Through the family the world is changed. The shaping of leaders starts in the family. I know when there are birthdays, Christmas functions, family gatherings I put the family first. Through the example my Grandparents set for me, I saw that putting the family first led to a happy family and through that, to a better community. Joshua chose to serve the Lord, to put his family first.
We all go through transitions, when my Mother got married her family changed. I was and am no longer a priority to her or my married sister. I no longer expect them to be there for me, as they have made it clear that they have other priorities, the same with extended family. However I have good friends and that helps me. My friends call me and spend birthdays with me. We are a family of faith.
When you lead in your family, you can be trusted to lead in the community.
The examples I offer of sponsoring my Mother, single handedly buying a home and mentoring others who are new to Canada are all things that I did out of my faith and childhood examples of what was modelled for me. I had a Grandfather and Grandmother who were willing to sponsor family from India, who helped family set up businesses, who gave us the best opportunities they could and for me extra studies because I was not an A student. I needed a little extra help to learn and I had the desire to learn.
It begins at home. We had church masses at home which are not permitted in Canada. We had our small domestic church and prayed daily as a family.
As a single woman I adapt to Canada and keep many of these practices which help me stay strong in leadership values.
Where does your influence start?
Personal photo of my Grandfather James Amar Fernandez