Women must be given rights, be valued as equal citizens in order for there to be political peace and progress. An article in the Economist about Bride Price supports claim that high bride prices and polygamy in Africa creates a shortage of brides which has contributed to violence in many African countries. In the above video I learned that there is a direct connection between the rights a country gives to women with the stability of the country.
“What you do to your women, you do to your family, you do to your community, you do to your nation, and you do to your future.”
Dr. Valerie M. Hudson
I have taken my understanding of the value of women for granted, for sure, but I am aware enough of true doctrine that I would like to explain how our unchanging God, the source of all truth, sees women. “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be aalone; I will make him ban help meet for him”(Genesis 2:18). “Therefore shall a aman leave his bfather and his mother, and shall ccleave unto his dwife: and they shall be eone flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
Women and Men Are Meant to Work Together
Women are prepared with the capability of giving life, preserve it, train it, comfort and strengthen it. They are also prepared to do much more than this, including to be wise and joyful. Men are prepared to provide, protect and care for his family and home. As “help meets” they meet in the middle and help each other through their life’s journey. Together they make a complete unit.
The interdependence of men and women working together effects every person on this planet. We can each make a difference. If we each chose one cause to help, the energy of the world would change.
– Sister Sharon Eubank
The breakdown of the family most often results in poverty. “On average, even high school dropouts who are married have a far lower poverty rate than do single parents with several years of college” (Family Breakdown and America’s Welfare System, Willis Krumholz, October 7, 2019). Poverty leads to being in trouble with the police, spending time in prison and educational underachievement (Family Breakdown: Stable, Healthy Families are at the Heart of Strong Societies, Center of Social Justice). I conclude that when women are respected by men the family structure is stronger which leads to stronger society and countries.
Wise parents teach their children that:
- Women are choice daughters of God.
- Women’s most important role is to give life, preserve it, train it, nurture and strengthen it.
- Women want virtue, truth, joy and peace for herself and her children.
- Women are equal partners to their husbands with a unique role.
- Men are to provide, protect and care for their family.
- Men are to give shelter and security to womanhood.
- Both Men and Women seek wisdom and work together for the progress of their family.
- Both Men and Women strive to live a chase life with purpose to serve, uplift and lead in the world.
“My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out in ward and stake councils. We need each married sister to speak as “a contributing and full partner”10 as you unite with your husband in governing your family. Married or single, you sisters possess distinctive capabilities and special intuition you have received as gifts from God. We brethren cannot duplicate your unique influence. We know that the culminating act of all creation was the creation of woman!11 We need your strength!”
President Russell M. Nelson
Masculinity
A good friend of mine, Kade Janes, was raised in family where muscles, team wins, and pickup trucks were the sign of masculinity. To some, having a family and coming home after a long day of hard labor to help with the dishes and putting the kids to bed, would be a resignation of dominance. However, in serious reflection, Kade shared with me that without a doubt, he feels most manly when pulling into the driveway of the house he is paying for and greeted by his wife and children who he lives for. The satisfaction of being man is complete in husband and fatherhood because it is a divine law with a divine promise not to be found in any other cheap substitute.
Invitation to the World
I believe in WOMEN! I believe in Men! I invite all citizens of the world to respect and care for each other. Grant women the right to drive, vote, decide for herself, to own property and all other rights that men have. Men, please cherish the unique capabilities of women. Be truthful and loyal to the women in your life. As men and women work together in love and respect, we will see peace and joy increase in the whole world.