Today, during AM recess, my morning aide and I had a deep discussion about the world today.
(apparently we were both desperately in need of good, adult conversation ;))
We talked about how atrocious the divorce rate is. The single mother rate is. That the percentage of married peoples in the US is at an all time low - in fact, more couples are cohabiting and having families than getting married. How many children are raised in daycares instead of by their mothers and fathers. How many people see family as an "incovenience" or something that stands in the way of what they really want. Our culture of instant gratification and selfishness and busy-ness.
And then we talked about the Family Proclamation to the World (I know, I know, only in Utah could I have this conversation at school!).
"Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."
This is SOOOO coming true in today's world. I found myself thinking about this all day. Really pondering it.
So many people today do not see the importance of family. Many women are choosing to have babies on their own, either through adoption or sperm banks because they don't "need a man to raise a child." While I in no way am trying to insult those mothers who are single by no fault of their own, women, come on! Men are just as important as we are in raising a child. They give their children things that we cannot, because they are men. They are different from us; they think differently and act differently and that is a GOOD thing!
Another thing that saddens me about the world today is the percentage of families with two working parents. I know that in some circumstances there is no choice, but in many, many situations there is a choice. People have chosen money, luxury, and amenities over their children. Their priorities are not where they need to be. Children are, therefore, not being taught morality, right and wrong, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict resolution, or any of these things at home. They are only being taught them in small doses at school, because teachers are being so overworked and pushed to teach to tests. They are not being taught these things at daycare. So where are they learning morality? Who is teaching them?
I feel that we are seeing this prophecy come true in our lives. The family is disintegrating. I feel so outraged when I hear that "starter marriages" are becoming a new trend. Really folks?? A trial run before your "real" marriage comes along? That people are not even TRYING to keep their relationships and marriages together; they simply think that their problems can't be resolved so they should just divorce. (Again, I know divorce is appropriate in some circumstances. I'm on a rant here, though)
Because of this disintegration of the family unit, our culture and society is experiencing many problems. Look at the filth that is allowed on TV these days. The HUGE amount of money spent in the pornography business. Foreign relations issues. Droughts. Political scandals. Large numbers of children born to unwed mothers. The rise of certain diseases. The amount of people on anti-depressants and mind-altering medications, in comparison to 50 years ago. All of the LGBT communities that feel it necessary to whine and cry and scream. The drug use. The crime rate. I could go on and on.
Our society is becoming more and more out of line with church teachings. Things that are right and true are being mocked. Where are our core values as a country? As a society? Where do we draw the line between right and wrong? Our Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves right now, I can almost guarantee. This is not what they envisioned for this country - a society obsessed with sex and money.
It's not what I envision for my children - I want them to grow up in a simpler life. Where blood is thicker than water. Where good, Southern, Christian values are important and expected. Where manners matter. Where you say please, thank you, yes ma'am, no sir. Where adults are respected. Where you go to church on Sunday, pray, and choose the right. Where there is a clear line as to what is right and what is wrong. Where people are not "plugged in" 24/7.
The way that many people still live. I realize that there are a large number of good, wholesome families who are trying to do everything the best they can. Today, I was just shocked at how true that particular part of the Proclamation is becoming.
I'll step off my soap box now.
