Hundreds of women, married and single, filled the JSB auditorium listening to and learning about the scripture "And they two shall be one flesh" from Ephesians 5:31.

The women were eager to listen to the messages prepared by Douglas E. Brinley and Nancy Sarager Jackson.

Brinley, a professor of church history and doctrine at BYU, focused on chastity before marriage, fidelity in marriage, and the strength following those commandments will have in ones present or future marriage.

Professor Brinley spoke about educating the youth on the importance of chastity. The audience responded with laughter when Brinley said, "Standards nights are often held on chastity in order to scare the living daylights out of our children."

Educating the youth is so important because everyone needs to know of the sanctity of sexual intimacy. It is especially difficult in the world we live in.

Brinley said, "moral values are being neglect ... and it is our responsibility to stand up and be counted about morality."

Brinley discussed fidelity in marriage as one of commandments strongly targeted by Satan. Infidelity could have a dramatic negative effect upon the family.

He said, "The ultimate purpose [of Satan] is to destroy the family."

Therefore the temptation for infidelity exists everywhere. In order to gain greater unity in marriage, a strong sense of commitment and fidelity must be present.

Nancy Sarager Jackson presented remarks on unity in marriage from her perspective as a marriage and family counselor.

Jackson began her remarks with a story of a young bride who was certain that her marriage and love were perfect but after being married for a short time realizes that keeping a tight unity in her marriage was more difficult than it seemed. For the girl, she needed to learn that true love was important in marriage but wasn't the only quality required.

Jackson said, "Even with true love there are many daunting times in marriage."

Jackson described sexual intimacy as one of the most challenging aspects of marriage because it is such a sacred power.

"The power to bear children is central to God's plan," she said. "Sexual union is designed by God for our enjoyment."

Jackson continued to describe sexual intimacy as an opportunity to "lift each other to God ... and that only in exaltation will we experience this power again."

Jackson, in her role as marriage counselor, advised the women that "couples should talk about their expectations in sexual relations and together with their spouse and separately seek the will of the Lord."

Jackson closed by saying, "(that in order to have unity in marriage all need to be) sensitive to feelings ... and to help each other feel secure and attractive, there is no room for fault finding or abuse in any form."
Copyright Brigham Young University 5 May 2003