This week in class we talked about gender roles. It was a very eye opening discussion for me to see just how different males and females are. I know that God has a purpose for the differences and our class discussion brought on a whole new meaning for the scripture in 1 Corinthians 11:11 which states: "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." The man needs the woman, just as much as the woman needs the man. It comes down to this: males and females NEED each other. Elder Bednar has taught "The natures of males and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together towards exaltation." (2006 Marriage is essential to His eternal plan) There are certain things that men can do and certain things that women can do on their own. However, I am not saying that men can only do manly things, and women can do only feminine things, they can do whatever interests them. BUT together as man and woman, husband and wife are so much better!
I think the thing that stood out to me the most from our discussion about gender was the way the brains of both the male and the female work. Female brains are a big pile of wires that are all connected to each other while male brains are organized into nice, neat boxes that do not overlap or mix with each other. This is better explained in this you-tube video by Mark Gungor entitled "the tale of two brains" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XjUFYxSxDk I found it interesting how knowing this brain structure difference helps us understand the roles given to mothers and fathers in "The Proclamation to the World: The Family" better. A mother's primary responsibility is to nurture her children. This makes sense as far as brain structure is concerned because mothers have to be aware of so many things at once. She has to be aware of each of her children and their environment and interactions with others and be able to meet the child's needs all at the same time. A father's primary responsibilities according to The Proclamation are to provides, preside, and protect. This makes sense as far as male brain structure is concerned because men need to be focused. If they are ALWAYS worried about leaving their wife and children to go to work, he will not be able to focus on work and providing for his family. I believe that men's brains are designed in a very organized way to fulfill the role that God has given them.
After knowing how the brains of both the male and the female work, understanding male and female tendencies is a lot more clear.
Female Tendencies Male Tendencies
*Expressive *Aggressive
*Cooperative *Competitive
*Detail Oriented *Sees the Bigger Picture
*Relationship Oriented *Spacial/Task Oriented
*Language *Mathematical
*Emotionally Expressive *Logical
It is no wonder that Satan wants to destroy the meaning of gender, and families, and marriage, he doesn't get a body or a family! He wants everyone to be "miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27) I think Sheri Dew has said it best: "Satan understands the power of men and women united in righteousness" That is why "Satan seeks to confuse us about our stewardships and distinctive natures as men and women...He would have us believe men and women are so alike that our unique gifts are not necessary, or so different we can never hope to understand each other. Neither is true." (2001 It is not good for man or woman to be alone) God made us different for a reason. We complete each other. We each have special qualities that allow us to work together for a greater good. We need each other to teach our children to be well rounded. Together is more effective because children need a mother and a father!!
This video: "It's not about the nail" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EDhdAHrOg is a comical representation of the differences between men and women. I thought you all would like it. :)
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