"They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother...Luke12:51-53
SUN-DAY SCHOOL LESSON: FAMILY DIVISION & ROLE PLAYING
by eric d.graham
by eric d.graham
According to the Bible, "a house divided can't stand. Of course, this passage can be interpreted in several ways: literally, metaphysically, astrologically and mathematically, for the true scholars of the Craft. But, to keep it simple, during this Christmas SEA-SON , let's find out what ROLE you will be playing in this "never-ending drama, AS THE WORLD TURNS. The 4 psychological archetypes are:
1.)Self-Appointed Family Hero
This person is deemed an overachiever. Their success is celebrated by the entire family. From the outside looking in, it seems, as if, this person has the perfect family, perfect job and perfect marriage. But, under all the flash and cash, in many cases, this person fears that their accomplishments may be minimized and ignored, if his/her secrets or issues are exposed. So, they hide their vulnerability through becoming a work alcoholic. But, the family, in order to protect their name, will sometimes shield and protect this person to a default, avoiding the obvious, while creating scapegoats within the family hierarchy.
This person is deemed an overachiever. Their success is celebrated by the entire family. From the outside looking in, it seems, as if, this person has the perfect family, perfect job and perfect marriage. But, under all the flash and cash, in many cases, this person fears that their accomplishments may be minimized and ignored, if his/her secrets or issues are exposed. So, they hide their vulnerability through becoming a work alcoholic. But, the family, in order to protect their name, will sometimes shield and protect this person to a default, avoiding the obvious, while creating scapegoats within the family hierarchy.
2.)The ScapegoatThis person is an easy target for family feuds. Why? Because, most of their issues are visible to the naked eye. They are not concealed like the Self-Appointed Hero’s. See, the scapegoat is deemed a troublemaker-In street terms- the family “f*$# up,” whom always, it seems, to be filled with drama. Usually, this person will have financial problems, relationship problems, which, sometimes come along with a baby or two, as well as problems with substance abuse, which could be clouded by marijuana smoke, the scent of alcohol, traces of heroin or cocaine.) Whether, using, or selling. As a result, all the family finger-pointing ends up being pointed in his or her direction. But, from the inside looking out, this person feels that they are getting blamed for the real issues, which the family fears to face or address, which has held them in bondage.
3.)The Lost Child
The Lost Child is a “Dream-chaser.” She or he dreams of having a perfect family, perfect job and perfect existence. So, to avoid the brouhaha brewing within the family dynamics, they tend to shy away from issues. So, they isolate themselves, fade way in the background, becoming the fly on the wall, camouflaging themselves, hearing everything; but, saying nothing, in order to avoid the family volcanoes erupting at every event. Unfortunately, their isolation can cause anger, resentment, depression and sadness. And in some instances, he or she feels, as if, their feelings, issues, (whether sexually, spiritually, emotionally, or academically) are being ignored. As a result, this person may try to avoid all family functions, in order to “runaway from the drama. But, if ever provoked, will, sometimes, reveal all the hidden secrets, to release themselves from the chains of generational grievances.
4.)The Family Mascot or Clown
This person is always the life of the party. Most family members hate if he does come. But, hate, if he doesn’t come and the same time. He or she is always telling jokes, always making fun of someone else's issues. But, never address his own. And, while, laughter is always “good medicine” for the soul, some family members may find him or her constant joking to be obnoxious, offensive, mean-spirited, demeaning, and hurtful. His humor, however, while not done to provoke displeasure, usually, is used as a coping mechanism to help him deal with his own issues shortcomings, pain, addiction and frustration with life, which he may refuse to address. Whether it is a recent divorce, the death of a love one, or other hidden trauma not known by family members. Hence, the song: “The Tears of a Clown..” (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com) (Source:T.Hall)
This person is always the life of the party. Most family members hate if he does come. But, hate, if he doesn’t come and the same time. He or she is always telling jokes, always making fun of someone else's issues. But, never address his own. And, while, laughter is always “good medicine” for the soul, some family members may find him or her constant joking to be obnoxious, offensive, mean-spirited, demeaning, and hurtful. His humor, however, while not done to provoke displeasure, usually, is used as a coping mechanism to help him deal with his own issues shortcomings, pain, addiction and frustration with life, which he may refuse to address. Whether it is a recent divorce, the death of a love one, or other hidden trauma not known by family members. Hence, the song: “The Tears of a Clown..” (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com) (Source:T.Hall)
