On September, 23 1995, Gordon B Hinkley, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints delivered a wonderful message to women of the church as well as women of the entire world. During his message, he expressed his tender love for all women and read The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Over the past few weeks, I have been studying Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives, edited by Alan J. Hawkins, David C. Dollahite, and Thomas W. Draper (2020). In this book, I have been learning the purpose of this proclamation and it’s effects on familial life. I feel the main purpose of the proclamation is to bring an understanding of family life; the purposes each of us have as mother, father, and child within the family unit; and most of all the blessings and happiness that come from family life, in particular that of the bond of matrimony. The word ‘bond’ has many meanings, its unity and strength, and has even been explained as being ‘a uniting force’ that is unbreakable.

One of the things that I’ve always wondered as it was related to marriage, is if there there should be a dominant figure in the relationship. In many cultures and customs, it’s the husband that leads and guides the marriage and family. Yet as I look from the outside in and from the inside out, I have found that although Fathers and Mothers have different responsibilities, they should help each other as equal partners. “Research has demonstrated that couples who have an equal partnership have happier relationships, better individual well-being, more effective parenting practices, and better-functioning children. Researchers have consistently found that couples who share power are more satisfied and have better overall marital quality than couples where one spouse dominates” (Eds., Hawkins, et al. 2020, p. 43). I have learned that we are literal daughters and sons of a loving Heavenly Father who intends for us to find joy on this earthly life and it is by equal partnership within the bonds of matrimony that we can achieve the fulness of joy in our lives.

For a marriage to be successful, the husband and wife must covenant that they will remain faithful to one another. Meaning, they will do everything in their individual power to keep themselves from falling into any type of infidelity. Therapists and researchers have categorized different types of infidelity which include fantasy; visual; romantic; and sexual, each one being based on the type of involvement and attachment with the other party. The consequences of not being faithful with one another have not only emotional and spiritual impacts, they include physical and mental impacts including depression and divorce.

How does one remain faithful? Well, in my opinion, and the opinion(s) of others, I feel you can focus on doing the things opposite of those factors that are associated with infidelity. In Successful Marriages and Families (2020), it is explained that there are intrapersonal; interpersonal; and contextual categories that are associated with infidelity. The meaning of ‘intrapersonal’ is what happens within oneself. Things you can do to remain faithful related to this category is not using drugs or alcohol; be conscious of your behavior; and attending a church, being involved in religion. ‘Interpersonal’ is your relationship with your spouse and by spending time one with another; being honest; and focusing on equality in your marriage, you will become more united and faithful. Lastly, ‘contextual’ category and factor includes working with others of the opposite sex and acceptance of extramarital relationships. Clearly by being cautious of how you work with others of the opposite sex and not accepting of extramarital relationships, you will be more committed in your devotion to your spouse.

A matrimonial bond is sacred, strong, and divine! It is core of The Family and is what gives life and joy to all those within it’s sphere of influence. I am grateful for the bond that I have with my wife and I urge all who are married and looking to be married to read and re-read The Family: A Proclamation to the World and make it your mission to follow the guidelines and precepts that are taught within it. It will guide you on making the right choices that will lead you to the most happiness and joy imaginable!

References

Eds., A.J.H.D.C.D.T.W. D. (2020). Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. BYU Bookstore Publishing Services. https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780842528030

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1995). The Family: A Proclamation to the World. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng