A recent New York Times article highlights the (perhaps surprising) good news that American marriages appear to be stronger today than they were a few decades ago.  It got me to thinking about what makes marriages last.

My husband and I have a group of friends who all live in different parts of the country, but who stay connected by vacationing together every year.  Years ago we were driving home from our week at the beach with these friends when we went into the usual post-mortem mode.  What was it, I wanted to know, that made this group so precious to us?

We tossed around lots of qualities they possess as individuals and collectively–they’re frightfully smart, uproariously funny, appropriately bookish, love good food and wine–the list went on for miles. (Yes, literally.)  I think somewhere in there I mentioned that it was important to me that I could share my faith with these…

Since a majority of Californians passed Proposition 8, Latter-day Saints (Mormons), who make up 2% of the California’s population, have been attacked by some who are upset with the outcome.  I have Latter-day Saint family and friends in California. All can share a story of the intimidation they have experienced as a result of their support for Proposition 8.

When the attacks first occurred, Latter-day Saints were stunned as some saw their employment threatened and their places of worship vandalized. Many Latter-day Saints wondered, “where is the outrage? Will no one defend us?”

The rhetoric of anti-religious bigotry surprised many on both sides of the issue.

Some community and religious leaders are now responding.

This week, The Becket Fund, a non-profit interfaith organization that defends religious liberties, posted an ad, signed by community leaders, in the New York Times to defend the right of religious people to speak out on issues with out the fear of retribution.

See ad: click here.

Learn more at the Becket Fund website: click here.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day…

I’m not necessarily a fan of Keith Olbermann–I don’t know enough about his work–but his commentary last week in support of marriage equality and love says everything I believe, and much better than I could say it:

I have blogged about California’s Prop 8 and have appreciated the comments made. It is a deeply emotional issue to many. I respect and find interest in the views and experiences of others.

The following is what my church has published in response to the outcome of the California debate:

SALT LAKE CITY 5 November 2008 COMMENTARY
Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality —…

AP Photo

The sexual lives of Normandy High School students have become the talk of the world. From India to the Great Britain, the world is buzzing with the startling news that up to 50 students in my neighborhood’s high school may have been exposed to HIV infection. While the details of how the virus may have spread are inconclusive at this point, we’re all aware, in most cases, that the virus spreads predominantly through drug use and sexual activity.

Since the St. Louis area is racially self-segregated, and Normandy High school is predominantly black, one of the most alarming outcomes could be possible stigmas connecting any stereotyped sexuality inferences associated with blacks. Let’s be clear: if the virus entered the high school because of sexual activity, this story will be one more fundamentally about adolescent sexual morality than cultural stereotypes.

Many of you will remember “The Lost Children of Rockdale County” documentary on…

Heads up, ladies. Gentlemen, you’re welcome to eavesdrop.

Maureen Dowd — yes, Maureen Dowd! — introduces us to

“Father Pat Connor, a 79-year-old Catholic priest born in Australia and based in Bordentown, N.J., [who] has spent his celibate life - including nine years as a missionary in India - mulling connubial bliss. His decades of marriage counseling led him to distill some “mostly common sense” advice about how to dodge mates who would maul your happiness…..

Here’s an example of Fr. Connor’s wisdom:

‘Hollywood says you can be deeply in love with someone and then your marriage will work,” the twinkly eyed, white-haired priest says. “But you can be deeply in love with someone to whom you cannot be successfully married.’

If that statement has you nodding your head, read here for more.

Tyree Comment: Excellent article, a must-read, must-print, must-remember and must-give-to-every-single-woman-you-care-about. To Father’s insightful advice I would add, first, be the best person you…