Family Definitions

1.    “What is family? They were the people who claimed you. In good, in bad, in parts or in whole, they were the ones who showed up, who stayed in there, regardless. It wasn't just about blood relations or shared chromosomes, but something wider, bigger. We had many families over time. Our family of origin, the family we created, and the groups you moved through while all of this was happening: friends, lovers, sometimes even strangers. None of them perfect, and we couldn't expect them to be. You can't make any one person your world. The trick was to take what each could give you and build your world from it.”

2.   “The family is the fundamental unit of society and it is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.”

Sources

 Dessen, Sarah. "“What Is Family?” Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Jan. 2014. <http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/53396-what-is-family-they-were-the-people-who-claimed-you>.

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “The Family: A Proclamation To The World.” N.p.. Web. 8 Jan 2014. <http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng>.