The value of Family............

It can be difficult and many times challenging to be a family especially in the current pandemic of covid19. All our lives have been affected greatly by the challenges of living with it especially families which have had to bear financial difficulties stemming from the collapse of businesses and loss of jobs. Many have also been stressed by the mounting bills and debts from loans acquired before the pandemic hit!

 

There has been a rise in cases of depression and suicides as people struggle to cope with life in this era. Families seem to have borne the brunt of the pandemic especially here in Africa where we were already struggling with poverty even before covid19. People were unable to work in the ensuing lock downs to prevent its spread and yet most of us earn a living from daily work activities. The anxiety from loss of employment and business collapse has hit us all very hard.

There have been bitter quarrels and fights in the family over finances and property but that isn't the worst part. The worst part is that the innocence of children has been all but destroyed with rising cases of teenage pregnancies, some are even caused by incest! (children are not currently in school) It makes me so sad to think about how much families seem to be disintegrating and how much violence is taking place. Its truly heartbreaking.

Lets us all try to remember why God created families. We were meant to build up and nurture one another in love and mutual respect. The Holy Family of Nazareth should always be our model for family life! I know its not easy but we need to support and care for one another as families especially in our present difficulties. We can face anything when we are united in love! Keep the faith and hope for better days to come! God bless you all!