The Kindred Family

by G. (07/28/2020 06:16 am)

In earliest biblical culture, the family was more than a parent and child unit. It included all who were related by blood and marriage. This kindred family, as I prefer to call it, was strongly linked by natural affection and the patriarchal priesthood. The elderly were venerated for their experience and wisdom. There were strength and safety in numbers, and, through love and support, members established solidarity and continuity.

-thus Brother J. Richard Clarke, Our Kindred Family, from the Sunday morning session of the April 1989 General Conference

“Strongly linked by natural affection and the patriarchal priesthood.” That’s right. (Read his whole talk, its good for the soul.)

Memory and the generations, that is what is best in life. The kindred family is what you were meant for.

Remember, the sealing power alone is not enough. It is essential but it is not enough. Any more than a marriage without children or without companionship would be a good marriage just because it was sealed in the temple. You must have ties. Start with the living. Visit each other. Write letters. Let your children know they are part of a clan.

I knew my grandparents when they were still not far from their prime. I was part of a massive gaggle of cousins when I was young, they are my friends today. My aunts and uncles are like the demigods of my childhood and now that I know them as more real, I still have not lost that touch of reverence for them. A great aunt took our family under her wing and I choke up right now thinking of her. I am blessed, and therefore I ought to bless my children, and teach them to bless theirs.

We live in rootless times. Single children of aging single parents who were themselves the single children of aging single parents. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents are stories like fairies. There is a rumor that they are real, but who believes that rumor? Look around you to see what that rootlessness causes.

The devil whispers “you are alone, you are alone” whereas Christ says “I am always with you,” and the angels also, and all our beloved family, both the living and the dead.

Aspire to a roomy house with simple furnishings where your grandchildren come to spend the summer, and a big garden and a big orchard in which they work. Aspire to have your parents near you as they grow too old.

Once you catch the vision and have experienced it from the inside, you can’t go back again. It’s like coming in from the weather.

Related Posts on the Sunday Morning Session of the April 1989 General Conference