You may ask why I am bringing this up again. If you have read or watched the headlines on the news today, then you know why.
The bunny breeding comment, I can laugh at. I've already been laughed at and joked about being a "good breeder" by family and friends. With my nursing issues and needing to pump for 6 weeks with my last two babies, I can laugh and refer to that as "milking myself". I can laugh that comment off and not take it personal - that's no big deal. In fact, I kind of do see what he means - not every family is called to the same family size. As long as Catholics are in line with the faith and not contracepting, then you will most definitely see God blessing families in varying and different ways. That is His call to choose our family size, not ours. To have fun with this comment of his and all the fun on the internet about it, I had the kids draw bunnies today for art class. Here's some of their drawings in progress.... (I will post the final products later)
It was this comment that most shocked me, because the situation of the mother is extreme just like my situation - having many c-sections and risking her life...
The bunny breeding comment, I can laugh at. I've already been laughed at and joked about being a "good breeder" by family and friends. With my nursing issues and needing to pump for 6 weeks with my last two babies, I can laugh and refer to that as "milking myself". I can laugh that comment off and not take it personal - that's no big deal. In fact, I kind of do see what he means - not every family is called to the same family size. As long as Catholics are in line with the faith and not contracepting, then you will most definitely see God blessing families in varying and different ways. That is His call to choose our family size, not ours. To have fun with this comment of his and all the fun on the internet about it, I had the kids draw bunnies today for art class. Here's some of their drawings in progress.... (I will post the final products later)
It was this comment that most shocked me, because the situation of the mother is extreme just like my situation - having many c-sections and risking her life...
"That example i mentioned shortly before about that woman who was expecting her eighth (child) and already had seven who were born with caesareans. That is an irresponsibility (That woman might say) 'no but I trust in god' But God gives you methods to be responsible. Some think that, excuse me if i use that word, that in order to be good Catholics we have to be like rabbits. No. Responsible parenthood! This is clear and that is why in the church there are marriage groups, there are experts in this matter, there are pastors, one can seek and i know so many, many ways out that are licit and that have helped this. you did well to ask me this"
(~Pope Francis' translated words)
I am feeling a bit punched in the gut today, or maybe even another momma being pierced in the heart. We've already received much persecution and questioning from friends, family, church family and community, homeschool community, and even priests. Now today, I'm feeling somewhat scolded by our pope. I hope and pray this is just a bad translation, but if not it's a good reminder that we are ALL human and have our opinions. And, that's exactly what this is- his opinion, not church teaching.
What bothers me the most is the mom who has 3 or 4 c-sections and is reading these comments and the pressure she will now feel to do something permanent to prevent another pregnancy. It is a cross and it is hard to trust, but you just gotta do it!! I am so thankful for the solid teaching and faith-filled examples of good priests, deacons, and friends that we had to guide us with our cross of multiple c-sections and high risk pregnancies.
Here's my beautiful little guy who was born via my 8th c-section.
Was it a risk?
Absolutely!
Is it a miracle that I am here today?
Absolutely!
Was I "tempting God" -OR- trusting God?
Trusting God!
And that is exactly why we have faith....
to do our very best at loving and following Him, and then put our lives in the hands of God and trust Him to do what He wills best.
++Thank you, God!!!++