Defending Marriage and Family

I love the family I came from. We had it pretty easy; Dad was always a good, hard-working provider, so Mom was always at home and available. I understand that most people don't have that experience, and I don't want to downplay their hardworking families at all. But I can rant about the strength and admirable qualities of my family members, so I will. Sis was a good leader, and always responsible. She set lots of good examples for me. Spencer was always really enthusiastic about humor, tried to keep everything light-hearted. Abby, despite looking like a cold-hearted ninja, can melt you with a hug. I don't know what your siblings were like; maybe you didn't have any. But I know that the examples and little quirks of my family have shaped me into who I am ... that I would be nothing without them. I think a lot of us could agree with that principle.
This post might get a little more opinionated than usual, but I'm going to say that I defend the idea of traditional marriage. I think discrimination is wrong, even against those who have chosen to have families outside of wedlock. But as I've been going through my classes this semester, I've recognized that the complementary unity of a father and a mother bound together in a binding way contributes to the safety and happiness not only of their children, but of society. I know it might not seem logical, but think about it for a minute: marriages, with the complementary roles of father and mother, keep children educated and loved by powerful, influential joint forces. Those children learn how to keep relationships, commitments, and promises; they go on to create a chain reaction of that in school and the workplace. I promote marriage as a way to keep the world together.
Beyond marriage, family in general is a good way to keep the world held together. It's like someone set up a support system for the individual in times of need ... and I'm of the opinion that someone did. Generally we turn to loving family members, any that are available, for assistance in times of financial, emotional, or redemptive need. I studied a small drop of the culture in Mexico for my Family Relations class this semester, and family is everything to them. When families immigrate to the US, they lose that family connection and life quality diminishes. I think connections with our family members can bring the richest joy to our lives.
Danny and I have only been married for three weeks, but I'm very grateful for the things he's taught me. I've never been so stressed and happy in my life; I don't know the least bit about marriage for myself yet. What I repeat are statistics ... but I've started that adventure and I pray I will always be determined to finish it. I hope all of you can reflect on the family, what it means in your life--why the existence of your family is valuable to the rest of the world.