The Family:
In learning and reading about families for the last several weeks, my testimony has been strengthened about the truthfulness of the gospel, especially in regards to its teachings on families.
Some important truths:
- Marriage is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is central to God's eternal plan.
- Gender is an essential characteristic.
- Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony.
- Children are an heritage of the Lord.
- Fathers, by divine design, are responsible for providing and protecting their families.
- Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.
- Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon principles such as faith, repentance, love, prayer, work, and wholesome recreational activities.
- Extended family should lend support when needed.
- Parents are obligated to help one another as equal partners (though disability or death does necessitate individual adaptation.
- We are warned against calamities if the family if these responsibilities are not met (okay - I butchered that one.)
Lloyd D. Newell said, "More than ever, families are under attack...The eternal truths in the proclamation counteract this culture and provide individuals and families with a guide and a standard, a kind of Liahona or compass to chart their course...Truly understanding and internalizing the principles in the proclamation changes our perspective, our goals, and our entire approach to family life."
As Latter-Day Saints, we are called upon to defend and protect the family, to uphold the standard, to do all we can to be responsible citizens. We can do this as we converse with neighbors, get involved in our communities, and let our voices be heard. The family is the basic fundamental unit of society, and without it, all of society would be harmed.
I stand and add my voice for the family!!!!!