Blood is Thicker Than Water, But Family Is Chosen

As a Christian, most of the rhetoric surrounding faith and duty is portrayed through the notion of God's unconditional love, which is intrinsic to the faith. However, those who prioritize their duty will eventually realize that love teaches and inspires us by offering insight into who we are today. Amidst the noise and chaos of societal pressures, how do we choose our path?

Charting our course through life seems full of its own perils as we are largely molded by so many factors that are often out of our control. I have realized that nobody is perfect, but at the end of the day, you should be able to look at yourself in the mirror and respect the person you see. Life to me was about having fun, but there is a deceptive snake that whispers of bliss only to lead to painful ignorance.

We've all heard the saying, "Blood is thicker than water." Many believe it means that family—bound by blood—is the ultimate source of love and loyalty. Parents, for instance, are often seen as our most steadfast supporters, standing by us through thick and thin. Yet, true love—whether from family or friends—is not always about blind acceptance. It is also about challenge and accountability. The idea that we should be loved just as we are, without growth or self-reflection, is misleading. In reality, those who truly care for us will push us to rise above our excuses rather than indulge our complacency. This is why I believe that family is a choice. It is a decision to care for someone, to promote their well-being, and to act in their best interest—even when it’s difficult.

Imagine this: You are walking down a road and fall into a ditch. A true friend, like a brother or sister, would warn those who follow, urging them to avoid the same mistake. Love is not just about comfort—it is about guiding and giving, even when it is inconvenient. However, like the popular saying 'misery loves company,' we often are so insecure that we are in constant need of validation from people around us.

One of my favorite songs of all time is 'Simple Man' by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I would like to conclude with a thought I had while I was playing this song on repeat the other day. In this beautiful narrative between mother and son, there is a simple line that struck me as something so profound and yet so simply put, i.e., "Oh, be something you love and understand."

If we reflect on our past, I am sure that each of us can find times in which we have acted in a way or said something we regret; furthermore, there may be times we needed a support system that is harder and harder to find as the days go by. When you look back in retrospect and consciously think about who you would like to be, just remember that all you need to do is to be someone who you love and one you understand. It is not that we are perfect, but there is an innate beauty to admitting our flaws and acknowledging that kindness begins with goodwill.