Wisdom of Our Elders
Family wisdom offers a strong foundation in today's world. The words of our parents (and our grandparents if we were lucky enough to have known them) can stay with us throughout the years. We asked Beliefnet members to send us some of their favorite nuggets of guidance or inspiration they received from their elders. The following are a selection of family sayings worth passing on to the next generation.
Mother Love
Mother Love
I had spent the night at my parents. We were having our morning coffee, reminiscing, and talking about raising children, when children move away from home, my grandmother passing away, etc. My mom then said that she realized even when your mother is gone, "You will always need your mother." It made me cry, as I thought about everything mothers and daughters mean to each other.
Picture: My mom, Lee Dominguez, with my baby daughter, Ruby
The Wise Old Owl
The Wise Old Owl
My maternal grandpa taught me this poem when I was about 6:
Workplace Joy
Workplace Joy
My adopted father, Elmer Yarusinsky, gave me some very wonderful advice about working in the world:
Picture: My dad, just before he left for Italy during WWII
Protect Your Dreams
Protect Your Dreams
I always remember my late father's Egyptian wisdom: "Protect the flame of your candle, and it will light more." I used to speak about myself and my future plans with naiveté and with every single detail. Always all my dreams/future plans were never finalized, because I let people talk about it before I had the opportunity to make any move. My father, Selim El Dabie, died seven years ago. I have used his wisdom, and it has really helped in my life. Picture: My father, Selim El Dabie
A Woman's Worth
A Woman's Worth
I was raised by my maternal grandmother, Antonia Hernandez. I never called her Grandma. I called her Mom, because that's what she was to me. She always gave me unconditional love, support, and acceptance. She always knew just what to say to encourage me when I was at my lowest.PIcture: My mom, Antonia Hernandez, and me
Anger Goes, but Love Stays
Anger Goes, but Love Stays
When I was a child and had done something wrong, I was corrected by my father. After my punishment, Dad would always make me kiss and hug him and would tell me that he loved me. My dad expressed in this ritual that he loved me but hated what I had done. I use the same ritual on my son now. He is named after my dad who died six months before he was born. Picture: My father, Edward C. Michael, passed away in 1999.
My Mom's 'Eva-isms'
My Mom's 'Eva-isms'
My mother, Eva Tew McInnis, has many "Eva-isms," as she calls them. My favorites are:
Picture: My mother, Eva McInnis
Early to Rise
Early to Rise
My father was born in the former Soviet Union during the start of World War II in 1940. His parents were hard-working people, and their wisdom he passed on to me.Picture: My mom and dad
A Better Tomorrow
A Better Tomorrow
One of my paternal aunts once told me, "Tomorrow IS a better day." She explained that when you're down one day, and life becomes too overwhelming, you tell yourself that tomorrow IS a better day. This starts the process of creation, as you realign your thought patterns and actually look forward to a better day, making it better along the way.
