Sister White's Family Proclamation
Study Guide for Youth

 Hi, it’s Sister White!  Thanks for stopping by to check out my blog.  For the last few years, I have had the privilege  of working with the youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a Young Women's Advisor, Presidency member and, for the last two school years, as an Early Morning Seminary teacher. You guys are amazing.  I am inspired by your dedication, commitment and love for our Savior. I know I learn far more from each of you than I could ever teach. But I know this is a tough world we are living in these days and there are many confusing and conflicting messages about what is right and what is wrong, what is important and what isn’t and what can bring you happiness and joy and what will only lead to pain and sorrow.  The world’s version of life and the Lord’s version seem very much at odds with each other.  The Prophets and Apostles are very aware of the mixed messages we are receiving and have provided us with an amazing document that can help answer our questions and clear up any confusion we might have about what is true about a variety of topics, including marriage, dating, having children, living the Law of Chastity, Same-Sex Attraction and more.  It’s called "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" and a link to it can be found HERE . If you don’t already have a copy of it, why don’t you print one off?  It will come in handy as we go through some of these topics.  Social Scientist Thomas W. Draper explains the importance and purpose of the Proclamation well: "A broad cultural discussion is going on about the meaning of marriage and family.  'The Family: A Proclamation to the World' is relevant to this discussion. One attempt to defeat the great plan of happiness involves redefining marriage and family.  If humankind can be persuaded to pursue the right thing in the wrong way, our chances of finding happiness will be diminished."

     I was surprised to learn that many youth aren’t really sure what the Proclamation is.  Some have shared with me that they don't think it is relevant anymore. Brothers and Sisters, I testify to you that it is more relevant than ever!  My prayer is that by spending some time reading and pondering each of these blog posts, completing the accompanying thought questions and applying the things you learn, you will:

 a) gain a testimony of the inspired nature of The Proclamation 

b) feel the truth of it’s message 

c) receive strength and guidance to stand strong in a world that prefers you weak

d) find answers to some of the questions you might have but are afraid to ask and

e) use your knowledge and testimony of the Lord’s Plan to be a beacon of light and a shining example in the lives of all those around you. 

     Need a little bit more motivation to get started on this journey?  See what you think (and feel) about Professor E.J. Hill's testimony of the Proclamation: "I have marveled at the numerous specific and personal ways the proclamation has blessed me and my family since...I first heard it.  It has changed our lives forever.  It is the word of God, and it can be the basis for great joy and happiness in family life...  I know by the Spirit that "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" is an inspired document for families today, and if seriously studied, it will open the windows of divine assistance.  I invite...all students...to feast upon these inspired words regularly and allow them to bless (you)."  
   
LET'S GET STARTED!

     So, how is this self-study going to work? Once you print off a copy of the Proclamation,  grab your journal or a notebook and a pen, then click on one of the posts to the right and dive in. Let’s see what the Lord needs you to know about the importance of marriage, family and other related topics. Each post will take a look at what the world would like us to believe.  These are the things you might hear on the news, or see in the movies or read about in popular magazines, or hear in the lyrics to your favorite songs or talk about with your friends or maybe even learn about in school. We will then contrast those ideas with the Lord's TRUTH. We will study the Proclamation, look up some Scriptures, read and listen to counsel from the Prophets and Apostles and even see what Social Scientists have been learning in the latest research on Marriage and the Family. At the end of the post you will find some journal prompts and additional activities you should do to help this information sink in and become what YOU know.