Lessons I've learned

Over the past few weeks I've been learning more about The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

There were always things that I was on the fence about, and somethings I still am.  But reading different talks from the Apostles has really helped me to think more clearly on some subjects.  Two things that have stood out to me the most so far are, who the proclamation was meant for and how important gender roles are.

Firstly, this was not meant just for the members of the church.  The Lord means for all his words to apply to all the world.  That would be like saying that the commandments are only meant for this who believe in God.  But just because you don't believe in something, doesn't mean it's not true.  Just because everybody thought the world was flat doesn't mean it really wasn't.  Just because people don't believe in the Book of Mormon or modern day prophets does not mean this isn't the truth.

Second, men and women were created equal, but we each have our specific roles.  There are things only women will ever be able to do (like giving birth) and things only men are meant to do.  Without our specific roles in a relationship life would be chaos.  I have nothing against a woman having a career, or even earning more money than her husband.  However, I do believe the most important role a woman can ever have is that of mother.  There are things that children should be learning from their mothers.  There are things children should be learning from their  mothers, such as compassion and care taking.  These are skills every child should learn.  Yes men are compassionate, and yes they can be caretakers.  But these are skills that come more naturally to women, therefore it may be easier for women to teach these skills to their children.  Men can teach their children to be protectors.  Protectors of beliefs, of virtue, and of family.

In a talk given by Elder David A Bednar (Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan) he specifically says "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"  They are entitled, not that having a mother and father are a privilege for a special few.  But that each and every child born is entitled to a mother and father.  There are always special circumstances.  A spouse passes away, or one spouse leaves.  But that does not mean the children are not still entitled to the opportunity to have the influence of both a mother and a father.  The reason they are entitled to both is because each parent offers their own special skills and talents to raising children.  And some of those talents are unique to each gender.  As Elder Bednar puts it, "Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences."