October 26th is an ordinary day for most. For me, it’s a day during my favorite time of year, the fall season. This year, it was equally a day of remembrance and reflection as it would’ve been my departed uncle’s 66th birthday.
A Name Fit for an Empire
It’s surreal he passed away a year ago. A valuable gift he gave me was laughter. We shared countless moments of amusement through our mutual love of the classic 1970s sitcom, “Sanford & Son.” He and I watched every episode so often we could aptly interject a line of dialogue to fit any conversation. One episode gave life to the term of endearment I’ll always use for him, tío, the Spanish word for uncle.
The series centered on Fred Sanford, a miserly old man who runs a junk “empire” — as he called it — with his son, Lamont, in South Central Los Angeles. Fred took immense pride in his last name. He emphatically spelled it “S-A-N-F-O-R-D, period.” King Solomon wrote to his son in Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
A Hunter Around Forbidden Ground
Yet, some haven’t realized their surname’s virtue. A current example is United States President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter. He invoked his father’s last name for leverage in several unethical business dealings. Additionally, he was indicted on three criminal charges: lying on an ATF form about drug use when buying a firearm, lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, and illegally possessing a gun while addicted to drugs.
Hunter wrote an editorial bemoaning his actions and the reproach he brought on himself and his family. However, his past behavior is causing havoc for his father’s presidential reelection ambitions as he’s under investigation for alleged conspiracy with Hunter by the House of Representatives majority.
Parental Advice Against Vice
Solomon, a son of another high official, King David, lived licentiously in his youth with numerous women: 700 wives and 300 concubines! Solomon’s promiscuous history prompted his advice to his son in Proverbs 17:25, “Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.”
Similar to Solomon and Hunter, I pursued some avenues where I should’ve done an about-face. The sadness on my mother’s face made me realize wherever I go I represent her and ultimately my family. As a father, I convey this message to my daughter whenever she asks my advice to make decisions. I never expect perfection from my only child — her father is imperfect. Still, I want her to be cognizant that her actions affect her and reflect on me.
Making a November to Remember
I’m aware that some of you reading this have surnames that belong to less-than-ideal families. With the Thanksgiving break approaching, holidays with relatives are stuffed with contention and grief instead of celebration. Some family members passed on, and the gravity of their absence resurfaces around these times.
Other relatives are estranged. This was the case with my father and I. My parents divorced during my childhood. We rarely communicated until God challenged me to take the initiative toward our reconciliation. That’s precisely what God did for me. Romans 5:8 says, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” I love and honor my father, and I’m proud to have the last name Clark.
A Continual Feast of Love and Peace
Whatever your situation is, Jesus feels your pain. He endured temporary separation from His Father while sacrificing Himself for humanity’s salvation (Mark 15:33-37). He can replace what you’ve lost. Psalms 68:6 says He places the lonely in families. He invites you to dine at His table and fellowship with His loved ones.
God can use you to play a vital role in honoring or restoring the distinction of your heritage. Be open to how He leads, and this year can be the beginning of many Happy Thanksgivings.
Te extraño, tío.
Sources:
Program: “Sanford & Son”
Scripture: Proverbs 22:1 (New International Version)
Editorial: “I fought to get sober. Political weaponization of my addiction hurts more than me.” by Hunter Biden, published November 2, 2023
Scripture: Proverbs 17:25
Scripture: Romans 5:8
Scripture: Mark 15:33-37
Scripture: Psalms 68:6
Scripture references are from the New Living Translation except where noted. Their links go to bible.com, courtesy of YouVersion, makers of the Bible App available for iOS and Android devices.
