The Family is the Building Block of Society

The family is the building block of society
It is a nursery and a school to learn propriety
Also, it is a hospital and a leisure center
Offering a place of refuge and rest for those who enter

What can be done to save the family?
But return to the traditons of the past
Content with very little, they lived scantily
Of such their prayers of gratitude to God were cast

Margaret Thatcher, when she was prime minister of Great Britain, expressed this profound philosophy: “The family is the building block of society. It is a nursery, a school, a hospital, a leisure centre, a place of refuge and a place of rest. It encompasses the whole of the society. It fashions our beliefs; it is the preparation for the rest of our life.” In Nicholas Wood, “Thatcher Champions the Family,” The Times, May 26, 1988, 24.

photo-work provided by Chris Collins of the Margaret Thatcher Foundation

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Family- What Matters the Most, Lasts the Longest

What matters the most, lasts the longest
And with our families, we are strongest
It should be strengthened and up foremost
There is no question– love gives the most

When we’ve a conflict or a crisis
There is a lot that we must process
We’re reminded that families connect
They’re supportive, as they help protect

This is even more true after life
As a husband longs to see his wife
And each spouse searches for their mother
For their siblings, and for their father

In the spirit world, there’s no question
We’ll need our families as we station
The prophet issued to all the world
A clarion call- stern in it’s word

Some priorities shut the child out
As declined values confuse and doubt
Ahead of its time, and for our age
God’s given counsel in simple page

As the notions of society
Contrast with all that they now should be
For the survival of the family
We must define the home so clearly

The solemn marriage- wife and husband
One woman, one man- with wedding band
Gender has purpose, that’s premortal
It’s essential and it’s eternal

A husband and wife, God has ordained
And calamities rise when it’s disdained
Couples now should live responsibly
With marriage vows of fidelity

Children should be reared or placed within
Honorable homes who’ve prayed for them
They are entitled to be cared for
As extended families lend support

As though a banner of liberty
This proclamation waves perfectly
It’s for everyone- we’re meant to be
Raised in honored homes committedly

Parenting involves great sacrifice
When there’s selfishness- who pays the price?
If there is a change- a “tolerance”
Who is brunted with the consequence?

Our precious children, are now confused
The family has changed- as pawns they’re used
Our Heavenly Father stands with wisdom
He’s proclaimed to the earthly kingdoms

The family’s in need of scaffolding
Which comes from prayers they’re daily holding
And, weekly there should be an evening
Set aside for home and believing

Each member should feel they are cherished
And are known by their brother, Jesus
His message to all can’t be denied
“Love one another-For you I’ve died!”

We must now measure, we must fulfill
And live according to Father’s will
What matter’s the most, lasts the longest
He’s counseled families- where we’re the strongest

Elder M. Russell Ballard
What Matters Most is What Lasts Longest
November 2005 Ensign

Congratulations Courtney you passed the
State Boards! And, I wrote this waiting
while you took the test! 4/24/08

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