This is my meditation, my thought for this Thursday morning on the second day of our new year, 2025. As I reflect on nearly 64 years of life, I am reminded of the challenges and triumphs that have defined families across generations. Thought I’d share this with my community as a way to honor the resilience and strength that parents have always shown.
As I approach my 64th year, I find myself reflecting deeply on the role of families and parents across generations. This reflection isn’t just an exercise in nostalgia; it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience that defines us and the important work I feel called to do as a teacher, mentor, and community leader. Parenting, it seems, has always been a test of courage, adaptability, and love.
The Great Depression (1930s): Teaching Resourcefulness
During the Great Depression, parents faced unimaginable hardships. Widespread unemployment and economic collapse forced families to innovate and band together to survive. Children grew up learning the value of every penny, the importance of sharing, and the strength of community. Parents didn’t just provide for their children; they modeled resourcefulness and gratitude in the most trying circumstances.
World War II (1940s): Sacrificing for the Greater Good
With many fathers and even mothers serving in the war, families endured long separations and significant uncertainty. In this era, parents taught their children about sacrifice and resilience. Older siblings often stepped into parenting roles, strengthening family bonds and instilling a sense of responsibility. Families embodied the ethos of “we’re in this together,” a lesson that resonates even today.
Post-War Boom (1950s): Building Stability
The 1950s brought optimism but also societal pressure to conform. Parents worked tirelessly to provide a stable life for their children, often prioritizing education and homeownership as markers of success. This era was about building a foundation—a safe, secure environment—that allowed the next generation to dream bigger than the last.
Civil Rights Movement (1960s): Fighting for Justice
For families, particularly those in marginalized communities, the 1960s were a time of both challenge and empowerment. Parents modeled courage, teaching their children to stand up for equality and justice despite the risks. They demonstrated that love for family extends to a love for community and a responsibility to make the world a better place.
The Economic Shifts (1980s): Balancing Work and Family
The rise of dual-income households and the rapid pace of technological change in the 1980s created new challenges for families. Parents navigated work-life balance, often relying on extended family or childcare support. The resilience of this era was about adaptability—adjusting to new norms while still prioritizing family values.
21st Century: Meeting Modern Challenges
Today’s families face unprecedented pressures: navigating the complexities of social media, addressing mental health, and coping with global issues like climate change and economic instability. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both the fragility and strength of family bonds. Parents today, like those before them, continue to rise to the challenge, modeling adaptability, empathy, and resilience for their children.
A Personal Reflection: Yesterday’s Event
Yesterday, I witnessed something extraordinary during our family board break event. Parents, both moms and dads, stepped forward as “real” models of leadership. They didn’t just cheer their children on—they stood beside them, breaking through their own barriers and showing what it means to live strong. This moment was a reminder that parenting isn’t just about teaching; it’s about embodying the values we want to pass down.
My Journey as a Parent: From Failure to Growth
Parenting has not been an easy road for me. I look back on my early years as a father with my first two children and see the mistakes I made. I wasn’t always present, and I didn’t always get it right. There were times when my focus was elsewhere, and I missed opportunities to connect and guide them as they deserved. Those early failures weighed on me, but they also became my greatest teachers.
With time, reflection, and a commitment to growth, I began to change. I learned that parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, learning, and striving to do better. Today, as a father and grandfather, I am proud of the relationships I’ve built with my children and grandchildren. I’ve learned to be present in both the great times and the hard ones. If there is one thing I’ve come to understand, it’s this: the most important gift we can give our children is our presence, our love, and our unwavering determination to keep trying.
Why This Matters Now
As I reflect on the generations before us and the challenges they overcame, I’m reminded that our role as parents, mentors, and leaders is more vital than ever. Each generation has its own struggles, but the constants are the resilience, love, and unity that families bring to the table.
The work I’m called to do—whether it’s through martial arts, mentoring, or community engagement—isn’t just about teaching skills. It’s about building character, modeling strength, and reminding families that they have the power to rise above anything.
Living Strong Across Generations
To the parents reading this: your role is monumental. You are the foundation upon which your children build their futures. Your courage, your willingness to face challenges, and your determination to live strong will leave a legacy that carries forward for generations. Together, let’s honor the resilience of the past, embrace the opportunities of today, and prepare our children to thrive in the future.
Living strong isn’t just a motto—it’s a legacy.
