Family Council

6/24/17
Dear Future Family,
            Conflict is unavoidable. Everyone is faced with it every day. It doesn’t necessarily have to be catastrophic or major to have an effect on the way we interact with those around us, especially with those closest to us. The interesting thing is, when it comes to conflict, too often when we choose to react poorly to it, we allow our anger or frustration to be taken out on our loved ones. Our homes, a place where we should be able to feel safe and be able to take refuge, is, unfortunately, can easily be turned into a place where people attack one another and justify being unkind.
            There are several solutions to such an issue, but I would like to focus on one in particular. Elder Russell M. Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “A family council, when conducted with love and with Christlike attributes, will counter the impact of modern technology that often distracts us from spending quality time with each other and also tends to bring evil right into our homes.” With this kind of protection, we can avoid such awful interactions such as those that were previously mentioned. For a good family council, there are some suggestions that I would make as to how it might be outlined. These suggestions are not my own, but I have seen them work as I have witnessed them being applied.
Starting out, if family members would take the time to express their love and appreciation for one another, it creates an opportunity to set an atmosphere in which there can be openness and respect. Next, opening with a prayer will invite the Spirit. The Spirit of God is the best tool in which a family can communicate. If the spirit is present, then it will be able guide each member of the family to say things that will be of benefit to the rest of those included within the council. Following the prayer, you should discuss your concerns and discuss to consensus.  However, after you have reached a possible decision, each should take time to reflect and perhaps include personal prayer, so that they can make sure that the decision they have made is in accordance with the Lord’s will. Then, ending with a prayer will allow the spirit to confirm to each heart that the decision they have made is correct and to end with the spirit as well. Finally, by ending with refreshments. Food is a common way for people to bond and form a closer relationship with one another. By having refreshments following a council, it gives a family the opportunity to for that bond and come closer to one another.
There are many evils in the world that will attack families and that may weaken them. Family councils are one way to put up a shield that can protect those that you love the most and your relationship with them.

Sydney 
Quote by Elder Ballard: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/family-councils?lang=eng

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