A Liberated Space » Family http://aliberatedspace.com We are 6 African American males that have come from different paths of life. Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:13:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 The Essence of Family http://aliberatedspace.com/family/the-essence-of-family/ http://aliberatedspace.com/family/the-essence-of-family/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:28:50 +0000 Barbito's Corner http://aliberatedspace.com/barbitoscorner/family/the-essence-of-family/ Family is more than relationships that developed through blood ties and marriage. It can also be developed based upon the understanding people have with people and the commitment to express reciprocity through such a connection. I have seen, heard of, and read about different family structures… some functional, some dysfunctional, but overall, all functioning within the constraints of physical boundaries of society. In addition, most people fail to understand that the true essence of family extends beyond the physical world and into the spiritual realm.

When developing family beyond the physical, those bonds created supersede all connections that exist on earth. There is an effort to build relationships that reflect brotherhood and sisterhood that align with the principles of a universal family. A family that fosters relationships in which members can share not only their problems, but also different responsibilities. A family where members equally invest time and money together, and equally invest time and money in each other… while keeping in perspective the understanding that the relationships formed are the true purpose and intent.

Over time, I’ve discovered that many people want the benefits of a family that goes beyond the physical but yet are not willing to share equally nor commit to the level of responsibility that is necessary for the family to develop, grow, and evolve with the passage of time. Reciprocity is essential!!! And if one is unwilling to commit to the expectations of such a family bond, then they need to fall back and look within themselves for understanding. For, it is this type of family that ultimately reflects the G-d in each of us…

Tha Corner

]]> http://aliberatedspace.com/family/the-essence-of-family/feed/ How Much is Your Time Worth? Can I Buy Some? http://aliberatedspace.com/family/how-much-is-your-time-worth-can-i-buy-some/ http://aliberatedspace.com/family/how-much-is-your-time-worth-can-i-buy-some/#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:50:15 +0000 Barbito's Corner http://aliberatedspace.com/barbitoscorner/family/how-much-is-your-time-worth-can-i-buy-some/ We are losing the youth. Our Black children are running rampant for they lack constructive things to do. I see them walking the streets well into the evening with no apparent destinations. When I have conversations with them, they tell me that they spend hours playing video games and watching television. Our children are growing up but without enough interaction from parents, extended family, and other adults. So I conclude that these are the people that our kids need to invest time with who will show the support system they need as they encounter growing pains, peer pressure, and other issues along their journeys to adulthood.

So here’s my question to those who fall in these categories:

How much is your time? Our kids lack a sense of identity.

How much is your time? Our kids are joining gangs and other groups to receive that sense of belonging.

How much is your time? Our kids are falling through the cracks in education and falling behind in their studies.

How much is your time? Our kids get involved in extracurricular activities at school and in the community and would do anything to see you there supporting them and watching.

How much is your time? Our kids desire affection and are trying to receive it through having their own kids and/or having sex with older people.

How much is your time? Our kids are learning from television and  the media false images of themselves and struggle to align themselves with such.

How much is your time? Our kids are exploring different drugs to receive comfort and satisfaction.

How much is your time? Our kids are contracting sexually transmitted diseases with long term effects at alarming rates before age 25.

How much is your time? Our kids at times contemplate suicide for they lack the nurturing that you can provide.

How much is your time? Our kids just need to know that you give a damn and that you love them geniunely… not trying to buy it with material things.

How much is your time? Our kids are our future… and they need to be molded and shaped properly and positively. This can only happen when you take the time to talk to them and listen to them; share moments with them and express the love you have for them.

The time needed to do these things can’t be bought. It’s priceless. Being a parent or a responsible adult is more than living in the home with your kids or buying things for them. It requires raising them and investing time when needed or as much time as possible. Sometimes, you have to make time because their needs do not align with a daily clock. Give more to our children for they will be the ones who lead in the future. And trust, they don’t forget the little things you do or don’t do as they grow older…

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