Well said, Dr. Laura!
"The last few generations have been brought up with too much and too little: too much opportunity and things, too little gratitude and obligation. We actually have a large segment of our population that couldn't imagine giving without getting, sacrificing out of obligation, suffering out of responsibility, following through out of honor. "
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=34558
Friday, March 16, 2007
Thursday, March 8, 2007
International Women's Day
Today is International Women's Day. Sorry to admit it, but I honestly didn't know that until just now, as I was watching the 5:00 news. Oops.
Anyway, I was watching the feature on the news and it was pretty thought-provoking. Although there was a brief segment about the importance of removing the stigma of domestic violence and protecting women better, the real focus was primarily on the lack of women in the trades professions and what can be done about it.
"What can be done about it." Like it's a bad thing that women aren't turning out in droves to become carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Like there's some terrible tragedy that the trades are a male-dominated industry.
How about celebrating International Women's Day by celebrating our womanhood? We're different - why don't we embrace the differences instead of trying to erase them? Tonight would be a good night for mothers and daughters to sit together and celebrate that they are special and different and honored by God in their womanhood and girlhood, to be thankful that they ARE made differently from men. It might also be a good night for fathers to embrace their daughters and celebrate them for who they are. Let them know that you're proud of them, just for being your daughters. Show some extra love to your wife, for being the special woman she is.
Remember, we're not unequal - we're just different.
Anyway, I was watching the feature on the news and it was pretty thought-provoking. Although there was a brief segment about the importance of removing the stigma of domestic violence and protecting women better, the real focus was primarily on the lack of women in the trades professions and what can be done about it.
"What can be done about it." Like it's a bad thing that women aren't turning out in droves to become carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Like there's some terrible tragedy that the trades are a male-dominated industry.
How about celebrating International Women's Day by celebrating our womanhood? We're different - why don't we embrace the differences instead of trying to erase them? Tonight would be a good night for mothers and daughters to sit together and celebrate that they are special and different and honored by God in their womanhood and girlhood, to be thankful that they ARE made differently from men. It might also be a good night for fathers to embrace their daughters and celebrate them for who they are. Let them know that you're proud of them, just for being your daughters. Show some extra love to your wife, for being the special woman she is.
Remember, we're not unequal - we're just different.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Consideration - Without being crippled
The last few weeks we've been discussing "boundaries" in our ladies' class at church. I admit it surprised me the first day that I came into the class; I expected it to be a Bible study class. But it's been interesting. We've been talking about things like setting limits (self-protection), checking your motivation for doing things (service in love vs guilt or manipulation), and realizing that you are probably going to hurt someone's feelings by saying "No" or by making a particular decision, but that it won't do them any long-term harm, whereas not doing so might do you some long-term harm.
So it's been interesting. This morning's thoughts are heavily influenced by the last couple of classes, I think.
I've been thinking this morning about how our decisions have an effect on the people around us, and how we can be considerate of that effect without letting fear of hurting them cripple us in our decision-making. Whether it's a little decision like turning down a second piece of cake, or a bigger one like breastfeeding or homeschooling, someone is going to be affected and might even be hurt.
When it comes to breastfeeding - we all know it's the best choice, for many of us it's the only choice we're willing to consider. But I think sometimes in our mission to do the best for our child, we get into a place where we almost have blinders on. The last two generations of moms have basically been instructed by doctors and other "experts" that their milk wasn't good enough, or that breastfeeding was unsterile, or that formula was just plain better. Now we come along and we have better science, better knowledge, and are making the decision to breastfeed, which is great - but when we get questioned about our decision, how do we respond? Do we become defensive immediately, or do we take a minute to consider the other person's point of view before responding? Do we consider that they might be struggling with their own feelings of guilt or inadequacy (whether or not it's conscious), and respond graciously and lovingly, or do we lash out with something like "everyone knows breast is best" or by throwing out statistics?
And then there's homeschooling. Studies are proving that it works, and that it's a good choice. But it's still a minority decision which a lot of people are nervous about. Again, when questioned, how do you respond? Do you respond in love, explaining why you made this choice but why you also accept that not everyone can homeschool... or do you preach about the evils of the public school system? Do we come across as "holier than thou" or wierd and eccentric because we homeschool, or do we speak in love and grace, attracting others to us? Do our words make other parents feel bad about their own past choices, or hopeful about their future?
Just some things to think about. Consider what you say and how it is being received by the other person. Don't let their feelings cripple you or limit your decisions, but do take them into consideration and think about changing your presentation a little bit.
So it's been interesting. This morning's thoughts are heavily influenced by the last couple of classes, I think.
I've been thinking this morning about how our decisions have an effect on the people around us, and how we can be considerate of that effect without letting fear of hurting them cripple us in our decision-making. Whether it's a little decision like turning down a second piece of cake, or a bigger one like breastfeeding or homeschooling, someone is going to be affected and might even be hurt.
When it comes to breastfeeding - we all know it's the best choice, for many of us it's the only choice we're willing to consider. But I think sometimes in our mission to do the best for our child, we get into a place where we almost have blinders on. The last two generations of moms have basically been instructed by doctors and other "experts" that their milk wasn't good enough, or that breastfeeding was unsterile, or that formula was just plain better. Now we come along and we have better science, better knowledge, and are making the decision to breastfeed, which is great - but when we get questioned about our decision, how do we respond? Do we become defensive immediately, or do we take a minute to consider the other person's point of view before responding? Do we consider that they might be struggling with their own feelings of guilt or inadequacy (whether or not it's conscious), and respond graciously and lovingly, or do we lash out with something like "everyone knows breast is best" or by throwing out statistics?
And then there's homeschooling. Studies are proving that it works, and that it's a good choice. But it's still a minority decision which a lot of people are nervous about. Again, when questioned, how do you respond? Do you respond in love, explaining why you made this choice but why you also accept that not everyone can homeschool... or do you preach about the evils of the public school system? Do we come across as "holier than thou" or wierd and eccentric because we homeschool, or do we speak in love and grace, attracting others to us? Do our words make other parents feel bad about their own past choices, or hopeful about their future?
Just some things to think about. Consider what you say and how it is being received by the other person. Don't let their feelings cripple you or limit your decisions, but do take them into consideration and think about changing your presentation a little bit.
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