FamilyLife Culture Watch

This Story Defines “Inspirational”

Apparently the story of Patrick Henry Hughes has made its way around the web and has appeared on numerous blogs over the last year, but I just saw this YouTube video yesterday.

It’s the story of a boy who was blind and crippled at birth, and the parents who discovered and helped nurture his amazing musical ability. It’s a story that defines the word “inspirational.” I was moved not only by Patrick’s attitude (“God made me blind—big deal”) and determination, but also by the love and dedication of his father. I won’t say any more—the video says it all. Also, check out this article on ABC News.

“Yes to Love, No to Marriage”

by Dave Boehi

In case you haven’t noticed, there is an ongoing debate about the role and marriage in our culture—and it’s not just about gay marriage. A growing number of couples are choosing not to be married at all.

In a recent “My Turn” article in Newsweek magazine titled, “Yes to Love, No to Marriage,” Bonnie Eslinger wrote that marriage is not necessary to demonstrate the love and commitment she feels for her partner, Jeff. “I am a 42-year-old woman who has lived life mostly on my own terms. I have never sought a husband and have still experienced intense, affirming love.”

She went on to say that Jeff had proposed to her, but she wanted to remain single, and she listed a number of the common arguments for her position:

We are committed to spending our future together, pursuing our dreams and facing life's challenges in partnership.

Yet I do not need a piece of paper from the state to strengthen my commitment to Jeff. I do not believe in a religion that says romantic, committed love is moral only if couples pledge joint allegiance to God.

I don't need a white dress to feel pretty, and I have no desire to pretend I'm virginal. I don't need to have Jeff propose to me as if he's chosen me. I don't need a ring as a daily reminder to myself or others that I am loved. And I don't need Jeff to say publicly that he loves me, because he says it privately, not just in words but in daily actions. …

I am Jeff's partner, his friend and his lover, and he is mine. The terms "husband" and "wife" wouldn't even begin to describe our relationship.

Eslinger also reasoned that marriage was no guarantee of success in a relationship, and also mentioned that she could accept the fact that homosexual couples were denied the right to marry. “I don't want to send a message to anyone, including my daughter—who may someday choose a same-sex life partner—that the value of her relationships can be determined by law and the affirmation of others.”

Naturally, Eslinger’s article drew quite a few comments from Newsweek readers.

Around the World in 80 Words #10

AFGHANISTAN - According to UNICEF, 57 percent of Afghan marriages involve girls under 16. Up to 80 percent of the country's marriages are either forced or arranged.

SUDAN - Prolonged turmoil in the southern region of Darfur has apparently led to a significant increase in divorces.

FRANCE - Although they surpassed Ireland to become the country with the most births per woman, most of those babies are born outside of marriage.

More Promiscuity = Less Academic Success

A Cambridge University survey has found a link between sexual promiscuity and poor classroom performance.

The survey of more than 1,000 college students found that the least successful academically had the greatest number of sexual partners. The survey also found a correlation with colleges. One college, Peterhouse, that ranked low in student performance was near the top of the list for promiscuity. Christ College, by comparison, had the most virgins and a higher academic success rate.

At least one university scholar ventured an explanation of the findings.

"The more sociable a person is the less time they have for their studies. People who have a lot of sexual partners not only spend time initiating relationships with people but they also have to contend with a lot of stress when those relationships break up. This can seriously affect a person's ability to concentrate," Lancaster University Professor Cary Cooper said.

Habits of Highly Successful Societies

"I am convinced that if we as a society work diligently in every other area of life and neglect the family, it would be analogous to straightening deck chairs on the Titanic."

- Author Stephen Covey