He began to read, "A Proclamation to the World." I listened intently as he described the definition of a family, and the importance and sanctity of marriage. When he was finished, he told us all to leave right after Sacrament meeting, and take a copy of the message to anyone who was not at church that day. He knew how important the message was, and he wanted to get it out there, for all to hear.
Since that time, I have had a copy of the Proclamation in my home as a reminder. We have tried to build our family on its principles and lessons. It is very clear and concise, and such a beautiful, true, message.
And now -- all these years later -- the definition of marriage is under attack.
It sits anxiously awaiting a verdict on the tables of the high courts of our society. As this battle rages on, I find myself drawn to the words of truth declared by our Prophet -- I cleave to them. I love them. How simple and how perfect the words are. They knew what was coming.
And though these powerful courts may have the ability and authority to redefine marriage for a day -- there is a much Higher Court that will NEVER redefine marriage, and the sanctity of the sacred union between a man and a woman.
The Judge of the Highest Heavenly Court, will judge the decisions of the very feeble, worldly, lower court. And no doubt, The Ultimate Judge, will determine the consequences of a verdict contrary to His plan. The consequences. Oh, the consequences!
We think we are so far removed from Biblical days, and repercussions for our actions as a society. But we are not. This is the same world, and the same God that rules it. He is in control. No matter what silly decision men and women make to try and upset His plan -- He will make the final decisions.
And in the end, good will triumph over evil. That is certain.
I, Mari, am pathetically imperfect, I am well aware. But in my guts, and in my soul, I have a desire to scream to the world my testimony of the divinity of family and marriage.
And no matter the persuasive words of seeming wisdom, nor the craftiness of men that is contrived to convince me of another way . . . I will not yield. Not on this. Even if I stand all by myself -- I will stand.
"Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God."
I know it.
One day, every knee shall bow.
If you want to know exactly what I believe read this:
THE FAMILY
A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
well said!!
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