I take a religious class for middle-aged singles on a weekly basis and this set of lessons is geared towards a book authored by Moses in a publication called the Pearl of Great Price. Tonight, the class touched upon the creation of the Earth. In discussing the Creation, we touched upon the terms "multiply and replenish the earth" and I used to think that meant simply having children. Because of my condition, that may prove difficult, if not impossible. I cried because every time something comes up that reminds me of my circumstances, I cry and I make myself remember that there is more to a woman than having children.
During the lesson, I learned some interesting Hebrew terms about multiplying and replenishing the earth.
Rabah: multiply
Parah: fruitful
Male (pronounced may-lay): replenish (to fill/be full)
I also reasoned to the others in my class that one doesn't necessarily have to bear children in order to replenish the Earth. There are many children born to the Earth who need positive influences in their lives because they don't have them. These children need people who have lots of love to give and a passion for providing a positive example that can be followed. Children and youth need positive examples desperately and those who cannot bear children for whatever reason have the opportunity to fit that role and so they should seek to. Men and women were both counselled to have dominion over the Earth; in other words, they were counseled by God to take responsibility for themselves and each other. Taking responsibility for each other involves serving as mentors to those who lack them and need them.
The whole thought of 'creation' is interesting because so many can create so much and even if someone can't create a specific thing that is expected of them, they are perfectly capable of creating other beautiful things and should be encouraged in doing what they are able. One must find joy in what they CAN create and have pride in what they can give. People should also avoid being ashamed of what they cannot create, as those limits in their abilities are not their fault; it is what life has given them to deal with and dwelling on the negative will only waste time and energy that could be used to create other types of masterpieces that will serve as a legacy to generations to come. Even if you do not think what you can give will ever be enough because it's not what is expected of you as a woman, what you can give will be enough for someone...enough to keep them going and sustain them away from dark thoughts that often come with difficult circumstances. A legacy doesn't necessarily have to involve bearing children; it can involve being a positive influence on the lives of others through persistent use of work, care, talents, love, and time.
