Chapters 11 & 12

Chapter 11 covered the inner need of boys to compete, and the emotions involved in playing, or not being picked to a play, a sport. It was a call to encourage your child to play his best, to grow in his endeavors, and to be a supportive voice from the sidelines (for your own kid, other kids, and even coaches and refs). Although this chapter didn't seem to foster lots of discussion among us, it was a good reminder of the potential heartbreak it can be to a kid to not make a team, or not play a sport as well as a brother, classmate, or, worse yet, a girl.

Chapter 12 was a much more thought provoking chapter (well, according to those of us there last night). The chapter really focused in on the male-bashing that happens on a daily basis that is socially acceptable. Dr. Dobson is careful to state (a couple times) that he is happy to see women obtaining "equality" in areas of fair pay, job opportunities, etc. However, the culture, at large, has made men the brunt of many jokes that would be completely and utterly unacceptable if aimed at a woman.

We (the moms present) took some time to evaluate whether or not we participate in those jokes...do we make snide comments about our husbands, or men in general, being "so stupid"? Do we have thoughts of superiority over our husbands? Do we allow those feelings to pour over into our daily actions? Actions that will affect our husbands and our sons' egos and morale? We left with the encouragement that God created us different. The things that we are good at, our husbands may not be. But God has created men to be great at things that we women are not. Society is trying to blur those lines...lines that God created! We need to try to affirm the good and "manly" things about our husbands! Thank them for working hard at their job, whatever it may be. Affirm them in providing for your family, however that may look in your home! We don't need to pressure them or deride them for not being able to "keep up" with the chores, child-rearing, or other things that we are gifted at and able to attend to in the home. Encourage your sons to do things they are good at, and even try some things they are not.

Chapters 8,9, & 10

Don't know if anyone out there is really wanting to comment and use this site as a sounding board...but if you've been wondering what happened to the posts, I'm back. I had to take a two-week break because of family vacations, but the book study is still going strong. The ladies covered Chapter 8 two weeks ago and Chapters 9 & 10 last Wednesday. I am interested to hear anyone's "highlights" of something we talked about (or you, out there, read about) from any of these three chapters. Look forward to going over Chapters 11 & 12 this Wednesday!

Chapter 7

I apologize for the delay in the blogging this week. Our family had a rather momentous Thursday...with Audrey ending up in the ER at Children's Hospital, and ultimately being sent home with a diagnosis of UTI and sinus infection, a scrip of strong antibiotics, and on order for R & R throughout the weekend.

But as far as the study is concerned, we continue to enjoy meeting together to discuss our sons, and pray for them, our daughters, our husbands, and each other. Sorry I don't have specific questions or comments for the week. Hope to see most of you this next Wednesday!