I have now taken 2 classes on the importance of the family. Specifically the importance of The Family Proclamation. I have grown to have a deep love for the doctrine taught in the proclamation.
But real talk for just a minute... this is a hard truth for me to admit and type out. Ok *deep breath*, 3 2 1, here it goes!
I used to think it was an outdated document that didn't grow with the world.
Le sigh.
It's true. I used to think that the Family Proclamation was not for me because it was published when I was 4. It hadn't grown with the world (or more accurately- worldLY) views.
REALITY CHECK!
Doctrine doesn't change. The commandments are still the commandments. The Articles of Faith are still the same. Through the years, Heavenly Father has given us clarity and new pieces to help us understand doctrine, but the doctrine itself has never changed. The Proclamation is doctrine. It doesn't have to change!
I had been convinced by the world that since the Proclamation focused on the "gender norms" for men and women, it couldn't possibly relate to me. I wanted to be a working mom. I scoffed at the idea that a women's primary role is as the nurturer. I was insulted by the idea that a woman should be *just* a mom.
While studying, in depth, this document and the doctrine behind it, I have had my own views changed. The Spirit testified to me that being a mom had no *just* about it! Being a mom is the hardest thing a woman can do. But also the best.
Now comes the hard part. How do we explain how these wonderful principles are seemingly backwards to the world? How do we explain that the world has it wrong? That a strong woman can still be a mom.
I have started sharing my favorite quotes and talks about the proclamation on Facebook. I "like" similar things shared by influential speakers or my friends (because that shows up in your friends feed too).
I have been able to have good discussions with my friends about why I chose to stay home with my kids. It has been heart warming and a chance to bear my testimony of family. I can only hope that something I have said will make a difference.
I will continue to share my love for this inspired document and the doctrines taught within it. I challenge you all to study it and pray to know if it truly is inspired, then share it with the world.
But real talk for just a minute... this is a hard truth for me to admit and type out. Ok *deep breath*, 3 2 1, here it goes!
I used to think it was an outdated document that didn't grow with the world.
Le sigh.
It's true. I used to think that the Family Proclamation was not for me because it was published when I was 4. It hadn't grown with the world (or more accurately- worldLY) views.
REALITY CHECK!
Doctrine doesn't change. The commandments are still the commandments. The Articles of Faith are still the same. Through the years, Heavenly Father has given us clarity and new pieces to help us understand doctrine, but the doctrine itself has never changed. The Proclamation is doctrine. It doesn't have to change!
I had been convinced by the world that since the Proclamation focused on the "gender norms" for men and women, it couldn't possibly relate to me. I wanted to be a working mom. I scoffed at the idea that a women's primary role is as the nurturer. I was insulted by the idea that a woman should be *just* a mom.
While studying, in depth, this document and the doctrine behind it, I have had my own views changed. The Spirit testified to me that being a mom had no *just* about it! Being a mom is the hardest thing a woman can do. But also the best.
Now comes the hard part. How do we explain how these wonderful principles are seemingly backwards to the world? How do we explain that the world has it wrong? That a strong woman can still be a mom.
I have started sharing my favorite quotes and talks about the proclamation on Facebook. I "like" similar things shared by influential speakers or my friends (because that shows up in your friends feed too).
I have been able to have good discussions with my friends about why I chose to stay home with my kids. It has been heart warming and a chance to bear my testimony of family. I can only hope that something I have said will make a difference.
I will continue to share my love for this inspired document and the doctrines taught within it. I challenge you all to study it and pray to know if it truly is inspired, then share it with the world.
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