What is the definition of 'family'? According to Wikipedia, "it is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Ideally, families offer predictability, structure, and safety as members mature and learn to participate in the community."
Now, with that, I believe I have the absolute BEST family in the world. We don't just 'maintain', we LOVE. We ALL love big. What a great example we had from the very start & what a great example we have in our Lord! May we never forget this in generations to come. Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:8
This book is for those who may have seen some faces at the family reunion and wondered where they fit in at. It's for those of us who didn't get to meet the 1st generation & can feel connected through the pictures, through the smiles. Also, to remember names - when you see that familiar face in the store, instead of just thinking I know I'm related to them, but I don't know them. You say, "Hey, aren't you _____?!"
I am thankful for my dad, who has a huge heart for family, for coming up with this idea. He wasn't sure who, how or when, but he had the vision and there was no turning back from that. The Lord (& my dad!!) worked on me for a couple months, nudged and nudged & I finally said, "OK! I'll do it!" I've learned so much about my family that I had no idea. We are strong. We have been through some stuff, y'all. We will continue to go through stuff. Never forget how important family is. Never hesitate to call your dad's cousin's son if you need help. We will be there. That's what Hopkins do.
God is GOOD, ALL the time.. ALL the time, God is GOOD. --Lindsey (Hopkins) Mathes,
daughter of Burl Hopkins & granddaughter of "Doonie" Hopkins
