Honoring Past Generations in our Home Celebrations

Honoring Past Generations in Our Home Celebrations

In my first book, Celebrations from the Soul I emphasized to hosts the importance of honoring past generations.  What a wonderful gift it is to share with the guests that enter into your Sanctuary the beauty of the people that may no longer be on this earth, but their love and their spirits still make an impact on us daily.

When we used to visit my in-laws in Oklahoma City, my mother-in-law would often make us her famous beef brisket with all of the trimmings.  She would always serve it on her pink and green china.  I always knew this china was special to her, because she was a member of our beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority whose colors are pink and green.  Our love for our sorority was one of the bonds that brought us together.

So when her china was delivered to me this past week, I was inspired to go and style a table in her honor.  She was so many things to me.  She was my example to make a difference in my community.  After her retirement she started her own foundation, A+ Academics where she and other teachers in her community tutored young children and provided scholarships for college.  

She loved my husband Roger with all of her heart and he was her shining “one and only” son.   He loved her too, and after seeing the way he loved and treated her, I knew he would be extra special to me as his wife.  She has a strong legacy of service and love for her family that I want to extend to my children so it is important that I keep her spirit alive.

It’s funny, I knew that my mother-in-law liked to host gatherings in her home, but after packing up her items and going through old pictures, she was the Queen host.  They say you marry someone similar to your mother or father, and it looks like Roger found a wife that was gifted with the Spiritual Gift of Hospitality like his mom.  It’s funny how God works.

I hope as you invite people into your home, that you will share special people in your life by telling stories, sharing their recipes, using their tableware, etc.  It helps to keep their spirit alive.  Remember, legacies from the past are true gifts that help shape future generations.  Embrace them in your celebrations, honor your past and present and build the bridge to the future.

Here are some questions to reflect on:

Who was instrumental in your life and affected you in such a positive way that you want to share their story?

How can you honor that person while entertaining?

If you could look forward to future generations as they celebrate, what family ritual would give insight to your past to honor the generations before you that helped to mold you?

Be blessed and a blessing!

With love,