In a recent interfaith meeting, a Protestant Minister and good friend of mine said he felt that the Latter-day Saints promoted a patriarchal society. I was unprepared for this comment, which, while not meant to be unfriendly, had a negative undertone. I have thought about the role of a father in the family since.
One of the sweetest benefits of our faith and culture is the family dynamic. When a newborn comes into the world, the father gives the infant a name and a special blessing. When the child decides to become a member of the Church through the ordinance of baptism, the father again presides.
My wife, Pat, and I were privileged to bring into this world eight spirits from our Father in Heaven, and I had the opportunity prior to their births to lay my hands on their sweet mother’s head and give her a husband’s blessing that she would be able to bear her travail and bring forth a healthy baby. There were many times, following the admonition found in James 5:14, when I used my priesthood to heal an ailing family member. Since Pat’s passing and my marriage to my wonderful new eternal companion, I continue to bless both Sheila and her family through the use of my priesthood authority.
