As I go about my daily activities, I am aware of our need to connect. Whether it be a school, a church, a company or a social group, there is a certain amount of satisfaction in saying “I belong to...” or “I am a member of...” God says, “It is not good that man should be alone,” (Gen 2:18; NKJV).
The second half of the last century saw a shift in family dynamics. With greater career options and affluence, newly married couples became far more mobile – they wanted to get out on their own, often moving many miles away from friends and family connections. This separated the couple from their local support system, and when children came along, they were often on their own not knowing what to do.
Thankfully, nowadays people are looking to reconnect. Families are now moving their elderly relatives into ‘granny flats’ in the back yard or providing space for them in their own homes. Support groups are springing up all over to allow people with similar issues to connect, to help them realise they are not alone.
During the last few years, there has been a move to connectivity over the internet. Many people spend hours each day on websites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter connecting with ‘friends’ all over the world. Whilst I could spend time discussing the pros and cons of this activity, it satisfies a need to connect, albeit on a superficial level, with some people judging themselves by how many online friends they have.
At Focus on the Family Australia, we have the same need to connect and to be part of your lives. Our promise is to help families thrive, and to do this we would like to know what you need to help your family thrive. Drop us a line at response@families.org.au with your comments and suggestions on how we can better connect with you.
Warm Regards and God Bless
Brett McLeod
CEO
Focus on the Family Australia
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