As a parent, I’ve always wanted the best for my family. Like most parents, I strive to create a stable and loving home where everyone feels valued and understood. But let’s face it, life can get chaotic. That’s why I decided we needed a family mission statement. Here’s our story of why we sat down to write it and how it transformed our family dynamics.
It all started one evening after a particularly hectic week. Between work, school, and various activities, we were all running in different directions. I felt like we were losing touch with what really mattered. That’s when the idea of a family mission statement popped into my head. I thought, why not create a clear path that we can all follow?
Our mission statement quickly became part of our everyday life. We’d bring it up during meals and family chats, making sure we were all staying true to our values. My wife and I worked hard to model these values, and soon, the kids naturally started to follow our lead. We made it a habit to revisit our mission statement regularly, especially in family meetings, to keep us on track and tweak things if needed. Whenever we saw our kids living out these values, we celebrated those moments, which really reinforced our shared goals. The biggest change was how we supported each other. Knowing we were all striving for the same things made it easier to empathize, communicate, and work together effectively, bringing us closer as a family.
Throughout this process, we drew inspiration from the Bible, which provided a strong foundation for our mission statement. Here are some key verses we looked to when considering who we are as a family unit:
“That is why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 (This verse reminded us of the importance of unity in our family.)
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 (Mutual respect became a non-negotiable in all of our interactions.)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 (Encouraging each other in love and positive actions) became a daily practice.
Before I wrap up this story, I want to be transparent and admit, I definitely had to do some research before starting this process with our family, as this was the first time we’d ever wrote a family mission statement. My wife and I had a few brainstorming conversations with each other before involving the kids. I thought it might be helpful to list some of the questions I’ve received from other families, but also provide you with some of my very own questions I had when first beginning this journey. Read through the questions and answers below! Maybe you have similar questions. No matter what, remember, you’re not alone! There’s no shame in asking for help, friend. Take the time to do good research and be sure to include your spouse as you pray and process next steps with God.
Q: How often should we revisit our family mission statement?
A: It’s a good idea to revisit it at least once a year or during significant family changes to ensure it still resonates with everyone.
Q: Can our mission statement change over time?
A: Absolutely! As your family grows and evolves, your mission statement can be revised to reflect new values and goals.
Q: How long should our mission statement be?
A: Keep it concise and clear. A few sentences that encapsulate your core values and goals are ideal.
Q: What if some family members disagree on values or goals?
A: Open communication is key. Discuss the differences and find common ground that everyone can agree on.
Q: How can we ensure everyone in the family remembers the mission statement?
A: Display it in a common area and incorporate it into daily routines to keep it at the top of everyone’s mind.
In the end, creating a family mission statement was like building a lighthouse that guides us through the stormy seas of daily life. It gave us a clear sense of direction and purpose, strengthened our unity, and helped us support each other more effectively. If you’re looking for a way to bring your family closer and ensure everyone feels valued and understood, I can’t recommend this enough. Take the time to have those heart-to-heart conversations and draft a mission statement that truly reflects who you are as a family. It might just be the key to transforming your family dynamics for the better.
Happy Family Building!
Ready to take the next step in understanding and strengthening your family? Try our Family ID Assessment today! It’s a powerful tool designed to help you uncover your family’s unique identity and build stronger, more meaningful connections. Click the link to get started: Family ID Assessment.
