Readers’ Forum May 17

275

‘Mothers balance career and motherhood’ response

I am writing in reference to the front-page article that was published during Women’s Conference about balancing career and motherhood. I agree that this is a topic that needs to be discussed and there are many women who are in the workforce. I also know women who feel very inspired to go back to school, during or after raising children. We all have a different calling and mission in life and need to follow what we feel inspired to do.

I was concerned, however, with the overall message of this article. Especially the paragraph, “Although the (LDS) church emphasizes education and personal growth for all and does not have official doctrine on whether women should work once they have children, LDS culture has long emphasized the mother’s place in the home.” To say that this idea comes from “LDS culture” is just not accurate. If you research what prophets and apostles have said on this topic, even as recently as President Hinckley, you will find there is very direct counsel.

Again, we all have a different calling and mission, but we are best served by evaluating what the prophets have said on this matter and taking it into consideration as we seek inspiration for our own family. It is a sacrifice to put aside some of our own pursuits and put children and family first, but if this choice aligns us with God’s will we can know that it will bring the most fulfillment and joy to our lives. In this world, children need as much love and attention as we can give them. It is a very serious choice that each of us faces, and we need to consider what the “watchmen on the tower” have counseled.

—  Heidi Young

Provo, Utah

 

The power of our words

I have a friend in the church who turned 30 recently and is not married. She is a wonderful person, a devoted church member, and a good friend of everyone she meets, but when it comes to marriage, she has not yet found the person for her “time and all eternity.”

As the years have passed since she returned from her mission, I’ve noticed a pattern that is not uncommon for many single people. Members of the wards she has lived in often take it upon themselves to comment about her marital status.

“You’re still not married? That’s crazy!”

“I got married right after my mission.”

“What, nobody here good enough for you? Ha, just kidding!”

“Well, hurry up, while you’re still young!”

It all sounds like joking, right, nothing malicious at all? And that’s true! But that’s the danger. Sometimes we forget that these kinds of words — about this topic, in particular — can actually hurt people, especially in a gospel that circulates so intensely around the idea of marriage and eternal families. No matter how harmless it may seem in the moment, members have to be more sensitive to people in any stage of seeking out their eternal companion to be certain that every child of God is included and supported.

—  Annelise Warren

Reno, Nevada

Syrian refugee children are missing: what are we doing?

George Washington wrote, “The bosom of America is open to receive. . . the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges.” America has the opportunity to receive thousands of “the oppressed and persecuted” masses currently fleeing Syria. This mass relocation is resulting in extensive child trafficking. As a wealthy superpower, America has a responsibility to lessen the burden on European nations and prevent the chaos that facilitates human trafficking.

Europol estimates that more than 10,000 unaccompanied minors have disappeared since immigrating to the European Union. America can ease the burden being placed on the European Union in order to curb child trafficking. David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee stated, “The U.S. has a proven, secure, and effective system for refugee resettlement far, far better than the chaotic scenes you see in Europe at the moment.” He pleaded with America to provide an example for European nations of how a functional immigration system securely handles the resettlement of so many refugees.

CNN recently reported that 31 U.S. governors are still refusing to accept any Syrian refugees. Their fear is causing them to forget what this country is all about. But if we uphold the values that America was built upon, we must accept “the oppressed and persecuted.”

America has a legacy of being a safe-haven for those fleeing oppressive governments in search of freedom. The Syrian refugee crisis gives us the opportunity to show the world that we are still a beacon of hope and freedom for the world.

—  Ashley Pincock

Gilbert, Arizona

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