Julie B. Beck, General president of the Relief Society spoke at the opening session on Friday. She referred extensively to the Proclamation on the Family, issued in 1995, saying that it was a reaffirmation of what prophets have been teaching throughout history. The Plan of Salvation also innately addresses the doctrine of the family: the basic unit of the family (male and female) was formed during Creation, the Fall provided the means for families to grow in quality and experience, and the Atonement ties families together forever.
She talked about marriage--that the nature of male and female spirits complement and perfect each other and then gave this quote (that I may not have right word for word) that I love but that I don't know who it is by:
"Families are the love story of husbands and wives, parents and children through the ages."
The doctrine of families is "we" and "us" as opposed to worldly doctrine which is "I" and "me" and "what I do doesn't affect you...."
She talked about threats to the family and referenced the 6th chapter of Ephesians:
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
So, we have the challenge to believe deeply and actively. We can't allow happiness in our families to happen by accident, but rather through purpose and planning. We need to fight to defend our homes and families against evil influences rather than being victims. We must create opportunities for teaching, and opportunities require time. We must put forward our best effort in holding family home evenings.
1 comment:
Nicely said.
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