We live in an ever downward-spiraling society, where the values so important to life have been lost to selfishness. Divorce rates rise unabated; abortion is prevalent and widely accepted. Yet, the memory of times past exists in which family was valued and schism detested. There was a time when success wasn't measured by the good fortune of an individual but by the amassed successes of the whole, a time where pride could be found in familial bonds and not in self. Our society has strayed from that place, but strong family bonds are as important now as they were in times past.

On an individual level family bonds are incredibly important, and are in fact the basis upon which is built a strong society. A strong family begins with unity. This familial harmony is rooted deeply in authority, communication, and humility.

These three are rooted in love. Love is the absolute basis for family, and without it family cannot succeed. Love exhibits humility in spirit, an understanding that we are all human and thereby imperfect. We all make mistakes. For children this concept can be especially difficult to grasp, but as age brings forth maturity, a sense of humbleness is required for unity. So also is communication a necessity, for without it seeds of bitterness are sown in fertile patches of misunderstanding. Communication must be open and free, but all within the bounds of authority.

The structure of authority has been lost in modern times, yielding anarchy. No longer do parents reside over households, but rather children are given an excess of rights and are treated as contemporaries to adults. Despite modern sentiment, adults, more often than not, have a broader level of knowledge and experience than do children, and are therefore better qualified to make important decisions. As one generation leads to the next, if proper authority is not practiced, parents become less and less apt to parent, and children are likewise reduced in knowledge, morality, and maturity.

Consequently, we see the fruits of degeneracy in our current culture. An absence of unity disables stability. Lack of stability hamstrings success. Success begins with the passing on of love from one generation to another. Love is the root of humility, communication, and authority, and is thereby fundamental to familial success. Where love abounds so too abounds achievement, enjoyment, and fulfillment.

Circularly, this all leads to unity. The sense of a team spirit enables each individual in the

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