Marriage to the world does not mean what it used to mean. In, The State of Our Unions: Marriage in America 2012, it was mind boggling to see the numbers and changes that have been made over the years. Anymore, people see cohabitation as an easier solution and don’t want to put in the time or effort into making a marriage work. It is so sad to see and it affects these children that are being raised in these circumstances tremendously. In The State of Our Unions: Marriage in America 2012, it stated that ,”Cohabiting couples who have a child together are about twice as likely as married couples to break up before their child turns twelve” (Wilcox, pg. 8). It also went on to explain that children in theses situations are more likely to do the same when they are older, as compared to those raised in a marriage who are more likely to have more stable relationships and got to college, etc. When thinking of all this is makes me sad to think that these children aren’t given the best chance they can get.
I absolutely loved the quote by President Kimball, “…only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us.” Isn’t this the truth. I have a child and family advocacy class this semester and it got me thinking a lot about the voices of the world and how distorted many views are today. I am not one who likes contention, or any attention at that, and making a blog is taking me well out of my comfort zone. I am a friend to everyone and even if I don’t see things the same way as some people or agree with things they do or say, I am most definitely not one to make them feel less than or judged in any way. However, in this class it has helped me to come to the realization that there are so many different voices and opinions out there portraying different perceptions and ideas of marriage and the family itself that if I, and those like me- who believe in a marriage and the family, it being ordained of God, and of it’s importance in His plan, don’t speak up for what I do believe in; it will get wiped away by all the noise of the world. We have to stick up for what we believe in and protect our families because this world is changing fast and it will only get worse.
Wilcox et al., Why Marriage Matters, Figure 2, “Percent of Children Experiencing Parental Divorce/Separation and Parental Cohabitation, by Age 12; Period
Life Table Estimates 2002–2007,” 44.
Marriage 