Reviving family unity: Restoring a fading bond

The family is sadly and gradually losing its essence and the consequences are dire.

Jeremiah Mudonha

It’s now so common to find lone riders who do not want to connect with others or who are ignored by others.

We are living in a catastrophic era where even intimate celebrations like weddings have become exclusive events, with people carefully selecting who to invite and who to leave out, further eroding the sense of family and community.

We’ve lost sight of the strong sense of family that once brought us together, now only uniting for funerals and very important functions.

It’s now commonplace for one not to know or seek to know who his or her relatives are, let alone visit or call them.

The family institution is crumbling as emphasis is shifting from “we” to “me” or “us” to “I.”

We’ve replaced the love and connection of family with material possessions, social media and superficial relationships, forgetting that true fulfilment comes from the bonds we share with our loved ones.

It’s heartbreaking to see families torn apart by differences in religion, politics and personal beliefs.

The once-unbreakable bonds between family members are now fraying, leading to conflicts and even violence.

Property disputes and petty squabbles have become all too common, leaving deep scars, tears and a legacy of bitterness.

It’s undeniable that the erosion of familial ties is the root cause of many societal ills.

We’re witnessing a generation of unprepared young adults entering marriages that crumble quickly, largely because aunties and family elders have disengaged from their lives.

As a result, children are entering adulthood without guidance, leading to a surge in drug abuse, crime and heartbreaking suicides.

We yearn for a return to connected families where wisdom is shared and support is offered to nurture children into capable, responsible adults.

Despite having many close friends, church mates, workmates, and business partners, blood is thicker than water.

We need our relatives and they need us.

Yes, the cars, mansions and money are ours but there shall come a time when we’ll need our relatives to step in — when our wealth and status can’t save us.

That’s when we’ll realise the true value of family.

Thanks to our renowned sungura musician Alick Macheso for emphasising this in his recent album.

Family is society’s backbone and we must prioritise it.

God, the creator of the family institution has never wavered in His call for unity among family members.

He wants brothers to forgive and love one another.

They should not pretend to love God yet hate each other.

As the Bible says: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates their brother or sister, they are a liar.

For if they do not love their brother or sister, whom they have seen, how can they love God, whom they have not seen?” — (1 John 4:20). Again, in Psalms 133:1-2, the message is clear: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robes.”

Restoring family unity is possible.

Let’s prioritise quality time together, engaging in activities that bring joy and practice active listening.

However, in today’s fast-paced world, we’ve become increasingly busy with work, church, business and school, to find time for these family times.

Let’s make a conscious effort to balance our individual pursuits with meaningful family connections.

As much as is reasonably possible, attend, organise and invite family gatherings.

Reach out to your relatives.

Let’s embrace our differences and show empathy to build stronger relationships.

In this digital age, we can also leverage social media to strengthen family bonds by sharing family moments, creating online family groups and connecting with relatives who are far away but let’s not forget to balance our online interactions with in-person connections where true bonding happens through shared experiences and memories.

In conclusion, dear reader, take heart in knowing that family bonds can be created, mended and strengthened.

It requires only a willing heart and a readiness to rekindle the lost connection.

The journey begins with recognising the value of every family member, despite their imperfections or challenges.

God has intentionally placed them in our lives for a purpose, and we must embrace and appreciate their role in our journey.

So, dare to be the catalyst who brings your family together once more, fostering a sense of belonging and unity that will echo through generations to come.