Focus on Becoming

Marriage is the foundation of the family

    This week as I have been pondering about the family dynamic, and how marriage play's a role in the family as a whole. How does a husband and wife affect each other, and how does the strength of their relationship affect their children or even their extended family. I have seen the effects of how both a strong marriage or a failing marriage can affect those around them and it is so so important. Especially the effect that a marriage can have on children and how it can break them and their trust or can strengthen them and strengthen their trust in their family, in themselves and their Heavenly Father. There are very few things in life that are as equally important as the relationships we make, and our most important relationships are always first with God, then our spouse, and then our children. Our family is our most important relationship in this life and for eternity. 

Ezra Taft Benson said "Marriage is the rock foundation, the cornerstone, of civilization. No nation will ever rise above its homes''. This is a powerful statement from a prophet of God speaking of the importance of a marriage not just on the family, but also the great effect it has on a nation. What is a foundation? A foundation is the base of a structure that holds everything up and keeps it from crashing down. A foundation is like the strong roots of an old tree that keeps the tree in the ground as the winds increasingly blow harder and harder. A husband and wife are the foundation of a family. To each other they love and support, they cherish and sacrifice, they forgive and uplift. To the children they teach and nurture, and should be a righteous example in every aspect. Our children pay attention to our actions, especially the way we treat our spouse or those around us. As children grow older they emulate their parents and hopefully become better than their parents and love and take care of others. A strong marriage breads a strong family, strong families breads strong communities and strong communities breads a strong nation. 

In the first paragraph of The Family A Proclamation to the world it states "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children." The part of this paragraph I want to focus on is that the family is central to our Heavenly Fathers plan for our eternal destiny. I bear my testimony that I know that our Father in Heaven does know exactly what he is doing, and he has prepared a simple and beautiful plan for every single of us no matter what our circumstances are so we can return to live with him. He has promised us all that he has, and I believe the thing God holds most sacred and dear is his Eternal relationship with his family. I recommend that we should do the same, and as we do we will experience the joy and love that God has as we learn and grow together.

Our loving Heavenly Father designed the family because he knows it will bring us the most joy and happiness in our lives when it is centered around Christ. My prayer and hope is that you will seek God in humble prayer and ask him if the family is truly ordained of God, or any other questions you have about the family. I urge you along with President Nelson to “Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen!" I know as we do this the lord will comfort us and answer our prayers. I bear my own testimony of the family and of marriage that it is ordained of God and fills my heart to overflowing of happiness, and joy, and love! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen!