hot pan. So the decision is to stop, cold turkey. Make a change, make an effort, make a difference to those who follow. The same can be true in the daily life of individuals. Make a change to generational behaviors, actions, words in your family. Nip it in the bud. Treat each day as if it is a new life, one where you have the freedom to do something better for the generations to follow.


"For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other. For the whole Law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love others as you love yourself.' But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always critical and catty, watch out! Beware of ruining each other. Galatians 5: 13-15 TLB