Marriage Trends and Divorce

I had so many thoughts come to me as I studied about trends in marriage today and the effects it has. 

President Spencer W. Kimball in the 1980 Ensign said;

"...only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us."

To me, this is just warning us to have our own testimonies about the sacredness of the family, because if our foundation is built upon sand, when the pressure and evils of the world start circling us, we will crumble. Our families will not be as strong as they could have been if we had taken the time to build that firm foundation in Jesus Christ and why the sanctity of the family is so vital and important. Families are forever, they will be one of our greatest investments in this life! We should put in the work now so we can enjoy more blessings later.

The readings made it pretty obvious that the trends today are not as they used to be. The average aged that people are getting married is getting higher. Couples are cohabiting and skipping over marriage altogether. Half of marriages end in divorce, and children are repeating the cycle.

Growing up without both parents  causes cognitive, emotional and social problems in childhood that carry into adulthood. 

A quote that I really liked and stood out to me. In the talk about divorce by Elder Oaks he says that"

"if you wish to marry well, inquire well" 

You marry who you date!  I also like how he said that no man or woman is perfect. The couple must have the desire to stay committed and move toward perfection together. It takes a lot of repentance and forgiveness. He suggests that you seek counsel from your bishop  or from professionals. 

I would personally like to make it clear that in cases of abuse or infidelity, you are not obligated to stay or work things out, or at least in my opinion. 

With guidance from prophets and leaders, we can more easily navigate through this world that doesn't uphold the family as we do.