Proclamation Statement #26: "Extended Families"

"Extended families should lend support when needed."

Today's statement mentions extended family, and I am very grateful for my extended family. I am grateful for the time I can spend with them, as well as my other communications with them. This statement shows that no family unit exists in isolation. We all exist in a large family. Isn't it wonderful? :)

Proclamation Statement #25: "Individual Adaptation"

"Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation."

I am very grateful for this statement in the Proclamation. God understands our individual circumstances. This statement tells me that I should not feel pressured into trying to fit some "perfect" or "ideal" mold that I see in that Jones family over there that doesn't seem to have any problems.

Furthermore, it should be made clear that this statement is referring to the roles of mothers and fathers in the home. Previous statements have said that fathers should preside, provide, and protect, while mothers should nurture. This isn't always entirely possible, and in such situations, individual adaptation is needed.

Proclamation Statement #24: "Obligated...As Equal Partners"

"In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

I am so grateful for this statement, because it says that the father shouldn't only provide and protect, and the mother shouldn't only nurture. Both spouses are meant to work together, to help each other. I'm sure marriage is wonderful. The happiest married people I know have told me or shown me so. I have also heard that it takes a lot of work. It takes your whole self. In fact, it takes two whole selves, two people giving it their all, to make a marriage and family succeed. I believe this can only happen when the husband and the wife are considered equal, side-by-side, and completely complimentary parts of a whole family.

Proclamation Statement #23: "Mothers Are..."

"Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children."

In a world focused on gender equality (with all of its positive and negative effects), is motherhood worth the sacrifice of some career or other opportunities? I believe it is. I believe that sincere, caring, loving mothers are extraordinary. When it comes to the overall happiness and well-being, a nation full of good mothers is just as great, if not greater, than the influence of any government on the future of a people. I am grateful for mothers. I am grateful that humans are not just subject to forces of nature, but are profoundly affected by the nurture of mothers in the homes.

Proclamation Statement #22: "By Divine Design, Fathers Are..."

"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."

In a world focused on gender equality (with all of its positive and negative effects), are fathers really necessary? I say yes! I know there are statistics out there about the positive impact fathers can have on children's lives. Also, fathers are still considered the traditional breadwinners of a home. But the best fathers I've seen (including my own) didn't just work hard to provide and protect, they also presided. I take this to mean that they cared deeply about the family, working with the mother to take the lead in the emotional, mental, and spiritual well being of the whole family.

True fathers truly deserve their own day (which we observed a few weeks ago). They deserve tremendous respect and love. I believe that I will be the best man I can be if I can be a wonderful husband and father for my future family. I am grateful that I have been surrounded by good examples of fatherhood for many years.

Proclamation Statement #21: "Established and Maintained on Principles"

"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities."

This continues yesterday's statement about the universal principles that help families to be happy and successful. Today's statement is more specific. These principles encourage selflessness, a connection with God, a connection with something bigger than ourselves, and a balance of the whole self. Children and parents all benefit when guided by such principles, and I am grateful to see so many examples of such families.

Proclamation Statement #20: "Happiness in Family Life is Most likely to Be Achieved When..."

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."

I am grateful for the teachings of Jesus Christ. I believe His deeds, His words, and His sacrifice show each of us how to be the best human beings we can possibly be.

I would also like to point out that this Proclamation statement says "the teachings of Jesus Christ." It doesn't say you have to necessarily be a Christian. There are happy families all over the world, with many different world and religious views. The teachings of Jesus Christ are universal. They include principles we can all agree are good, including kindness, respect, compassion, humility, trust, service, hope, and love. Any family that follows such universal principles can be happy in any circumstances.