There is Hope

                                                


           We live in a world today where the importance and sacredness of marriage is overlooked and not valued like it used to be. Statistics tell us and more marriages are ending in divorce, or children are being raised in single-parent homes. Statistics also tell us that children suffer from being raised in a single parent home. As I read over and pondered over the daunting statistics that report children in these circumstances show signs of depression, behavioral, and academic problems as well as others. I felt discouraged since I have four children and am recently divorced. One thing that stood out to me in the reading was "Regardless of family structure, the quality of parenting is one of the greatest predictors of children's emotional and social well-being." (The Impact of Family Formation Change on the Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Well-Being of the Next Generation; Paul R. Amato)

            This gives me hope and makes me think about how I am parenting my children. Am I teaching them correct principles? Am I helping them to understand the importance of the gospel in their lives? I want to teach my children despite what their parents did, that marriage is the most important choice they will make. My hope is that they will be able to learn from the mistakes made by their parents, and be stronger because of the struggle they have experienced.


            This week I was reading  a talk by Dallin H. Oaks titled "Divorce." One thing that really stood out to me was when he talked about how to avoid divorce. He said, "The best way to avoid divorce from an unfaithful, abusive, or unsupported spouse is to avoid marriage to such a person. If you wish to marry well, inquire well." I hope I can instill in my children to take there time and know what they want in a spouse. I also want them to value marriage and know it is hard work, and to not give up to keep their marriage a priority and something they are always working at to make better. So I conclude by saying that I believe in the importance and sacredness of marriage. I know God wants us to live in families where we are living with our biological parents who are married. But for those whose children are not living in those circumstances there is hope. God is aware of us, he loves us and wants us to continue to parent how he has taught us. Teaching our children about marriage and helping them to learn and value marriage. And teach them how to have a healthy marriage themselves.