The Secret to a Happy Family

This week we were asked the question,"Are all cultures equally valid?" The first thing we had to do was define a few terms. The first of which was, "culture." Take a minute and think about how you would define culture? Is is more than just where you live? How does culture influence you individually? As a family? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary it is defined as, "the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time" Therefore if we apply this to the family, culture is much more than what one family does; its what they think and believe as well. The next term we had to define was "valid." This one seemed to be more difficult that culture! Again, if we turn to Webster, it says,  " fair or reasonable; acceptable according to the law." This brought in another interesting aspect of validity... the Law... Well, where does the law come from? Who establishes the law? Isn't it all a matter of opinion? We established that there are two difference sets of laws: those of man and those of God. 

This is when going to a church university starts to becomes very personal and beneficial. We then discussed what God's law was, and if that law was applicable to everyone or just members of our faith? We talked a lot about The Family: A Proclamation to the World (for complete document see left margin). Since we were discussing the validity of family cultures, we thought it would be helpful to figure out what the purpose of the family really was. According to the Latter-Day Saint beliefs, we believe that the purposes of the family are 1) Protecting and raising children, 2) to help us to return back to Heavenly Father's (God's) presence, 3) Teach correct principles, 4) to be unified in this world to help bare one another's burdens. It was meant that families would be our support systems, our "go to" people, and just our comrades in this crazy world we call life. We also believe the following about families: 

"THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."

Although we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, do not discriminate against those who choose to live other life styles, we will defend what we know to be right and true. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle of the Lord teaches us more on the topic of tolerance. He says, "Tolerance is defined as a friendly and fair attitude toward unfamiliar opinions and practices or toward the persons who hold or practice them." This does not mean that we embrace those cultures, but do/should try to do our best to be respectful to those who choose to live such lifestyles. Now, many may say that it is just our opinion about what we believe about God and his law. But these theories have been confirmed over and over again that are consistent to what the Lord has revealed to us today. I know that if we follow those laws that the Lord has set forth, we will have a much greater chance of having a happy family! 

Some may think that it is wrong or harsh or discrimination to go around telling people that this is the correct way of doing things. But, the way I see it is, I've experienced a lot of these things in my own personal life and has seen them work in the lives of others. I have seen the blessings of families who live in accordance with the Laws the Lord has put before us. Science has shown over and over again just how meaningful and accurate those Laws are. I tell you these things not because I feel that my religion is better than your's, or that my way is more superior, but that I know how much happiness it can bring and I feel a great need to tell the world of this so called secret to a happy family life. I hope those of you who also have this knowledge will find the courage and seek out the opportunities to share the knowledge that you have, so that other families can be blessed with the same happiness you have felt in your own families. 

Good luck! And until next time ;)
Renee