Threats to Marriage

1     What is the big deal with legalizing same-sex marriage? As Latter-day Saints, do we blow out of proportion the redefining of marriage? Why or why not? Marriage between a man and a woman is, if don’t right by being sealed in the temple, is the only covenant that will get us back to live in Heavenly Father again for eternity. We do not blow this out of proportion because it is the very reason we are here. To live in families and learn and grow together so that we can be together for eternity. It is something so sacred and pivotal so our whole existence. “Male and female are created for what they can do and become, together. It takes a man and a woman to bring a child into the world. Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Men and women are distinct and complementary. Children deserve a chance to grow up with both a mom and a dad.” This quote sums up how I feel about the importance of marriage between a man and a woman.

2    What are the specific quotes in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) that you find to be insightful and meaningful? “The fundamental right to marry does not include a right to make a State change its definition of marriage. And a State’s decision to maintain the meaning of marriage that has persisted in every culture throughout human history can hardly be called irrational.” If only people could think rationally and realize this is the root of the issue. The gay marriage case should have never made it to the Supreme Court level that it did. I appreciated this statement because it brings back to basics that this isn’t an issue at the Federal level. It should be based on each State and voter approved so the people who live in those States have a say on what the institute of marriage means there. “This universal definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman is no historical coincidence. Marriage did not come about as a result of a political movement, discovery, disease, war, religious doctrine, or any other moving force of world history—and certainly not as a result of a prehistoric decision to exclude gays and lesbians. It arose in the nature of things to meet a vital need: ensuring that children are conceived by a mother and father committed to raising them in the stable conditions of a lifelong relationship.” The idea of families was not made or put into effect on accident. Because of the physical union of man and woman children come into this world. In order to raise them and teach them you need a mother and father together. A child needs a mother and a father; there are certain roles each play that is not replaceable by anyone or any gender.

3    In his address, Elder Nelson made it clear that those who stand as a disciple of Christ in these last days, which have been described as “perilous times,” will be put to the test. The struggle will not be easy. Are you prepared for the tough times that are now upon us and which will only grow increasingly more challenging? Elder Nelson assured us that as we stand for marriage and as we remain true and faithful; the Lord will help us and protect us and will also bless our families (p. 4). In what ways has this been true in your life? I see the times my children are growing up in and that I have to raise them to get through and it scares me. Satan is attacking the very heart of families with all his power. I am striving to live my life true and faithful and to teach my children the principles of the gospel so that they are strong and faithful and can endure anything Satan throws at them. I love the promise given saying, “If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong.” I live by that promise.

How do we preserve our families in the midst of the gathering evil around us

Suppose a person asked you the Church's position on divorce. How would you respond to the question based on counsel from Elder Oaks and Elder Faust? A marriage in the temple where you are sealed for time and all eternity is that most important covenant you can make on earth. If there are problems in the marriage the first step should be repentance from both parties, because usually that's the remedy. The problem isn't an incompatibility between husband and wife it's selfishness from one or both parties. Divorce should only come after repentance if there is betrayal of the sacred covenants and the partner is abandoning their responsibilities. Divorce should be the last step to have to come to not the first thought after any spat or dispute. 
In the quote from President Kimball, he stated, “…only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us.” What specific types of things will you do to ensure you preserve your family in the midst of gathering evil? The world we live in is getting more wicked everyday. It frightens me to think about raising my children in it. Some of the many things I will do to ensure my family endures through the evil of this world is to have daily scripture study, family prayers, church attendance and family home evening. Daily scripture study is so important to lay a foundation for their day before they leave the house every morning. It helps to start them with the spirit and often throughout the day we are all able to remember what we read and apply the lessons in our daily life. Having kneeling family prayers morning and night strengthens our home and invites the spirit. Not only does it strengthen the bonds between family members but with our Heavenly Father. We are able to pray with, for and about each other together and grow in love and togetherness. Attending our sacrament and other church meetings on Sunday will not only help teach the gospel to each of us and further our understanding of the plan for us but it will set the ground rules for what we follow. We choose to obey all the commandments and sacrament meeting is one of them. It sets an example and a way of living life that I want my children to have. Last but definitely not least having family home evening. By doing this weekly we are able to teach our children the important truths that we want them to know and that they need to know to endure the harsh world we live in. If my husband and I don't teach our children the gospel then the world will teach them the evil and wrong ways. It helps us to bond together and become better friends, to learn to love and appreciate one another. We teach each other just like these discussion boards and we learn together as a family. 

Life is a roller coaster ride.... a little bumpy but worth the ride!

The principle of marriage means so much more than just two people who love each other. It means having a partner and being completely committed to that person. You’re choosing to be with that person through everything life throws at you, to work through the good and the bad. You are working towards a greater purpose and end goal in life. You get the privilege of raising children and enjoying parenthood together. Yes there are ups and downs, life gets hard sometimes and you get down in the dumps, but you always have your person to get through it with. More than anything marriage is the only way to true happiness in this life and for eternity. Being in a marriage you know will last forever and having a family to raise and be with for eternity is worth enduring all of the trials we will face. My life isn’t perfect, some days are far from it, but I know that at the end of the day I have my husband and children who love me and I love them.