Loving families, and the power of God

Dysfunction.

That would be one way to describe my dealings with family.  Probably an accurate description.  Not probably.  It is.  In the weeks following the Families are Eternal pageant, this has been constantly on my mind.  They are eternal.  I have written a lot on families this summer.  In my opinion, this concept is one of the greatest revelations received regarding the Plan of Salvation.  The restoration of priesthood keys for this to be possible is dramatically detailed in Section 110 of the Doctrine and Covenants (modern day revelation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), and is one of my favorite passages

So, applicability today?  To me?

I am reading this, and already imagining what some of my kids will be thinking when, or if they read it, and watch.  What started the desire to relate was this video that I came across.  I like it not because of the outcome (though I am happy for them), but for what I am thinking because of it.  Maybe I shouldn't presume.  The video is 17 minutes long and well worth watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSKWRTaJNw0&feature=youtu.be

So, here are the questions that I am asking myself;

1.  If this couple were to come to my ward (congregation) would we be so loving as the ward they encountered?  I mean, seriously.  Here is a couple in a lesbian marriage (not recognized in the LDS faith) actively seeking the gospel of Jesus Christ.  No obvious judging.  Love.  Love.  Love.

2.  As a father, could I ever be so accepting, even though it is something that I don't understand, believe is wrong, and probably have some personal animosity towards it?  I haven't been.  But I am trying, and think that I have made some improvement.

 3.  Do I have such a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and in particular the Book of Mormon, that I would literally be willing to drop everything that I truly hold dear?

 4.  After building walls in some of my relationships, can I tear them down?  It is so easy to build.  And so brutally hard to tear down.

 5.  How many missionaries would be so patient, so loving, as to keep teaching this couple, though living contrary to the doctrines of the church?

They both said that Heavenly Father's plan for them is way better than their plans.  I would venture to say that is a true statement. (It is, trust me)  Let me leave a passage from the Book of Mormon.  Alma 22:18.  Ishmael, King of the Lamanites through all the land, has been taught the gospel by Aaron, one of the sons of Mosiah.  In his prayer to God we read:

 "Oh God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day."

What I would emphasize is his willingness to give away his sins to know God.

Are we willing to do the same?  Am I?  After all, the only thing at stake is:

An eternal family.  Together forever.

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