I was going to answer them all together, but these were a little bit more serious, so I'm am going to treat them accordingly.
What is your answer to people when they say, "How many children are you going to have?"
I have several answers to this one, so here are my favorites:
1. I have no idea. I'm still married, he's still hot, and we're still Catholic.
2. We didn't plan any of the others, and look how well that's turned out, so why start now?
3. As many as God sends.
4. Why, do you want to buy one? I'll make you a deal.
5. Turn to my dear husband and say, "Computer Guy (no, it's not his real name), X wants to know if we're having sex again. What should I tell her?"
And 'if' (don't know if you've experienced this), someone starts to talk about how they did IVF or about their IVF children, do you stay silent and listen, or say something about how you disagree with IVF?
It honestly depends upon the situation and how well I know the speaker. If we're at the baby shower, then obviously no. It's just not an appropriate moment. If they're already pregnant, same thing unless I know them well.
However, if someone asks my opinion, like "So-and-so is using IVF, isn't it exciting?" Then I answer truthfully but gently. Gentle goes a long way. Also, make sure you are well schooled on the reason why you are not in favor of it. Most people who do IVF turn off their ears the moment they hear the phrases "In my Church we teach.." or "The Bible says..." While your teaching may be correct, they won't hear it. Have a secular discussion on morality with them and then lead it to God if you can. If not, then just explain the moral reasoning. That's how I do it, and it has worked for me.
Great blog, look fwd to visiting more often:)
Regina
Thanks! I popped over to yours and I like what I see! If anyone else want to see it, here it is.
I love your name. When I was a girl, "Regina" was always my name when I played make-believe with my friends. I think it was because I secretly wanted to be the queen. Alright, I know it was, and it wasn't such a secret.
5 comments:
Great answers! I get all of these too. That IVF situation is always tricky. We have SO many friends who have gone this route, but I tend to not know about it until they are already pregnant, so then, what's the point? Let's just celebrate the life. But recently my sister-in-law asked me what I thought because she is considering it. They have been trying to get pregnant for 2 years. Well, I tried to gently explain my own feelings on morality, but I have to admit, since she's Catholic, I also felt the need to bring up the whole "Church teaching" thing. The whole conversation wasn't well received. I kind of felt like, then why did you ask my opinion if you didn't really want it? I think that childless women don't really want to hear about God calling different people to different things from a woman with 4 children, currently pregnant with her 5th, in 8 years. Just doesn't go over well.
Mom,
You are HILARIOUS!!!!!
Those answers to how many children are you going to have were fabulous!
My husband and I sat here in histerics!
Love your 1st answer, will learn it off by heart:)
And love the one how you say, why would you like to buy one?
That must shock them...haha.
I always answer, with "How ever many God gives me, we are open to life."
I'm stealing your responses.
Great answers, thanks.
As for the IVF, I usually don't refer my answer back to God unless they are Catholic.
It's nice to hear a similar approach, as I always question myself if I'm responding the right way.
Thanks Mom!
By the way, I forgot to comment on how interesting it was that you chose 'Regina' for your make-believe game as a child!
It's nice to hear, as it was a very 'rare' name when I was growing up.
Also, I'm still in the process of setting up my new blog, but I'm glad you like it.
RD,
I always tease the Computer Guy that we should name the next one Regina Gloriana. Our name is a vulgar word in another language that roughly translates to "Smart A-" Sorry, but that's what it means. So our daughter could be the Glorious Queen of the Smart A-'s. Who wouldn't want to be that?
Haha....lol.
Classic!
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