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The Family Proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley in 1995. This landmark statement on the nature of the family and our divine identities helps us understand how the family can help us follow Jesus Christ and reach our full potential. This FHE lesson helps us understand the contents of the Family Proclamation and how it can bless our lives.
Scripture
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
Hymn
Families Can Be Together Forever | Children’s Songbook, pg. 188
1. I have a fam’ly here on earth.
They are so good to me.
I want to share my life with them through all eternity.
Through Heav’nly Father’s plan.
I always want to be with my own family,
And the Lord has shown me how I can.
The Lord has shown me how I can.
2. While I am in my early years,
I’ll prepare most carefully,
So I can marry in God’s temple for eternity.
Lesson
FOR CHILDREN
Song: “Dare to do Right” | Children’s Songbook, p. 158
Video: This video shows some practical examples of how the principles taught in the Proclamation can be applied in family life.
Ask: Which of these principles do we live well? (Faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, wholesome recreational activities.) Which could we work to develop? How does the principle of work bless families and bring them a higher likelihood of happiness?
Quote: “Today’s parents need to give each of their children opportunities to contribute to the well-being of the family. In such a family, children are happier and there is a spirit of love and unity in the home.” –Elder W. Eugene Hansen | Children and the Family
Testify: I know that if we live true to the directions given in the Proclamation, we will have joy in our family, and we will be better prepared to be together forever.
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Sing: “Dare to Do Right,” Children’s Songbook, 158
Video: Watch this short video where Elder M. Russell Ballard testifies of the need for the Family Proclamation.
Parents: How does remembering that your children are your spiritual siblings affect the way you discipline and show respect toward your children?
Teens: How does your parents’ divine role affect the way you obey and respect your parents?
Quote: “It takes courage to gather children from whatever they’re doing and kneel together as a family. It takes courage to turn off the television and the computer and to guide your family through the pages of the scriptures every day. It takes courage to turn down other invitations on Monday night so that you can reserve that evening for your family. It takes courage and willpower to avoid overscheduling so that your family can be home for dinner.” —Larry R. Lawrence
Parents: Consider reviewing this entire talk by Elder Larry R. Lawrence, “Courageous Parenting.” It has to do with how parents can fulfill their divine obligations to spiritually protect their children.
Testify: Be sure to openly share your love for your children. They need to know that your guidance and seeming interference in their lives is driven by your love for them. Bear witness of the prophetic truthfulness of the family proclamation.
FOR SINGLE STUDY
Video: Bonnie L. Oscarson discusses issues a challenge to the women of the Church to be bold defenders of the family, regardless of marital status or number of children.
Ponder: How can I be a defender of the family? As a single person, how can I defend the principle of marriage between a man and a woman? How can I elevate and support the divine roles of mothers and fathers in a world that doesn’t value this role as much as it should? How can I sanctify my home whether or not I have children? How can I make my home a place of “order, refuge, holiness, and safety”?
Write a note: Consider writing a note to your own mother or father, or another mother or father who might need a word of encouragement in their parenting. Uplifting each other in our roles strengthens all of us and builds relationships.
Featured Products
FREE Family Proclamation Coloring Page
Treat
Apple Snickerdoodle Cookies
Activity
Write a note to a family member you appreciate. List some of the things you appreciate about them or share a memory you cherish.
Becca loves audiobooks, cookies, hiking, walking, singing with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras, going out with her husband, and raising their ten chickens and five children. She still wants to meet her hero Sheri Dew, see magma and a blue whale in person, and uplift others with her words.
