Family Desire

As Prop 8 has been discussed a lot these last few weeks, I have found myself caught up in thought about my future family. I am unmarried and currently not dating, but I'm 28 and have a strong desire to start raising a family. My friend John and I, had a conversation about adopting as a single adult the other day. We were pretty much on the same page. Even though we agreed on what we felt was right, I still have a strong desire to have a family of my own.

When I turned 25, I started to explore the possibility of adopting a child. After a conversation with Scott, he finally encouraged me to re-read the "Proclamation of the Family." After reading it and pondering its contents, I knew that my research needed to stop there.

Now, a few years later, I am still single (I'm happy, don't misunderstand me). My desire to have a family is great, but I know the importance of marriage and giving children the best chance for success in life. Being a single mother because of life's circumstances is one thing, but to consciously choose to be a single mother by adopting children, at least for myself, goes against my interpretation of the family unit.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.

Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.

I have joked half-hearted, that when I get married, I wanted to adopt a few children right off the bat and get "caught up" with other friends and families. My friends laugh, but there is some truth to what I am saying. There are so many children in need of a loving permanent home and family. As efforts to pass Prop 8 continue, the Proclamation of the Family continues to run through my mind as well as the needs of the County for finding homes for the children:

Our greatest need for homes exists for:

Two or more related children (sibling groups)
Boys ages seven through nine
Infants and preschoolers with special needs
Teenagers

My hope, is that when my time comes to become a wife for eternity, that I may marry a man who has a desire to increase his capacity to love, and has a great love for children and creating a beautiful family.

ej