Someone once asked me a question, he said “Why is it that Nigerians, and Nigerian pastors in particular, have many fathers?”
I gave him an answer that in Nigeria, parenting is a communal effort. One person may give birth to a child, but the whole community owns and parents the child. These people are the ladder you climb to the fulfilment of your destiny, they are not to be undermined.
The Importance of a Father:
A father is traditionally the person who gives birth to you. But in life, someone else might help you go farther than your biological father could. This person is also a father. Respect him, treasure him, and honor him just as you would your biological father.
The Role of a Mother:
A mother is someone who carries you in her womb. But there are women who matter significantly in your life. They might not be your biological mother, but they play crucial roles. Such women should be honored, respected, and cared for, especially in their old age.
The Siblings:
A brother is a male relation from your family. However, there are individuals who make your life broader than what your biological brother could. These people widen your scope and are closer than family. The Bile calls them a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. They should be treasured, loved, and respected.
A sister is a female sibling, but there might be women who make your life sweeter than it would have been without them. These women are your sisters in a different sense and should be loved, treasured, and respected.
Building Your Network
You will find that some of the people who have made the greatest contributions to your life are not your family members. The network you form outside your family often determines your net worth.
God bless you.
