Our Non-Negotiables
Family rules. This is a sign I had made for my “Wuerch” family. When I see it in their home, it reminds me of what family values should look like. Those should be the non-negotiables in our lives. And I’m not just talking about our own family, but it includes our “God” family. He’s our Father so that makes us his children.
Russ Taff, formerly of The Imperials quartet and then the Gaither trio, wrote this song after he had been hurt from words of a Christian brother.
“You’re my brother, you’re my sister
So take me by the hand.
Together we will work until He comes.
There’s no foe that can defeat us
When we’re walking side by side.
As long as there is love we will stand.”
We’ve heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I don’t know who wrote those words, but they are wrong. Words do hurt, but they don’t have to for long. We can turn the hurt into something positive like Russ did. As long as there is love we will stand!
Family values. Those are my children’s non-negotiables, and that’s what makes for a family who loves, shares and cares. That seems to also be the non-negotiables for the family I have where I live. I wish all communities were like this one. If someone is in the hospital, the word goes out through our FB group to where they can visit that someone or the location where cards can be sent.
People here are quick to serve and care. I am a recipient of that love. I received a card a couple of days ago just saying they missed me at a couple of events. I was simply away because I was volunteering at the family center downtown. Those people have heart.
VALUES — those specifics that define who we are and are the absolute non-negotiables in our lives. When God made us, He planted within us certain things that we value deeply. They’re hardwired in our heart. Through our life experiences – from the environment we are raised in, the schools we go to, the friends we associate with, and the religious foundation we receive, God makes them clear to us. Those things are our CORE VALUES.
King Solomon’s core value was wisdom, Mother Teresa’s was compassion, Nelson Mandela stood for equality and Pope Francis, his love and compassion for the poor. So, the question is “What do we stand for? What are our values?”
Moses delivered God’s Ten Commandments on a tablet of stone and if those commandments were followed, the Israelites would experience God’s favor and blessings. Just imagine the blessings that would be on our families if we not only followed God’s Ten Commandments, but also the family values (non-negotiables) that we stood for in our homes and lives.
Perhaps it’s time to put a stake in the ground on behalf of who our families are and who we are. May we define those things that matter most to us and when we do, then we’ll be blessed in our homes and we’ll pass them on to our children and their children AND to all those in our lives. Indeed it would be a HOME SWEET HOME wherever we are!
Psalm 128:1 “Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways!”