The Great Divide

Over my short span of life, I have devoted much time and energy researching and pondering the importance of family. Family was once a standard to strive for, not a plague to avoid. However, in this day and age, family is not ranked high on the list of tremendous accomplishments. What was once a common-place institution, is now quite uncommon. The definition of family is often attacked, as are the roles of men and women. The "world" has persuasive opinion's, and many are swayed into an alternate way of life. The family is under attack, and it is family that we must fight for!

In 1995 the leaders of the Church -- with Gordon B. Hinckley as prophet -- released the inspired and God-directed document, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." This simple, yet profound document is a divine masterpiece. Every word was examined and chosen with delicate thought and care. This instruction on the family, is the word of God. I know it.

Go to www.lds.org to read "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"

So, why is it, that when this perfect word of God is discussed in a group of people -- there is confusion and doubt? The words are clear. The words are of God -- His commandments. Yes, those nice little rules called "commandments" that we are suppose to obey, willingly, even eagerly. Why do they cause so much conflict? I do not recall a time when the Proclamation (or family) has been discussed, that there has not been disagreement. Why? I have often pondered on this question . . . now I know. It is personal. Family is personal. When it is personal, it is emotional. All sorts of interesting things come about when emotions get stirred up. Trust me, I know! And when a perfect blueprint for an ideal family is presented, and it looks nothing like the structure that has been created, then of course -- there will be conflict, confusion, and disappointment. . . Now, that being said, I do understand. I understand that everyone is different -- every family is different, of course! We do not all have the same opportunities, and options in life. Some men and women are left widowed, some never marry, some divorced, there are economic hardships, poverty, etc. The different situations are as varied as are people. I do understand that, I really do. I have a great love for those who are fighting to make things work in this complicated, often confusing world. Yet, the Proclamation is for everyone, in every circumstance! Any family situation can be strengthened by following the counsel on the family.

The Proclamation is for us! It is a guide -- a guide to the greatest happiness. It is a guide to show us how life will be if we are to live with our Heavenly Father. After this Earth life, well, it is all about family! We might as well try and pattern our lives as closely to our guide as we can, so that the transition from Earth life, to Eternity -- can be smooth. :-) The Proclamation is a guide to the greatest treasure, a treasure that we can possess forever! We have as our example, perfection. The Savior, Jesus Christ, is perfect. We are not left with a mediocre example to pattern our lives after, we have perfection. Can we achieve perfection in this life? No. Do we "throw in the towel" because perfection is out of our reach? No! We must strive to be as much like the Savior as possible. That is why He came to Earth, to show us how to live, and to make it possible for us to live again. He is our example and we should try to follow Him. At least give it all you got! As a result, a lovely result, you find hope and happiness!
"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" -- is also perfect. It is from God. It is our perfect example of how families should, and can be. Can we have a perfect family in this life? Well, that is debatable. We can certainly do our best to create a family that follows the counsel written by a Prophet of God. We should strive to align our family with the counsel given directly from our Heavenly Father. We are not left with a mediocre example of how families should be. We have the perfect example, and we should try and follow it -- not fight against it.

It is like any other principle of the gospel. If you live the word of wisdom, pay your tithing, go to the temple, etc., then you know the blessing that come into your life -- when you do the things that God wants you to do. If you do not do those things, you cannot know with the same surety.
If you want to find out how happiness is most likely achieved, then follow the counsel given in the Proclamation, and you will know.

I find myself very grateful. I am grateful for the Proclamation and the powerful direction from God. I am grateful that the Proclamation was available to my family, even before we were married, so Charles and I could make our decisions together about creating our family, based on the word of God, and not our individual ideas. I know that by making a great effort to follow this counsel, we have enjoyed such happy times, and heavenly moments. Not without hardship, but with great joy, and great hope. I am grateful that I have this treasure to share with my children, so that they can be a new generation of God-fearing servants, and continue extending my family's posterity throughout eternity! What a glorious thought! I love my family. They are my treasure. Charles is my greatest love, my joy, and my hero. He provides for the needs of our family, and would do so, at all costs. As a young family trying to make it through school, we suffered extreme poverty -- including negative numbers. We have eaten croutons for dinner, slept on the floor, and gone car-less, with children (to name a few). Yet, from the moment that my Sammi came into this world, we chose that my role will be that of nurturer, homemaker, and equal partner with Charles -- as he faces the world to provide for us. We are a team. We work together to make up a family. Father, Mother, Children. It is a beautiful thing. I am honored to fulfill my role as a mother, and Charles is honored to fulfill his role as a father. Through poverty -- or wealth, our roles remain the same. I am grateful for our equal-opportunity home. :-) We are partners in our family business.

There is not a "position" in this world, that would provide for me more fulfillment or satisfaction -- than the most glorious position as Mother. There is nothing more beautiful, more Heavenly, or close to the angels, than a mother. A mother is co-creator with God. God loves sweet Mothers, and women with pure mother-hearts. I love being a homemaker. It is a title that would make some women cringe and flee, because those women, do not understand. Homemaking is more than home-cleaning or mind-numbing activities. It is creating a beautiful environment of love, and learning, for the next generation. It is setting a standard of living for your posterity. A home is a place where the future is cuddled, in the strength of your arms. Anything is possible within the walls of a home, where a homemaker is present. Anyone can clean a home, but not just anyone can "make" a home. My work is that of constant creation, and nurturing those who need me, and love me. It is truly "work" and I love my job. :-) Mrs. President of the United States? No thank you. I am the Queen of my castle. ;-)I love my Heavenly Father, and my Savior. I am so grateful that I can be with my family, forever. I hope to stand as a witness at all times, in all things, and in all places, to defend the one institution that is the fundamental unit of society, and the substance of the greatest eternal joy -- the family.