Mixed Messages

I do agree with the statement that mixed messages are being sent out by the Catholic Church. I don't believe these messages are intentional but rather they are misinterpreted, especially in today's society of young women. As for some of the positive messages I have been taught through the church as a young girl, I have been taught respect and love for myself and those around me, equality of men and women, and dignity in my sexuality as a woman. As for some of the negatives, I feel the church focuses too much on a woman's virginity and condemning those who do not practice chastity. As stated in the article, I also feel as if the Church praised a woman's sexuality whether they were a virgin, a mother, a divorced wife, then confusion would diminish. The Church needs to find a happy medium instead of combining all terms into one focus because that is ultimately where the mixed messages come into play.

Abortion

These countries that are performing illegal abortions have become very unsafe and unsanitary. The debate of whether or not aboriton should be legal even though it is morally wrong is the question. In order to help solve the abortion rates in developing countries, there are a few potential options. If the Catholic Church's were to help out, they would suggest using Natural Family Planning. Through this, the women could learn how to monitor their bodies on their own without paying the costly amount of contraceptives. NFP is also a benefit to these underprivileged women because even those who are illiterate are capable of understanding the simple process. Another option to take into consideration is going on a form of birth control. However the cost may be a little too high. Personally, the idea of abortion whether legal or illegal will always bring about dangers and debates but hopefully a happy medium will be established and women and children (pre birth and post birth) will be protected.

IVF

After watching the dateline and reading the article, "Where do babies come from?" many pros and cons have come to mind regarding IVF. Some of the pros are that a family who cannot conceive naturally have the opportunity to raise a child from birth with their genetic makeup. A family who wants to space their births out can freeze the fertilized eggs for future use. However, there are plenty of cons that go along with IVF. For example, the eggs can be accidentally inserted into another woman like the two families in the dateline. The hormones that occur naturally during pregnancy may not process in time after the fertilized egg has been implanted and the woman might undergo a miscarriage. As for the Church's views on IVF, a part of me understands its beliefs. I have taken into consideration its views but as long as all the frozen fertilized eggs are used, then there should not be a problem. I feel if a family wants a child and has the means to raise one with love and respect then they should be allowed. However, then the questions of who can have IVF and who can't comes about. All in all, no matter how a child is conceived, he or she is still a child of God.

He's Just Not That Into You

In the Movie, He’s Just Not That Into You, one of the couple’s that stands out to me is Beth and Neil. They are a spunky, young, and in love couple living together. Having been madly in love for seven years, Beth has been hoping he’ll seal the deal with a ring sometime soon. However, things come crashing down for the both of them when she asks if he’ll ever marry her and he replies with no response. From there she leaves him and the apartment. It wasn’t until after her sister’s wedding till she found him cleaning the dishes of her parent’s house after her father got sick. Beth was completely taken back and took back what she said about the importance of marriage to her. She claimed she was accepting of his decision to never marry because no matter what she’ll always love him. After getting back together and moving in once again, Neil finally lives out Beth’s request to marry and proposes to her.

As a girl, I understand where Beth is coming from when she wanted to marry. Marriage is sacred a wonderful chance to strengthen a couple’s bond. Although there were no commitment issues, Neil felt there was no necessary reason to make a big fuss of their relationship by having a wedding. However marriage is a community celebration and should be shared with other as inspiration to seek out love and for other reasons. I believe people who are committed to each other, love each other, and have been together for awhile should get married. God’s plan for couples in love is to marry and procreate.

The Changing Face of Marriage

Having grown up in a big Italian Catholic family, religion has always been a part of my life. My ‘domestic church’ has been my 13 years of Catholic school education and the Christian morals my family members have instilled in my brother sister and me. Every Sunday my family and I would attend mass where I was forced to sit, listen, and pay attention unlike other children who played with toys and ate cheerios. To this day, I am thankful that we have continued going to church each week. As a family, each night we say prayers before dinner as well. Quite recently, my dad began recording this man Dr. Stanley on the TV for days we are unable to attend mass. My dad truly does try to make an effort to keep our faith growing within the household.

As for the movie “He’s Just Not Into You”, the changing face of marriage is very prevalent. It’s nice to see how families are taking on many different shapes and forms to fit their needs and lifestyles. However, I must agree with Jennifer Aniston’s character that marriage is another sacred step in expressing and sharing a couple’s love for one another. I do not agree with cohabitation. It’s probably my old fashioned Catholicism that causes me to believe this. I don’t feel that the couple is able to receive the real experience of moving in together after marriage. There’s no new spark to keep their relationship thriving.

The study shown that couples with college degrees have a lesser chance of divorcing than couples that do not seems accurate. For those couples with the degree, they tend to have greater intelligence and therefore may know how to deal with marital situations better. Also, they were obviously committed and hardworking people while studying for their degree so I’m sure that commitment and hard work is then put into the marriage. As for me when I grow up to have children, I do hope to teach my kids my faith through praying together, attending church together, and acting kind towards each other.

Some Say Love. . .

In the English language, the word “love” can be defined in many different ways. But to love someone you’re in a committed relationship is a lot different than loving pizza or your favorite song. Agape love is a kind of selfless love where one is willing to love the other person unconditionally. In time when I find myself involved in another committed relationship, I hope to find happiness in spending time with him. I hope to share respect, beliefs, and interests. In being committed to one another I hope to find someone who will be faithful to me, supportive and understanding. These key factors will help in making the committed relationship a success. I don’t believe in sole mates because one can learn to love many people but happen to decide on a person who seems suitable. However, I do believe in people who have fallen deeply in love and are willing to work through their relationship when times get rough. The following love songs, these qualities in having a committed relationship are expressed.

The first song, God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton talks about how thankful he is to how found a girl that will be by his side no matter the circumstance. He hopes and prays that they will last forever because he is so grateful for all that she does for him.
Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
And for when I think I lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it's true
God gave me you

The second song, Thirteen by Ben Kweller is a less popular song with a simple tune. However, the lyrics express a love that wasn’t started by looks or sex but rather the happiness that comes along with spending time with each other as they slowly watched their love grow.

My third love song is, Begin Again by Taylor Swift. This song expresses the misconceptions of dating again after being heartbroken. She’s surprised and impressed with the boy and her newfound love compared to the previous one. She is appreciative of the attention and support he gives her.
Bubbly, by Colbie Caillat refers to the first signs of falling in love and how the warmth feeling overtakes her body.
It starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

Lastly, in the song Crash My Party by Luke Bryan, he’s explaining that he’ll always be there for her no matter what. Is willing to cancel all of his plans to be with her.
If you wanna call me, call me, call me.
You don’t have to worry ‘bout it baby.
You can wake me up in the dead of the night;
Wreck my plans, baby that’s alright.