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Show Page 18 The OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue I October 1999 FAMILY cont. from Page 7 We exist, and find ultimate fulfillment, only as members of communities. And no community is more important, more central, to who we are or what we can become than the family. Second, we must be willing to engage in social discourse regarding the family even if the discourse (at times) becomes difficult. I will never forget the UN ambassador who asked me, “Where have you been?” The answer at the time was, “Home in Provo, Utah, minding my own business.” The time has come for all who care about reversing the tends described by Justice Rieber-Mohn to make their presence known in the public square. The first draft of the Habitat Agenda provided numerous prescriptions (and proscriptions) that would have significantly altered family life – including the very definition of “spouse.” The outcome of Istanbul would have been quite different if the pro-family lobby had stayed home. Third, it is time to thoughtfully reexamine the basics. According to Justice Rieber-Mohn, one of the basic causes for familial disintegration in Norway is mothers leaving the home. While one possible answer would be to encourage mothers to return home, this response may not be economically or socially feasible. So, how should families respond? This question will be difficult enough, but even more fundamental questions loom. Does marriage consist of a union between a man and a woman? If the answer to this question is “yes” (as I believe it is), why? These questions must now be asked and answered. Thoughtful answers will help illuminate not only what roles families have traditionally played, but why society has valued the family and how that value can be perpetuated in the modern world. Fourth, we should take all necessary steps to strengthen our own familial relationships. While expert advice abounds and bookshelves groan on this subject, one of the best – and simplest – formulas for a successful family comes from an African American scholar, Niara Sudarkasa. She writes that the Yoruba society from West African strove to inculcate “seven Rs” into family life: “respect, responsibility, reverence, reliability, reciprocity, reason and restraint.” Families that teach (and evidence) these remarkable traits will provide essential strength, not only for family members, but for society (and the world) at large. Fifth, and finally, we must retain faith in a faithless world. However out of style, we should not forget that a quest for transcendence is essential to human success. A recent visit to Rome reacquainted me with some of the greatest art in the World – much of it directly inspired by religious faith. Great works, including great families, require commitment to something greater than ourselves. And that, in the end, may be the most valuable gift that we gain by defending our families. Richard G. Wilkins is a Professor of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah. He has written numerous articles on constitutional issues and conducts an annual survey of Supreme Court voting trends published by the Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly. He is a former Assistant to the Solicitor General, United States Department of Justice, where he briefed and argued eight cases before the United States Supreme Court. Professor Wilkins is currently Director of NGO Family Voice: The World Family Policy Center, an inter-disciplinary family policy association headquartered at Brigham Young University. He is married to Melany Moore Wilkins, and is the father of four children. Senior Meals Provided at the Ogden Valley Branch Library Oct. 21st: Tuna Noodle Casserole, Zucchini & Tomatoes, Carrifruit Salad, Cherry Cheesecake and Cheese Roll. Oct. 28th: Chicken Divan & Chicken Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Cottage Cheese and Peach, Banana Pudding and Dinner Roll. Nov. 4th: Turketti, Broccoli, Beet & Egg Salad, Apple Crisp with Whipped Topping and Dinner roll. Nov. 11th: Holiday B roadway N ights (A Broadway Musical Review) October 8 - November 22, 1999 Guys & Dolls FALL SPECIAL Furnace Cleaning & Safety Check $19.95 Reg. $39.95 limited time WEBER COUNTY’S 4TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN ALLEY CONTEST Who: When: For kids of all ages October 28th. Public welcome to view pumpkins, free of charge, from dusk until 10:00 p.m. Where: Weber County Fairgrounds, 1181 N. Fairgrounds Dr. JUST CARVE OR PAINT A PUMPKIN AND BRING IT TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS BY 2 :0 0 ON OCTOBER 2 8 TH. ALL PUMPKINS WILL BE DISPLAYED. PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATE!! 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