Something that is increasingly more important for families
to be doing, is being educated in what is going on around them, what laws are
being passed, and government issues that can affect you and your family. Too often
parents are not informed of these kinds of things and can’t properly address
them. In class, we were asked this question: Current topics in U.S. politics
include redefinition of marriage, elective abortion based upon the gender of
the child, and removing the risks of purchasing homes. What is your
responsibility relative to these political hot topics?
My answer:
This ironically has been a discussion that me and my husband
have just recently had and has had a big impact on what I think our
responsibility is relative to these hot topics. I live in California, where the
Proposition 8 was just passed. It is something that has brought up a lot of
discussion and concern in the church and something that has bothered my family.
When my husband and I were discussing how complicated relationships, political
views, and morals can be skewered by some of these hot topics, we decided to
stick to what the church has said about each of these topics. I know that some
think that we are being handed our opinions, but to me, if I know the Church is
true and I know that the prophet is the prophet of God, sent as a mouthpiece to
the Lord, then I’m going to follow him and his council. Regarding the
redefinition of marriage, the church has put out the Proclamation where it
says, “Marriage is between a man and a woman is ordained of God.” That is the
definition we are given and commanded to follow. I have a responsibility to
live this law and teach my children that marriage is only between a man and a
woman lawfully wed as husband and wife. We are also counseled in the church on
the sacredness of life and how life is crucial to Gods plan. In chapter 27 is
says, “Each human being, no matter how young or how small, is a “beloved spirit
son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and
destiny.” I truly believe this. We do not have the right to take away life.
Heavenly Father has given us the most beautiful gift in giving men and woman
procreative power in bringing life into this world, but his didn’t give us the
right to take life away. We have the responsibility as saints to teach our
families the sacredness of life and of the plan of salvation and that every
child, male and female, has a divine role and destiny to fulfill. As for the
risk of purchasing houses, we have been counseled to stay out of debt, to be
wise about our investments and frugal with our money, and not to spend more
than we earn. For purchasing a home, it is okay to go into some debt, but not
excessively. Debt can make someone a slave to for a very long time. We should
be living these principles in our homes and as we do so, we become an example
to our neighbors and communities. Show kindness, respect and invitation to
them. As we do this, we will be filled with love and the spirit that will show
us the things that we need to say.
I think that turning to the Lord in every aspect while
parenting is essential. It has been a learning experience for me to always
include parenting with the Lord. He knows and loves your children the most and
understands them better than anyone. I really liked Elder Packers talk, The Shield
of Faith, given in general conference, April 1995. He talks about how mothers
and fathers are the ones that are arming their children to go into batter
(spiritually). The father as the head of the home hammers out the major dents
in his child’s shield, while the mother polishes the armor till it shines and then
proceeds to dress her kids in the armor. I love the imagery and the
truthfulness of this metaphor. I want to be the best parent that I can be in
preparing my children to go out into the world to be strong and valiant
individuals.
Elder Packers Talk:
or look it up on www.lds.org
Principles I learned and do not want to forget:
1. The first is gospel information: The most important,
life-changing information that I know of is the knowledge that we are truly
children of God our Eternal Father.
2. Second is communication: Nothing is more important to the
relationship between family members than open, honest communication.
3. Third is intervention: It is the parents’ duty to
intervene when they see wrong choices being made.
4. Fourth is example: Just as it is difficult for a weary
sailor to find his way across uncharted seas without the aid of a compass, it
is almost impossible for children and youth to find their way through the seas
of life without the guiding light of a good example.
One of my favorite quotes:
“There is a
desperate need for parents, leaders, and teachers to help our youth learn to
understand, love, value, and live the standards of the gospel. Parents and
youth must stand together in defense against a clever and devious adversary. We
must be just as dedicated, effective, and determined in our efforts to live the
gospel as he is in his efforts to destroy it-and us.”
No comments:
Post a Comment