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The family tree is a symbol of heritage and pride. It connects us to our ancestors and the roots of our existence. But there is a myth that some families believe - that they don't have any black sheep in their family tree.
How the Black Sheep Myth Appears in Families
Have you heard your relatives or friends say the following?
"I don't have any black sheep in my family tree. We are all good people."
"My family is pretty much perfect."
I'm sure you can think of other variations.
But the truth is, every family has its share of black sheep (a disfavored or disreputable relative).
These family members stand out for their misdeeds or unconventional behavior.
They may be the subject of gossip or even scorn, but they are still a part of the family.
Take, for example,
Uncle Joe, who spent time in prison for embezzlement.
Cousin Sarah, who got pregnant at a young age and dropped out of school
Great-Grandpa George, who had a reputation for being a womanizer.
Stop Believing No Black Sheep Are In Your Family
The idea of a perfect family tree without any black sheep is just a myth. It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes; some may struggle more than others.
When honest family members take time to explore their families, they may begin saying:
"Actually, now that I think about it, we do have a few black sheep in our family."
"I guess every family has them."
If that happens, this blog post has succeeded.
In short, we must embrace and document everyone in our family tree, even if we don't always agree with their choices.
Remember that every branch has its own story to tell, even the black sheep.
If you need help writing your family histories, pick up your copy of this free writing guide.
