Heredity = the sum of qualities and potentialities genetically derived from one’s ancestors.
As a little girl, I would look in the mirror, looking for those family resemblances. I wondered where my reddish black curly hair came from since most of our family had straight black hair or straight brown hair. I also wondered where my temperament came from, artistic tendencies, sports ability and my left-handedness. It seemed that no one else in my family was just like me – I was the sum of many parts!
Scientists and psychologists have debated heredity versus environment for many years. Which is more powerful in molding a person and determining what kind of person they become? With the many blended families around these days, there is some undeniable evidence that environment plays a significant part. My daughter, the scientist, can give you a very long list of traits that is hereditary, like wiggling your ears, rolling your tongue, how your feet are shaped, how many times you sneeze in a row – she can go on and on. My son is more of the laid back, feelings person. Both are a mixture of characteristics and traits from both sides of the family. Both raised in the same house with both parents are very different, yet in many ways the same.
I’m glad we are not bound by only our genes. My family history has been a diverse, but colorful one that includes moonshiners, smugglers, teachers and ministers filled with stories of good – and bad. As a Christian, I am glad that I have a new family in God.
I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18). At least with this family, the good can overcome the bad!
