THE FAMILY.

The Economical Path. 

WHAT IS A FAMILY?

A family is a group of individuals connected by blood, marriage, adoption, or deep emotional bonds who support, nurture, and share responsibilities with one another.

 

At its core, a family serves as:

 

  • A unit of belonging — where identity, culture, and values are first formed.

  • A structure of support — offering emotional, physical, and sometimes financial care.

  • A social institution — recognized by communities and societies as the foundation for growth, education, and continuity.

The word Family etymologically comes from the African Yoruba word Fa Mi La, which can also be used as Fami Mora, meaning to bring together in love. It is an ancestral word the connects many peoples together. Fa, Ifa, Afa, Efa, etc. IFa(The Language of creation and life, O and I). Mi(Myself, Breath). Ala/Ila (Land, Individual and collective Inheritance/Boundary, Nature, Identity).

 

There are different types of families:

  • Nuclear family – parents and their children.

  • Extended family – includes grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.

  • Single-parent family

  • Blended family – formed when two families merge.

  • Chosen family – close friends or community members treated as kin.

 

In African and particularly Yorùbá worldview, family (ìdílé) often extends beyond biology. It includes ancestors, future generations, and the community, emphasizing interconnectedness, responsibility, and lineage continuity.

THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF FAMILY.

From humble beginnings, every family must choose its path, economically, socially, politically, and mentally. That path defines not just the future of the family itself, but often the strength and stability of entire communities. A well-structured family is the backbone of a nation. It can inspire liberation, transformation, and generational success.

 

Responsibility and accountability must be core values, especially in response to the changing conditions of the world. Families must remain alert to their environment, both atmospheric and social, and respond with unity, wisdom, and purpose.

 

Every family holds unique gifts. It is vital to recognize the talents within and acquire the skills necessary to bring those gifts to life.

Define your own family traditions, economically, socially, and politically. In a rapidly shifting world, staying in tune with the times is key. Study the currents of the economy. Learn the movements of the world. But most importantly, look inward and gather resources even when limited. Discover your family’s strengths and build upon them.

 

Create your own cultures. Establish your own anthems, holidays, symbols, and even ancestral practices. A family rooted in self-awareness, purpose, and shared values becomes more powerful over time.

Security and legacy should be top priorities. Work together to protect your lineage and honor your ancestry. Teach this core values as a doctrine to the children about their sovereignty and self preservation. Document your journey. Write your stories and family books. Keep records of your life experiences. Assign family roles early as historian, artist, builder, healer, farmer, musician, dancer, leader, and protector. Give your children meaningful responsibilities. Teach them about money and health at an age where they can comprehend and apply it.

 

Learn the art of solving life’s challenges with strategy. Learn to share what you have amongst one another, even when it’s little, until there’s more to go around. Embrace challenges, but be committed to being the solution.

Patience and wisdom can prevent a lifetime of regret. Be humble, even in your pride.

Family is everything. It is the sacred tree with many roots. It is the living chain that binds the past, the present, and the future into one eternal circle. Family is a covenant with life itself. Fight for your family. Protect your family. Build the strongest legacy possible, for yourself and for those yet to come.

 

Don’t let it fall apart on you.