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Abbigale Strawn

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There are several factors that contribute to a healthy family.  Dobson (2020) mentions in his video, The Foundation of Society families are healthy when each individual within the family is “committed” to the family structure (Dobson, 2020).  Most importantly, a healthy family is established when Christ is the foundation of the family.  An imperative concept Balswick and Balswick (2014) mentions is that a healthy family is established when both husband and wife are committed to the relationship.  However, when only one of them is exhibiting love and not receiving the affection back, a divide is subtly created and the downward spiral begins (Balswick and Balswick, 2014, pp. 7-8).  In addition, Balswick and Balswick (2014) mentions the children will learn skewed love when their parents do not portray love and forgiveness towards one another, but instead by a “contract” where they are only satisfied when they get their way (p.12).  When children are raised within a healthy environment and mature into adults Christ promises in Proverbs 22:6 that a child will return to what he or she has been taught when they are older (NASB).  

 In addition, Dobson addresses several vertical and horizontal stressors within his presentation.  A vertical stressor that I have noticed within my family is my mother considering retirement.  This topic has been stressful due to her not knowing if she should retire because she does not know if God is calling her to retire at this time.  However, another vertical stressor that I have noticed with a friend of mine is she is newly married as well as a newly expecting mother.  There are several times where she stresses due to fearing the unknown.  This is significant to the health of her marriage, but most importantly, to the health of her and the baby.  Dobson mentions children’s hereditary depends on their behaviors exhibited throughout their lives (Dobson, 2020).  In addition, Dobson (2020) addresses within the presentation that children inherit a particular personality from their parent’s that is either “strong-willed” or “easy” (2020).  This has become another stressor for my friend due to her worrying if her child will be stubborn or “strong-willed”.   A concept Dobson (2000) addresses is that Christ knows the unborn children while they are being created within the womb found within Jeremiah 1:5 (Dobson, 2000, p. 5). Interestingly, I have had the privilege of reminding my friend of this Scripture. In addition, a horizontal stressor within my family includes my grandmother becoming immobile due to her age.  This has become an adjustment to my family due to her moving in with us.  Christ commands His children to take care of the elderly.  Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (NASB).  This is significant to our family system due to us exhibiting the love of Christ to my grandmother.  Balswick and Balswick (2014) focuses on the vitality of families being resilient where each family member is independent, but also understands their “belonging” within the family structure which is ultimately the foundation of a healthy family (p.35).  

References

Balswick, J. O., & Balswick, J. K. (2014). The family: A Christian perspective on the contemporary home (4th ed.). Grand Rapids, MI.

Dobson, J. (2000). Complete marriage and family home reference guide. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Dobson, J. (2020). DBPC 600 Week One, The foundation of society [Video]. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Online.  

 

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