This episode is about The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Even before we were born, we were part of a family—the family of our Heavenly Parents. When it came time to leave Their presence, it must have been comforting to know that on earth, families would also be part of God’s plan. The pattern on earth is meant to echo the perfect pattern in heaven.
There are no guarantees that earthly families will be ideal or even functional. But as President Henry B. Eyring taught, families “give God’s children the best chance to be welcomed to the world with the only love on earth that comes close to what we felt in heaven—parental love” (“Gathering the Family of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 20). Knowing that families are imperfect and subject to attacks from the adversary, God sent His Beloved Son to redeem us and heal our families. And He sent latter-day prophets with a proclamation to defend and strengthen families. If we follow the prophets and put faith in the Savior, even though mortal families fall short of the divine ideal, there’s hope for families—on earth and in heaven.
Hey! We have two connections here… I’ve been wondering if your last name is any relation to my dearest friend, Brittany! And then you mentioned my two dearest friends in your podcast!! Amber (O) Bell is my dearest friend! She and I were in Jerusalem together in 1998 for Study Abroad! And we’ve been close friends ever since. It was so wonderful to hear you mention her at the beginning… I’m going to go back and listen to your episode with her! And then Brittany!! She’s your sis in law? Is Shane your hubby now or the former hubby?? Brittany and I were BFF’s in High School. I just sent pics and a note for the slide show for her… I pray for her every day. I love her so much!!! So now you’re going to be a BFF!! How SMALL the world is!!! Please pass on a HUGE hug to Brittany for me!!! I have heard you talk about Shane, but never made the connection w/ your last name (slow mom brain!) Please say hello to Shane too! What an awesome thing! Anyway, huge hugs to you… thank you for sharing your light with the world, and your love with these two dear souls so close to my heart!! Love YOU!!!, Catherine