Because We Are a Family

In 1989, I wrote a song that I titled, “Because We Are a Family.” While it was originally written as a serious song to inspire my son Jonathan, it became a theme song for our whole family. It is a song I sang to my children, and my children are now singing it to their children.

Although it was totally a surprise to me, I was delighted when two of my teenage grandchildren got together during spring break on March 24, 2019 and made a hilarious video production of “Because We Are a Family” and put it on YouTube! My grandson was the “singer” and my granddaughter the videographer!

I texted and asked what prompted them to make this video, and Abby texted back:

Um, so basically we were just sitting there and Charlie was like, “Let’s make a music video.” And then we said, “Let’s do ‘Because We Are a Family’.” And then I said, “Instead of getting more people, let’s just have you be in a bunch of different wigs and make it super dramatic.” And that’s just kinda how it went.

 My husband and I laughed and laughed when we watched their video. We are both so grateful to know that the message of this song is continuing on in the hearts of our grandchildren 30 years later. One generation after another.

Because We Are a Family

Because we are a family,
During good times or the bad,
We’ll be here when you’re happy,
And we’ll be here when you’re sad.
And when you feel you’re all alone
And don't know which way to go—
Remember that we're with you
And that our love will always grow.

Because we are a family,
We cannot forget
The times we’ve shared together,
And the times that we’ll share yet.
So as you go from day to day,
You must understand
That in good times or in bad times
We hold each other’s hands—
Because we are a family.

So when we face adversity,
We will not despair.
We’ll be strong for each other
And show how much we care—
Because we are a family.
Because we are a family.
Because we are a family.

 Story behind "Because We Are a Family"

From my book, Wings of Glory: The Story behind the Songs 

Years ago, I read a magazine article about successful families. At first, I felt disappointed in what it had to say. Instead of giving advice on how to become one of those idealistic, perfect families, there were many examples of very normal, imperfect families who had worked through major trials in their homes.

In reading this article, I was surprised to learn that a family’s success cannot be measured by outward appearances. A family’s success can only be measured by the love and loyalty that binds those in the family together as they go through trials.

I had always wanted to have a “perfect” family, but as the years went by I came to realize that I couldn’t have a perfect family—because perfect families did not exist. I was only frustrating myself by trying to chase an impossible dream.

Over time I began to appreciate my imperfect family more and more. With my eyes wide open, I could now see our strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and genuineness. It was such a relief to not have to pretend to be perfect any longer.

I learned to love my family because it is unique.
I learned to love my family because it is real.
I learned to love my family because it is mine.

We have gone through many trials as a family. I’m sure we’ll go through many more over the years. That doesn’t worry me. I know we’ll be able to handle them when they come.

I wrote this song when Jonathan was in his first drug rehabilitation program. It is a simple song, but it has become a family theme song that we sing at times when we feel overwhelmed. It has also become my younger children’s most requested bedtime lullaby. Each time I sing it, it gives me the strength and the courage to keep going on—because we are a family.