Idolization of the American Family

Surprise and Sorry  (These are just my thoughts that I will be expanding on in future issues)

With the birth of my granddaughter and complications attendant, I have been pondering – where does the idea of the perfect family come from; how and why is it sustained?

You know what I am talking about: the dream where everything works out nicely: multi-generations get along, babies are born quickly and safely, messy divorces never occur, in-laws and step-parents all happy together, children easily and steadily mature into perfect adults, health issues are very minimal, etc. – you can fill in the blanks for your situation.

It certainly does not originate from Biblical family accounts. Some of the best dysfunctional and quite frankly horrific family examples are found there.

So, that is what I am wanting to pursue – writing about Bible families and their real life experiences. I fervently wish I was still at the university, assigning this research assignment to  my students and getting their insights.

It is my hope that through my research and sharing, people can become more open and freer to share the way their family life really is – not just the “Sunday Church” version.

 [In her retirement, CJ Austin continues to read, write, publish and share insights from her professional background (marriage and family therapy) with others. Contact: cjaustinauthor@gmail.com]