Every Friday the FMF community writes for five minutes on a prompt given by Kate Motaung. To visit this inspiring community of writers, click here. Today’s prompt is: SPEAK
Through my experiences as a nurse, mother and grandmother I have come to believe that minimizing medications is a good thing. Beginning with fertility and childbirth. It is good to be educated about hormonal birth control—benefits and risks. It is good to go into labor naturally unless there is a medical problem. It is good to ask questions about proposed treatments.
I participate with a group called Women Speak for Themselves. This group encourages education about fertility and natural family planning. I am still learning how to raise discussions with women. I need grace and a good listening ear.
In the midst of the loud voices of our culture we can become timid or brash. But there is another way. We need grace and kindness as we speak up and share our point of view.
This verse in 1 Peter gives guidance for sharing our faith, and can apply to discussion of controversial topics.
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
Great post and outlook, Carol. Though my wife and I never had to worry about this (she had to have a hysterectomy after a chemical accident at work, when she was young), I, as a terminally-ill-and-circling-the-drain due, have developed a dislike for medication, even pain meds.
Aside from the fact that I can no longer tolerate them, they dull my mind, and would stand in the way of the most important work I have left – witnessing that even in dark and painful days, life is still worth living and can still be enjoyed, and that God is good.
#2 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/08/your-dying-spouse-351-this-will-all-be.html
Andrew, I’m thankful for your spirit and witness. Praying for you through this difficult time.
‘We need grace and kindness as we speak up and share our point of view.” Thanks for writing that. I tend to be timid and second guess myself when I do speak up. I want to be brave and speak out. I definitely don’t want to be brash. I want to learn to speak boldly with grace and kindness. It’s hard, though.
Let’s encourage each other and pray for each other. Thanks for visiting, Sue.
Visiting from Five Minute Friday. I love the thought that when we are most good at speaking, we are doing it with a listening ear. I agree- and you’ve put it so well. Praying for you as you have those discussions.
Thank-you, Tanya!
That’s so interesting to read, Carol. My husband and I knew about natural family planning but only from my mum – otherwise we would have been clueless. I’m so glad to have done it all a different way but it’s often a way that the world doesn’t understand. You’ve reminded me that it’s something that I haven’t spoken about much but certainly could/ should more.
Thanks for visiting, Zoe. One of the benefits is that couples tend to talk more about sexuality and share the responsibility.