(FHE family pictures)
I love the topic of gender and the differences between us. In class we came up with a list of behavioral tendencies for males and females. We decided that the females are more likely to be emotionally aware, more able and willing to express and receive communication, and be more relationship oriented in thoughts and actions. For the males we said they were more commonly aggressive, they had spacial thinking (sports/directions), and they are more task oriented. These differences are stereotypes in that not ALL men are like this and not ALL women are that way but for the most part it is a pretty universal truth. Once we are able to see and accept these differences between genders we will be able to help one another grow so much more in our abilities. I know for me when i learned about how males think i was less offended when they thought differently or saw things another way or maybe they weren't giving me attention when they were focused on a task (women can usually multi-task way better than men).
We also touched on homosexuality in class, which is such a hard topic to have any opinions on. I have my thoughts about it as do others but i want to be careful what i say and i don't want to cause offense to anyone. One thing i will say without going into details is i don't believe people are born "gay" and i do not believe people are born "straight" either. I am not an expert but i do think that along with everything else in life, homosexuality is a mixture of nature and nurture.
One thing i have learned that i want to teach my children some day is that everyone is different and it is not up to us to let them know their differences. It is our job as humans to love everyone and to let them grow and change or stay the same as they see fit. You never know how much effect you have on someone else. When i was growing up i was always told i do not have a good singing voice, i still sang because i loved it, but still to this day i am self conscious about it and do not think i have a great singing voice. This example can fit so many situations in life, we need to be very careful what we point out in others because that just might be the characteristic they choose that defines them.
My favorite modern day revelation is "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" everything i need to know about raising a family is found in that document. LOVE THIS:
THE FAMILY
A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
I totally agree with all you said in this article,and I feel exactly the same way. It is interesting, towards the end where you brought up be careful, what you discourage because that may be the very thing we become, or want to have as part of yourself. I can also think of areas in my younger years where I am sure my parents didn't intend to, but because of their view on certain things to this day I still try to make my own conscious effort to believe views in my own way, but it is hard to get rid of inner voices. I am sad about your singing, because as I look back, I remember all the creations you and Taylor did together, they were wonderful. It just seemed like you had the dancing so we gave the talent of singing to Taylor, without even listening to your voice separately. I am glad you still sing, and I do think you have a beautiful voice. I am not just saying that to make you feel better. I think it is a perfect example of unintentional brain washing we do to our loved ones. And sometimes our loved ones are going to prove us wrong. We have to be so careful in what we say and do, and in Definately not judging what our loved ones choose as their path.
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