Two in a Tree : Legally a Family

Families are historically the only organization that can be referred to across culture and divides the organization everyone can universally relate to. The word family in almost every language brings to mind a mother, father and children. Families have been around since the world was created it was the one group that continued as the times changed from medieval to enlightenment, from the great depression to the baby boom, through wars and peace there have always been families. These families have consisted of a father, mother, and children. As families have lived through the centuries laws have been created to protect these families.

Lately our society is attempting to redefine what the family is and what makes a family. In this day and age views of families are veering away from the traditional organization known throughout history. We, as modern-advanced thinkers think we can debate and change the roles in a family and that it will work out well for everyone involved, we as a society are sadly mistaken.

According to the Law

The supreme court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. (2015) Supreme Court of the United States, that the right to Marry should be extended to all; man and man as well as women and women. The highest court of law in our civilization has taken it upon themselves to redefine marriage for our society now and for future generations to come. While the argument to change this law is well known, I think it’s important to note the dissent that took place in the court as well.

Dissenting votes were given by Judges; Scalia, Thomas, Alito and Roberts. They each gave compelling reasons for disagreeing with the majority on this decision. Some of the reasons ruling in favor of marriage consisting of a man and women are; as a society we cannot allow nine non-elective ,by the voice of the people, officials to legislate our laws, they are to uphold the laws already made and not enact new laws by rulings and judgements they hand down. Justice Roberts dissent is based on many ideas from a moral obligation to uphold the traditional family as God has outlined for all, as well as a legal obligation to uphold the constitution and it;s own restrictions on the supreme court.

Scalia’s dissention comes from the idea that 5 justices are showing that every state has violated the 14th amendment for 135 years. Thomas dissent was from the definition of liberty as a freedom from government actions not entitlement to government benefits. Alito felt that the question should be left to the people, through a vote, and not the judiciary system by the ruling of 9 people.

Moral Laws

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons, I believe marriage should be between Man and a Woman for reasons that support society and family. I feel that Marriage protects our children with a mother and father in a married union, to ensure the comfort and protection of their children.

In a statement by Russell M. Nelson, a leader in our church he states, “ True partners can achieve more than the sum of each acting alone...great partners are completely loyal..they suppress personal ego in exchange for being part of creating something larger than themselves.” Family is the creation he is talking about. When as a man and woman we put aside our wants and desires and work towards the goal of making an environment that benefits our children

The Birth of a Family

My own family was born 18 years and 1 month ago. I have been married for 19 years, but it didn’t seem like a real family until the birth of our first child. Our family was truly created when we held our little girl for the first time. After 8 hours of labor, a stillness seemed to permeate over the room as she was born, all noises seemed to disappear and the only thing that mattered was this tiny infant that was placed into my arms. I can’t quite explain the emotion of having a child but the love and attachment was instantaneous, powerful and complete. My husband seemed to crumble as this little being was placed into his arms, his powerful shoulders sighed and seemed to enfold this little girl, tears filled his eyes and an instant bond was formed more powerful than we ever could have imagined. The strong man that let me know early in our courtship that he can’t change diapers and clean vomit because he would become physically ill, changed the first 3 diapers, and sprung out of bed at the first whining cry in the still evening hours. He has cleaned every imaginable mess, calmed uncontrollable tears and cheered embarrassingly loud at our children’s sporting events.

I credit all these changes in both of us, due to the formation of our family, married for not only time but eternity and focused on making the very best life we can for our children. We are putting aside our goals and interests to pursue what is best for our children. This solid foundation helps reassure children that a mom and dad are here for their benefit.