I've come to realize that some of the teachings passed down through generations in faith communities can stem from the trauma our ancestors endured because of their beliefs. Through my genealogy research, I've come to see how generational patterns of belief and practice have shaped my family. It's been eye-opening and deeply meaningful to learn and reflect on this. I wish I had the brain power and time right now to consider and compare and articulate it. These teachings I experienced, often shared with good intentions to raise children into an enduring faith, can still carry unintended effects. I've seen this in my upbringing and recognize aspects that, in hindsight, were likely unhealthy or even traumatic. But bringing it into the light is necessary, and it must be changed by those of us who are able to speak into it. I will continue to try to do this in the areas where I lead and teach.
Your thoughtful disclaimer about acknowledging that these experiences may not apply to everyone is so important—it's a reminder not to dismiss the very real challenges others face.
Yes, every story is unique and nothing is experienced in the exact same way by any two people. We bring our story to each situation and have so much that we are unaware that is influencing us. When surviving, people have little space to reflect--it is often up to the following generations to do so and change the patterns build by people who were trying to survive without adequate resources.
I've come to realize that some of the teachings passed down through generations in faith communities can stem from the trauma our ancestors endured because of their beliefs. Through my genealogy research, I've come to see how generational patterns of belief and practice have shaped my family. It's been eye-opening and deeply meaningful to learn and reflect on this. I wish I had the brain power and time right now to consider and compare and articulate it. These teachings I experienced, often shared with good intentions to raise children into an enduring faith, can still carry unintended effects. I've seen this in my upbringing and recognize aspects that, in hindsight, were likely unhealthy or even traumatic. But bringing it into the light is necessary, and it must be changed by those of us who are able to speak into it. I will continue to try to do this in the areas where I lead and teach.
Your thoughtful disclaimer about acknowledging that these experiences may not apply to everyone is so important—it's a reminder not to dismiss the very real challenges others face.
Yes, every story is unique and nothing is experienced in the exact same way by any two people. We bring our story to each situation and have so much that we are unaware that is influencing us. When surviving, people have little space to reflect--it is often up to the following generations to do so and change the patterns build by people who were trying to survive without adequate resources.