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| Each generation must learn who they are, and then pass on a heritage for the next generation. What legacy will you pass on? |
A friend of mine from New Zealand named Henry Higgins,
served a mission in Korea at the same time I did. He was always happy to talk
about his Maori heritage. He beamed as he flashed his tongue, chanted the haka,
and shared stories from their culture.
As a new missionary, I was also immersing myself in the
Korean culture. I was learning about their language, their history, customs and
traditions, which all seemed beautiful and wonderful to me. Since I was going
to be serving them, I wanted to know a lot about them and I had a great love
and respect for their culture.
At this time, I was struggling with my own identity though.
I had seen a few cultures first hand, in Mexico, Guatemala, Hawaii, now Korea,
and I started to wonder about my own heritage. Did I have any cool dances
passed down from generation to generation? Did I have any neat stories about
courage and survival? Did I have a language my ancestors used to communicate their
thoughts and feelings?
Unfortunately, I felt a void and it made me sad.
After a while, I realized that I did have a great heritage (though
I don’t think we have any cool dances like the Haka), and I had forgotten it. I
do have great stories of survival and courage from ancestors.
I also realized the most important culture I have is not
tied to blood lines but the blood of Christ. The gospel culture of rebirth,
faith and devotion to God is a culture that has deeply influenced my family. It’s
a culture of love, forgiveness and change through our merciful Lord and
Redeemer.
I know about my Christian culture, but how do I pass it along to my kids?
Share it with a Smile
When I asked Henry about the Haka, he smiled and told me about where it came from and what it meant and then offered to show me how to do it. He was often showing others and was happy to do it. Christians have the gospel or “good news,” and we should share it with a smile to our kids. When I tell my kids about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I want to do it with a smile because of what it means to me. When I explain my reasons for moral and ethical values, I don’t want to pout. I want to gladly explain the reasons I want to live a better life.
When I asked Henry about the Haka, he smiled and told me about where it came from and what it meant and then offered to show me how to do it. He was often showing others and was happy to do it. Christians have the gospel or “good news,” and we should share it with a smile to our kids. When I tell my kids about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I want to do it with a smile because of what it means to me. When I explain my reasons for moral and ethical values, I don’t want to pout. I want to gladly explain the reasons I want to live a better life.
Share it with a Song
Music and dance are often outward expressions of cultures around the world. We can put vigor and energy into them that goes beyond simple words. The crescendo in the national anthem stirs my heart and reminds me of my heritage every time I hear it. Similar feelings come when I sing Amazing Grace to my kids at night. My wife and I have set a tradition in our home to sing songs to our kids right before they go to sleep. It’s a nightly reminder of our Christian heritage. The songs I learned growing up became a strength to me when I was afraid, discouraged and struggling. I hope to pass that on to my kids, so they will know where true strength comes from.
Music and dance are often outward expressions of cultures around the world. We can put vigor and energy into them that goes beyond simple words. The crescendo in the national anthem stirs my heart and reminds me of my heritage every time I hear it. Similar feelings come when I sing Amazing Grace to my kids at night. My wife and I have set a tradition in our home to sing songs to our kids right before they go to sleep. It’s a nightly reminder of our Christian heritage. The songs I learned growing up became a strength to me when I was afraid, discouraged and struggling. I hope to pass that on to my kids, so they will know where true strength comes from.
Share it with Stories
Every culture I know of has some traditional story about how man was created and the world was formed. Whether it involves tigers or tides, they are passed on from generation to generation. Often they are symbolic of a balance of nature and unseen powers. Older members of the culture feel it a duty to share important events and concepts through stories to the younger generation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard David and Goliath, but I still love that story. I want my children to be very familiar with the Easter story, and many others from the scriptures. As I mentioned in an earlier post, children put themselves in the stories they hear. Tell them good stories from the Christian heritage and they will find the faith they need when they face their own Goliath.
Every culture I know of has some traditional story about how man was created and the world was formed. Whether it involves tigers or tides, they are passed on from generation to generation. Often they are symbolic of a balance of nature and unseen powers. Older members of the culture feel it a duty to share important events and concepts through stories to the younger generation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard David and Goliath, but I still love that story. I want my children to be very familiar with the Easter story, and many others from the scriptures. As I mentioned in an earlier post, children put themselves in the stories they hear. Tell them good stories from the Christian heritage and they will find the faith they need when they face their own Goliath.
Next week: Attitude
with Children
