Boyd K. Packer is currently the president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He is a mighty spiritual giant who has not shied away from teaching and warning specifically about the family and the priesthood. A Refuge From the Storm: The Priesthood, the Family, the Church is a compilation of past talks given by President Packer in General Conference, BYU Women’s Conference, and other meetings. It does not contain anything new that President Packer hasn’t taught before, which I admit I was a little disappointed to find. I was expecting a book that he had recently written. It does, however, contain so many wonderful sermons all gathered conveniently together that my disappoint has since dissipated.

The book is organized into sections with talks that cover the three topics listed in the title: the priesthood, the family, and the church. Reading them in order gives you great insight into how all three work together to provide the spiritual safety needed in this world of ever declining moral values.

The gospel of Jesus Christ enables individuals to become exalted by being part of eternal families. The gospel contains the purpose, the doctrine, and the plan. The priesthood is the power and the authority. The Church has the means and organization. The exalted, eternal family is the end of the gospel plan. (Boyd K. Packer)

My favorite chapter, Children of God, come from a BYU Women’s Conference address given back in 2006. As much as I love studying past talks from BYU Womens Conference somehow this one had eluded me. I love the straightforward way he tells women of their great role in God’s plan to not only bring children into this world but the responsibilities we have to teach and guide them. We also have the responsibility to defend the family. My favorite quote this particular talk is

The virtue of tolerance has been distorted and elevated to a position of such prominence as to be thought equal to and even valued more than morality. It is one thing to be tolerant, even forgiving of individual conduct. It is quite another to collectively legislate and legalize to protect immoral conduct that can weaken, even destroy the family. (Boyd K. Packer)

Oh, how we see this happening today! I am so grateful for the guidance and foresight of leaders to warn us and prepare us if we will listen and apply those teachings to our own lives.

About the Author

Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been a member of that quorum since 1970 and a General Authority since 1961. Immediately prior to that, he was the supervisor of seminaries and institutes for the Church. He is a former president of the New England States Mission.

President Packer was born in Brigham City, Utah. He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force during World War II and later obtained his doctorate in education from Brigham Young University. He is the author of several best-selling books, including The Holy Temple, That All May Be Edified, and Teach Ye Diligently.

He and his wife, Donna Edith Smith Packer, are the parents of ten children.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of A Refuge from the Storm by Deseret Book to review. All opinions are my own.