The Imperfect Beauty of Family Bonds

The Love Trollinger Initiative LLC (c) 2024.  All rights reserved.

Introduction

No one on this earth has a perfect family. Every family is full of different personalities and characteristics. This variety can lead to misunderstanding and rifts. Even in the midst of the best communication, the family unit can struggle. But I still advocate for the importance of family. People who are bonded to you not only by blood but by loyalty. 

The Challenge of Family Disputes

One thing that I cannot stand is family beef. I cannot stand family fall outs. Disagreements that lead to disconnection are the absolute worst. For example, let’s say some family members think that a grandmother’s estate should be handled one way and the other members disagree and think that the other members are pulling a fast one and looking to benefit off of their deceased relative. I cannot stand things like that. Would grandma want the family beefing like that? Over things? Of course, people vary. Maybe grandma was petty and greedy and it trickled down to others, but ideally, no one wants their family split apart, especially over material things, medical decisions, etc. 

The Role of Transparency

 There may be secrets in the family. Things that go unspoken. The black sheep of the family is often the one who will raise certain questions and comment on certain matters. The black sheep is the most loved and hated because the black sheep is not following the unwritten rule of silence. Thank God for that. Transparency can be a great benefit for a family, especially if it is supported by understanding, love, and grace. Secrets can tear us apart, both within and outside of ourselves. I encourage us to have more open conversations with our families, not for the sake of exposure, but for the sake of allowing our family to support us where and when we need it most. I personally am still becoming comfortable with this. 

Family Beyond Blood

Family is determined by both blood and loyalty. You may have a non-blood-related person in your life who would do anything to support you and make sure you feel seen, heard, and cared for consistently. That person is family. You may have blood that speaks down on your name, believes that you are inadequate, hates the ground you walk on, and wouldn’t help you if you were hanging on the edge of a cliff for dear life. While these people are blood, they are not family in the sense that I am thinking.

 Conclusion

Now of course, this isn’t a complete synopsis of family dynamics and culture. In no shape or form am I declaring this to be total truth. These are simply my inspired thoughts on the matter. My genuine hope is that you find your true tribe, that they love you, that you love them, and you stop looking at others' families because you are too busy enjoying yours.