How different from each other members of families can be

Eastern Redbud, blooming in Leon County TX

March 21st, the first day of Spring, is the 37th anniversary of my father’s death. Russell Hollis (August 14, 1911—March 21, 1981).

One of the saddest things I’m trying to wrap my mind and heart around this late in my life—I am 5 years older than Russell at the time of his death—is the profound ignorance in my own family. Not only does this ignorance thrive, it presents its ugly face with some kind of pride. I’ve seen Facebook postings routinely sharing information that is patently untrue and simply hurtful. Always at the expense of some perceived "enemy" or "other". Blast the double barrel and hide behind the safety of a computer or Smartphone. Such behavior is pervasive on social media, way beyond the boundaries of my blood kin. And for what gain? What’s the goal here?

On the matter of my family members, I hear talk about their prayers, professing some kind of belief in God. Of course, that God is a male judge, residing in the sky. Some of these people even occupy a pew in their chosen church on Sundays and spend time other days of the week doing “the work of the Lord”. From what I understand of Holy Scripture, the work of the Lord does not look anything like the behavior I’m witnessing among my own.

History, modern literature, and studies of the human species are filled with stories and studies of how different from each other members of families can be. I’m going on record to stay that my heart reminds me that I was brought up in a home where hate did not thrive. My mother and daddy did not have much formal education. Our lives were far from perfect. There was conflict. We lived in the Texas version of the South. Russell and Tena were hard working, tolerant and compassionate. And even though they, in some ways, could not escape their upbringing, they were fair-minded folks. Like many people—I would like to think most people in the western world—who have brought children onto this earth, Russell and Tena wanted the best for us—education, a comfortable life, goodness and kindness. Thanks to their hard work, generosity, and their respect for where and what they came from, they paved the way.

May the Creator of all bless Russell and Tena, now and for always.