Family Life: My Home is My Fortress

Support and encouragement... Two things we all need from our family. Two things that we know (theoretically) our spouse and children need from us. Building up and not tearing down. Standing behind each other, covering each other's back. It is so obvious that hearing about it once again may feel redundant - yes, yes, of course, everybody knows that. But are we doing it? Or do we only wish it for ourselves but are forgetting to provide it to those around us?

Take two teens who have a dream of becoming a writer. One sees that his parents are excited and hopeful about it, always willing to read and discuss his new story. Another receives the advice to stop wasting time and concentrate on school. Which one do you think has a better chance to become a writer?

Take two men who have just lost their job. One knows that when he comes home, there will be shock, questions, grief, complaints, and accusations. The other man knows that when he comes home, there will be shock, questions, grief; his own shock and grief will be shared and eased, his pain will be comforted, and the whole family will stick together to deal with the tough times. Which one do you think will deal with the situation better and get over it sooner?

There is a saying, "My home is my fortress." It has different implications and can be interpreted in several ways, but the meaning I personally prefer and use it in is this: "My home is my safe haven. No matter what I go through in life, no matter what storms rage out there, the moment I step through the door, I find peace, comfort, understanding, support."

Wouldn't we all want such a home? We certainly would. It sounds so good and so natural because this is the way it should be. Ask any man what he wants from his family life, and in some way or other he will mention wishing to be coming home to a safe haven. Ask any woman the same question, and after mentioning being loved she will mention stability and security, not necessarily in the financial sense. Emotional security and stability comes first. We all need a safe haven, a strong fortress to run to when life beats us up. And when we have it, we can stand against all kinds of things life throws at us.