Jonathan s father was a minister, and his mother was the daughter of a clergyman. The family also has given us more than 100 clergymen, missionaries and theology professors, and about 60 authors. Contrast the impact of the Edwards line to the influence of the Jukes family. It has been estimated that this clan has cost the state of New York millions of dollars over the years. Sadly, this family produced at least seven murderers.
Every family has a heritage, a model of beliefs and behavior passed from generation to generation.
A heritage is the spiritual, emotional and social legacy that children receive from their parents, for good or for bad. Fortunately, despite your circumstances, you can pass on an Edwards-style heritage to your kids. Here s how. The typical family reacts to the daily events of life instead of planning the heritage-passing process. As a Japanese proverb puts it, When you re dying of thirst, it s too late to think about digging a well.