A Widow's View on Marriage; Follow the Prophet

I believe marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God and is central to His plan for His children. As a widow, I perhaps have a unique perspective on the value of marriage and the blessing of having a father and mother in the home to love and nurture the children. I could write an entire book about how children need and want the stability of a loving mother and father; but this is not my purpose in writing at this time. My purpose in writing today is to declare what I know to be true regarding the sacred union of marriage.

I desire to express my beliefs and stand as a witness of God in all times, in all things, and in all places. I have made covenants to stand up and defend what I believe. I have debated within myself whether or not to write anything about my beliefs on marriage and family, but as I asked my Heavenly Father what to do, the answer was loud and clear:

I should stand for what I know is right.

I recognize at this time that marriage -- and the new laws of the land altering its legal definition -- is a topic of heated debate and discussion. As for me, I want absolutely no part in any of the contention. I will close out my comments section if there are any contentious comments, or unkind words written. I do not believe in engaging in a battle of ideas, or an ongoing stream of trying to prove who is right and who is wrong. That is not my purpose here, with this post. All I will do is simply state my beliefs, and end it at that. It should already be pretty clear where I stand on this issue, but I still felt strongly that I should testify of truth once again; especially with the new shift in the ways of the world. My beliefs are still the same, the changes in the world do not change my devotion to God's commandments.

"Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society." - The Council of The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As I was running on a dirt trail the other day, I felt a surge of intense feeling all throughout my body as I pondered what to write on this topic. I had just switched my Pandora station, and the song, "I Will," by Hilary Weeks came on and caused my heart to burn, and I knew I should at least say something. (Click HERE to listen to the song.)

I have been watching the scene on Facebook and the news, and I can see that this event has ignited some fairly passionate debate. It makes my heart sad that so many are pitted against each other, with such a spirit of contention. It does absolutely no good to have your heart filled with such arguments and anger. It is possible to disagree and still have peace in your heart. It is possible to disagree and not be disagreeable. It is hard to "put off the natural man" and be kind, but it is the right thing to do.

I want to make it clear that I love my neighbors, I love my fellow brothers and sisters who walk this earth along with me; we are all children of God. I may not love the choices that others make, and the influence that those choices have on society; but I still love all of God's children. I will continue to treat others with kindness and compassion, and I will raise my children to do the same. Jesus is the perfect example of how to treat our fellow travelers in life. To learn of Him, and His example, read the New Testament. He taught us how to love, and how to treat those around us; be kind.

Even though our world is changing -- perhaps in undesirable ways -- it is still possible to live after a manner of happiness and joy. Do not let fear creep into your faith. These days, these latter-days, have long been prophesied to us in the scriptures. If you are prepared, you do not need to be afraid. Would you be prepared if Jesus were to come today? It is a good question to keep in mind.

He will come.

I have come to the conclusion that there is one clear answer for me and my house, and that is to follow the prophet. Of course I have my own opinions and views, and my heart can get as worked up as the next person regarding this hot topic; but the only safe course is to follow the prophet, because he truly does know the way. The message was whispered in my heart that now is the time to cling to truth and to courage, and to seek out the words of the prophet and apostles and follow their counsel in these latter-days.

Follow the prophet, don't go astray, follow the prophet, he knows the way!

I want to testify that I know what the prophet and apostles have declared to us is true.

For what I believe regarding the Supreme Court Decision Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in the United States...

Click:  HERE