Family First

I agree with our church leaders both past and present who continually emphasize the importance of the family. As Latter- Day Saints we are taught that the family is to be the epitome of focus in our lives, a principle that remains important despite decreasing respect for and support of such a notion. In this day and age, as we are constantly reminded in General Conference messages or simply by taking a look around, sin seems to be more prevalent and accepted than ever before; "what is good is seen as evil and what is evil is seen as good". The family seems to be the first institution that is attacked, with disturbing popularity. There are countless articles, publications, political acts, and the like that are focused on attacking the family, and with alarming success rates. It is more important than ever before to not only recognize the importance of the family, but to support and unite the families that we have.  

·         “As parents, we should remember that our lives may be the book from the family library which the children most treasure. Are our examples worthy of emulation? Do we live in such a way that a son or a daughter may say, ‘I want to follow my dad,’ or ‘I want to be like my mother’? Unlike the book on the library shelf, the covers of which shield its contents, our lives cannot be closed. Parents, we truly are an open book in the library of learning of our homes.” Thomas S. Monson “Dedication Day,” Ensign, Nov. 2000

 

·         "Is there someone in your life who perhaps needs forgiveness? Is there someone in your home, someone in your family … who has done an unjust or an unkind or an unchristian thing? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness."  Jeffrey R. Holland Amazed at the Love Jesus Offers Me Conference December 2008

 

·         The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals.” Thomas S. Monson, "Hidden Wedges",  Conference April 2002

 

·        " Don’t treasure up past wrongs, reprocessing them again and again. In a marriage relationship, festering is destructive; forgiving is divine (see D&C 64:9–10). Plead for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord to forgive wrongs …, to overcome faults, and to strengthen relationships" Dallin H. Oaks, "Divorce", Conference April 2007

 

·         If we are to have unity, there are commandments we must keep concerning how we feel. We must forgive and bear no malice toward those who offend us. The Savior set the example from the cross: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34). We do not know the hearts of those who offend us.” Henry B. Eyering, "That we may be One", Ensign November 2008

 

·         "You may be carrying a heavy burden of feeling injured by another who has seriously offended you. Your response to that offense may have distorted your understanding so that you feel justified in waiting for that individual to ask forgiveness so that the pain can leave. The Savior dispelled any such thought when He commanded: …‘I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men’ [D&C 64:10].” Richard G. Scott, "To be free of Heavy Burdens", Ensign November 2002

 

·         Don’t treasure up past wrongs, reprocessing them again and again. In a marriage relationship, festering is destructive; forgiving is divine (see D&C 64:9–10). Plead for the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord to forgive wrongs …, to overcome faults, and to strengthen relationships" Dallin H. Oaks, "Divorce", Conference April 2007

 

·         "Perhaps there has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray. Prayer is a defense against temptation. It is through earnest and heartfelt prayer that we can receive the needed blessings and the support required to make our way in this sometimes difficult and challenging journey we call mortality.” Thomas S. Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You", Conference October 2007

 

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Parents should teach their children to pray. The child learns both from what the parents do and what they say. The child who sees a mother or a father pass through the trials of life with fervent prayer to God and then hears a sincere testimony that God answered in kindness will remember what he or she saw and heard. When trials come, that individual will be prepared.” Henry B. Eyering, "That he may write upon our hearts", Conference August 2009

·   "  We are told in the scriptures that Satan will tempt us in the last days before the Savior comes again. For this reason, our children need to know that God and Jesus Christ will always love them and answer their prayers. This knowledge will bring them abiding strength.” Robert D. Hales, "Teaching by Faith", Ensign September 2003