Chapter 18: Faith in Family Life
"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles on principles of faith and prayer"
"Faith in family life".... The title of this chapter says it all. I can see people around me loosing more and more interest in having a traditional family almost on a daily basis. It's sad, but it's truthful, and there should be something done.
In this chapter of the text, three dimensions are discussed. Dimension one: Religious community and family. Dimension two: Religious practices and family and Dimension three: Religious beliefs and family.
Each dimension attributes faith and religion to reasons why the family is considered safer than those who do not practice any religious at all. Dimension one hits on key factors including, "Religious community and marital fidelity", "Religious community and avoidance of pornography, violence and conflict", "Religious community and mothering" and "Religious community and fathering" Dimension two hits on "The religious practice of prayer in marriage." and "The religious practice of family rituals". Dimension three talks about, "Religious beliefs and parenting". Each giving valid points of research and study as to why religion can play such a large role in guiding families to a successful life together that is filled with faith, unity, and happiness.
Having gone through a very hard struggle with my family, when I was only eleven years old, I can see how religion can build strong families. We were constantly praying together, fasting together, pleading to the Lord together to help get answers to our prayers. We relied on the priesthood powers of my father, grandfather, uncles and close family friends to help us get through the most hectic time in our lives. I know that my testimony of families was built strong and firm throughout that year. My parents had one of two choices...#1. fight, argue, hate one another and God, blame each other or #2. come together, mourn together, cry together, pray together, fast together... Thankfully, with their knowledge of the gospel, and with a combined faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they chose choice #2, which instantly taught me that when families and faith in Christ are combined...absolutely nothing is impossible. Being young, I had many questions, but I never questioned the faith that my parents showed, or their love for the gospel. They cherished and continue to cherish the eternal family they have created because of their decision to pursue faith and knowledge of the plan of salvation. All in all, 10 years later, our little struggle... named Scott Johnson Hicken, it now a healthy and happy kid...something that could not and would not have happened without two things...Family and Faith.
At this time in my life, I have so many friends of different faiths, and a lot of them, unfortunately, do not believe in traditional marriage. One very close friend recently told me that she was going to move in to an apartment with her long term boyfriend. It was hard to accept this, knowing that they will not be married while living together. My husband and I have discussed this, and we think that we can try to kindly turn them away from the idea, and help show them the true importance of marriage first and foremost. It has been a struggle, and we have been lost for words at times. But we know that the Lord will help us defend marriage and family life. We are working at it, and trying to help others see the importance, and with faith and diligence, we know that someday our labors will be fruitful.
Nothing better than being surrounded by family, especially on your own wedding day!
We Are Still a Family
Plan of Salvation
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