Recently, mothers everywhere were celebrated. We reminisced, shared food, gave flowers, and spent time with our mothers. Many of us, like myself, celebrate with memories of our dear moms in Heaven. However, this year, Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day coming soon) was a very important reminder of the importance of mothers and fathers in our lives.

Our ministry sees on a daily basis what happens when there is a void of a father and mother in a young person’s life. Without the basic social structure of a family, children are left to anyone, and sometimes no one, to grow up. This leads to bad influences, self-destruction, exploitation, crime, addiction … all bad.

Ask any psychologist — they will tell you how lack of a father’s influence plays in a child’s under-development. We have seen the plight of fatherless families in our society increase by 1000% since the 1960’s. Boys have no role model. I salute the mothers and fathers who struggle to support their families on their own, providing order, comfort, care, nurturing, to their youngsters. It’s not easy … I know.

The Bible has a lot to say about families. Family is at the center of God’s plan for the happiness and progress of His children. The Bible teaches that God established families from the very beginning, and it shows us many examples of strong families. It also teaches us how to have a loving, happy family.

In an ideal family unit, the parents and the children are working to glorify God in tandem. That doesn’t mean it’s always going to go that way, none of us are perfect, not even “parents.” We are all a work in progress.

The family is an essential building block for humanity and Christianity. Our physical families are to be a source of unconditional love, encouragement, and support for one another. Our spiritual families are to do the same. Our personal spiritual growth and strength rely on those who go before us, guide us, and walk with us—like parents, grandparents, siblings, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Those who follow Christ should be defined by their love for each other as members of one big family.

Mother Teresa once said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”

Well said, Mother Teresa.

Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Visit her blog, The Second Mile, at www.debbyefurd.com and contact her by email (caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com).