Destructive Family Gathering

I have very fond memories of family reunions as a child. They were usually held in the Preston, Idaho region where my dad is from. They were happy gatherings, with lots of food, talk and genealogy. Family unity and gatherings are typically centered around recreation, traditions and common goals. In The Book of Mormon, examples of strong family unity are demonstrated with Lehi and his family, and also the brother of Jared and his family. A sad tale of a destructive gathering of families, however, is seen in the final chapters of Ether in The Book of Mormon. Satan has full reign of the hearts of the people at this time. They are past feeling, and are bent on destroying one another. It is noteworthy to see that men, women and even children all gathered to take part in this tragic event.

 Ether 15:14 Wherefore, they were for the space of four years gathering together the people, that they might get all who were upon the face of the land, and that they might receive all the strength which it was possible that they could receive.
 15 And it came to pass that when they were all gathered together, every one to the army which he would, with their wives and their children—both men, women and children being armed with weapons of war, having shields, and breastplates, and head-plates, and being clothed after the manner of war—they did march forth one against another to battle; and they fought all that day, and conquered not.

LESSON LEARNED: Satan has no regard for families, and seeks for their disruption and destruction. Peaceful family gatherings, purposeful goals and wholesome activities are vital to instill the generational traditions of successful family unity.

FEEDBACK: WHAT EARLY MEMORIES OF UNITY DO YOU RECALL IN YOUR FAMILY?