The True Meaning of Family

Parquet Family Reunion 1997

Unconditional love…what is it? When my mind drifts off to wonder what my image of

unconditional love is I can’t help but to immediately picture my family. Corinthians 13: 4-8 says that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where they are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” Ironically so, the bible did not only define love in that scripture, but the bible defined my family.

Let me first start off by saying that family is one of God’s greatest gifts, and I can say that my family was the best gift that I have ever received from God himself. I believe wholeheartedly that my family is one that is full of power and unconditional love. Even if I trace this back to my great-grandparents and grandparents, I can boldly say that the value that we as a whole put on the word “family” can’t be measured. Everyone was raised around their family and although outsiders were occasionally in the picture, all that we’ve known is each other. Cousins are like siblings, and aunts and uncles are like parents! I’ve come across several people in my lifetime that have said that they wish that they had a family like mine. I honestly would tell them that I wish the same, if it did not come across as bragging. “Unique” is a term that describes us oh so well. We come from all walks of life…different backgrounds, households, states, etc., but the one thing that we all share is the undeniable love that we have in our hearts for one another. Coming from a bloodline that prides themselves on selfless love, we treat people differently. Everyone is accepted and no one is looked at as an outsider. It resembles the love that God has for his people. God loves all of us, no matter where we come from, what we did or didn’t do, and that is how I know for sure that my family is a family that stands firm on faith. We don’t only go to church together on funerals, but on a casual Sunday, you can bet to run into your blood in the house of God and that in itself is a blessing. A family that prays together is truly a family that stays together. When planning family reunions, we start off every call with a prayer, and end it off with one as well. Being able to praise God with family is one of the best feelings ever. If you’ve never felt comfort before, try it out!! You’ll feel like God is hugging you tight, and that hug is being reinforced by your family members.

Family should be a no judgment zone and I can definitely say that my family is not a judgmental, but definitely accountable. They ALWAYS seek to understand, and not judge. If something crazy happens or even when you are at the lowest of lows, they are concerned and want to know the problem so that they can all join together and come up with a solution. There’s no limit on the mountains that they would climb to make sure that you have just what you need. The value on education, growth, and prosperity is high in this family. The most valuable thing that my uncle ever told me was that he looks at me as an “investment.” How powerful is that? That goes to show you just how much faith that our family has in each other. The younger generation is the future, and the “old heads” that have “been there, done that” want nothing but the best for us and they not only tell us, but they show us through their actions. The sense of urgency that they put on your problems can be overwhelming, yet so relieving at the same time. You can breathe, because when they say “WE GOT YOU,” they mean that! There is no need to ever feel alone or like you have to figure out life by yourself. I remember when I passed out at work and happened to call my sister, and by the time that ambulance pulled up to the hospital, not only was she there, but my cousins were there as well. You call for one, and everybody shows up. In the emergency room, there they were laughing at me, keeping me in positive spirits as I was laying in the hospital bed. Everyone else was back at home, on the phone calling, so concerned, and that’s the power behind it. You never have to go through anything alone. Someone is always there, standing with open arms, waiting for you to call out to them. This may sound crazy, but my family is literally a rescue team…let’s call them the “RED CROSS.”

Here is a slideshow of some of my favorite pictures with my family (couldn't include them all ther are so many!!)

During christenings at church, I would always hear the pastor say that “It takes a village to raise kids,” and that is so true. Our family members christen us, although friends could, we always choose family to do it because family will be there forever. I can’t even count on my hands the number of people that have been involved in making sure that we, we being my family as a whole, were taken care of, well fed, instilled with morals, taught respect, and a host of other lessons. All of our grandparents, aunts, and uncles are like parents to us. You listened to what they had to tell you, because each person had something different, something unique to tell you that you could then apply to a real life situation later down the line. Even kids that were not technically “blood,” my family raised and they are our cousins no questions asked. Blood couldn’t make us any closer. Not every day would you see somebody taking on the responsibility of a kid that doesn’t biologically belong to them and not have to have the child ever feel like they didn’t belong. In my family, everyone has a place, everyone has a voice. It’s actually encouraged for you to speak up, as in some other families you have no voice and are often overlooked.

I once read a quote that says that “Family is the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are, love you no matter what, and would do anything to see you smile.” That is definitely what family is to me. Family is my place of comfort, my place of peace, my place of understanding. I couldn’t have been born unto a greater family than the one that I have. I have made a serious promise to instill the same values in my future kids, and raise them to be as great of a family member as my family members have been to me. My family is the true definition of unconditional love.

I said earlier that my cousins are like sisters to me so to end this blog off, I have asked some my beautiful cousins that are like sisters to co-write with me to share what family means to them. The bond that we all share is something so precious, unlike anything that I have ever seen.

"The Crew" Nelson-Burl Family Picnic 2019

“The importance of family means that you are a part of something very wonderful. Family means that you will be loved for the rest of your life. Family is having people that you can call on through whatever. Family is always there for you and won’t turn their backs on you. A family is one of life’s greatest blessings, a unit of people that love and support you through the good and bad. A family stays close together.”

- Missy

“Let me start by saying family is everything…especially mine! We learned the value and importance of family at a young age. No matter what life throws at me, I can always call on my family without judgement. Pure, genuine, unconditional love is just a few words to sum up my family. We have the best times at any of our cookouts and you can just feel the love and you definitely will laugh. Thick and thin, right or wrong, its EAPossee forever!”

- Tearsta

“What I love most about my family is how we love each other. I’ve never felt another love so genuine. No matter what it is, I know they are all there. You never have to watch what you say around certain people, mask your feelings, or hide what you’re going through. We love so freely and without judgment. Yes, they are going to keep it real and definitely tell you when you are wrong, but they will help you to do better and despite whatever happens, the love will NOT change! Even more than that, they will extend that same love to anyone who comes around. I’ve never invited someone to something my family had and they felt out of place or unwanted. If you come around this family, you will be treated like family. I’m forever grateful for this because I know a lot of people have never experienced this type of bond and I promise I will never take this for granted.”

- Keri

“The meaning of family to me is love, support, affection, and honesty. Family is a very important part of our everyday lives and it provides us that joy and happiness that we need to go through life. My family is a place where I can be myself and I’m accepted for who I am. The importance of family is when you realize that every holiday or celebration is not complete without the ones that you love. My family can always come together to cook a good meal and enjoy one another’s company. I love my family with everything in me and I’m truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful support system. They give me the strength that I need to get through the bad times and celebrate the good times.”

- Bianca

“FAMILY. IS. EVERYTHING. Having a stable family foundation is extremely important to me. When everyone else turns their back on you, family will ALWAYS be there. I can definitely say that my family is one that was built on strength, love, perseverance, understanding, and compassion, just to name a few. I’m blessed to have been brought up in such a phenomenal family that pushes you to reach your full potential. My favorite times are any times my family gets together. We always have a great time and the day is constantly full of love, laughs, and good company. I wouldn’t trade my family for the world.”

- Bria

“What does the word “family” mean to me? Well, I believe that family goes beyond bloodlines, last names, etc. Family includes all the people in our lives who love and support us unconditionally, no matter what! Family means that WE ARE ONE! We might fuss or fight at times, but at the end of the day we can always call on one another. It doesn’t take much for my family to have a good time. Some good food and good music is all we need to enjoy each other. I have the best family in the world.”

- Mesh