Concerning the issue of HIV/ AIDS: “We, with others, hope that discoveries will make possible both prevention and healing from this dread affliction. But regardless of such discoveries, the observance of one clearly understandable and divinely given rule would do more than all else to check this epidemic. That is chastity before marriage and total fidelity [in] marriage.” -Gordon Hinckley (said in 1987).
“Having said this, I desire now to say with emphasis that our concern for the bitter fruit of sin is coupled with Christlike sympathy for its victims, innocent or culpable… We should reach out with kindness and comfort to the afflicted, ministering to their needs and assisting them with their problems.”
-Gordon B Hinckley (LDS Church President/Prophet 1995-2008).
Masturbation is a topic that is highly sensitive, uncomfortable, and potentially embarrassing/ awkward. Those things notwithstanding, I feel strongly enough about it that I created a short video to express my thoughts on the matter. And let me reassure you that it is mature, tactful, and even appropriately and gently witty!
President Henry B. Eyring, or any of the LDS General Authorities, will never view this post. But Justin Biebz and Jaden Smith remind me to “Never Say Never!” So readers please know that if any apostle/ prophet/ Stake President/ Bishop/ employer/ long-lost cousin/WHOMEVER (!) ever didstumble (thanks Natasha B!) upon this video , I would not be uncomfortable. In other words, IT’S CLEAN, YA’LL! Check it stat:
and just a brief explanation of my outfit…
Recapture:
I don’t like this subject.
I am not a yucky girl.
I believe in agency.
I am fully aware that some will disagree with me.
I never intend to be preachy or judgmental.
But most importantly:
I strongly express that, whatever your religious beliefs/ life philosophies,
avoiding this type of behavior will bless your life!
Be Ye Clean…
(love this talk by President Gordon B. Hinckley by the way!)
1) Learn more here about the amazingness known as the “Perpetual Education Fund.”
2) I have met a handful men and women who have benefited from the PEF, and it is obvious that their lives have been super blessed because of it!
3) I like the band “Fun” a lot. Here’s one of my favorite songs by them:
When you’re lost and alone, and you’re sinking like a stone….
CARRY ON!
Closing Thoughts:
The Latter-day Saint Perpetual Education Fund has done (and continues to do!) amazing things for men and women around the world who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to receive an education and better their economic opportunities. It is truly a philanthropic flagship, and I am grateful to pay a portion of my offerings to it every now and then.
The disgusting phenomenon known as “strip clubs” is a sad and embarrassing part of our society. As is often portrayed in pop culture, “men” will go to these kinds of clubs (why they are sometimes referred to as “Gentlemen’s Clubs” is beyond me!) soon before they get married, or even for no specific occasion at all. For some reason which I will never fully understand, it seems fun and harmless to casually objectify women. Sadly, sometimes women themselves contribute to this false idea; some think they will be more appealing and sexy if they fulfill some sick fantasy. Ew! Totez gross! Be a lady! And the guys need to be real men (just like Elder Christofferson talked about in this post)! So now howzabout you let me set the record straight on what should REALLY happen on the dance floor.
Hint: it’s classy, clean, AND still lets me bust a move.
(safe for all eyes and ears OF COURSE!)
Truths to Consider:
1) Most girls/women who work in strip-clubs have been abused and are very unhappy (more to come on this idea in another post).
2) Most boys/men who patronize strip-clubs are lonely, desperate, insecure, and unhappy as well.
3) God intended for us to be sexual, but within the realm of a committed, marital relationship (read more about this here), and certainly not in some stuffy, crowded shack of sin that smells like stale armpits and halitosis.
(this sentence will be repeated in this post, FYI).
So what is to be done? Thankfully, all is not lost. There are inspired leaders (ancient and modern) who have given us counsel and truth concerning these issues. Here are just a few insights that will bring us safety and happiness if we heed them:
Dancing can be fun and can provide an opportunity to meet new people. When dancing, avoid full body contact with your partner. Do not use positions or moves that are suggestive of sexual or violent behavior or are otherwise inappropriate….Attend only those dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, music, and entertainment contribute to a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit may be present.
And once again, lemme show you a girl who can dance
and have a good time while still keeping things clean:
And ya’ll, this may or may not apply to you, but just so you know,
any man who engages in any sort of these behaviors
doesn’t stand a CHANCE with me!
So keep it clean, and maybe we can get to know each other.
🙂
And now let me give you a nice, take-away quote (the one I said I’d repeat!):
“God intended for us to be sexual, but within the realm of a committed, marital relationship, and certainly not in some stuffy, crowded shack of sin that smells like stale armpits and halitosis.”
~Katie Wilk
In conclusion, let me utilize the megaphone pic of the ever lovely Ms. Bedingfield (she can move and still be a lady!) to express something that I really just wanna shout to the world:
Don’t glamorize what is ugly in reality…
STRIP CLUBS STINK!
.
*if you wanna pass this message/post along, I wouldn’t object…
PS. This is not a judgment on women who work in the industry, especially because so many of them are coerced or have a terrible background story. Don’t call me judgmental, ok? That’s not what this is about. We’re all children of God, but sin is sin, and I’m not afraid to call it that…
This post might be borderline offensive with the juxtaposition of some of the people pictured. Once again, I hope to spark discussion and thought without ever making my ownOPINION explicitly and fully clear.
intentional ambiguity!
thunderbolt of blasphemy
Ann Coulter is someone who Katherine believes gives conservativism a VERY bad name (for the most part).
“One can have a strong intelligent opinion and even be persuasive
can and will bring us lasting happiness. Thus, I greatly value missionary work.
But I value religious freedom just as much.
Blink and you might miss that there are TWO pictures
of Natasha Bedingfieldon this post.
Also, John Mayer is brilliant and has forever changed my life,
but he will be the first to tell you that he has at times had a very stupid mouth (read more about it here).
And Katherine would like to remind you that EVERY. SINGLE. PART. of this post serves a purpose (I don’t believe in fluff, remember?).
Also, I try hard not to toot my own horn too much, but go on and count the number of allusions/references I made in this post………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
PS. Notice how I carefully avoided the troublesome word “pride” (and all it’s variations). Will blog about that soon. But for now, check out this land-mark talk on the subject:
“I never personally considered myself an optimist. And I have dark days…but it’s just about reminding yourself that there are so many tiny little awesome things in life.” –Neil Pasricha
“I’m not intentionally trying to be positive. I’m just trying to be real.” –Andy Grammer
“I am not suggesting that you put on rose colored glasses to try and make the world look better. I plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.” -President Gordon B. Hinckley
I love all these quotes. Being optimistic doesn’t mean we never experience pain. It doesn’t mean we pretend those things aren’t real. It means that maybe we can choose to be happy despite the pain, and that maybe there still are good things to come. Now just one final question…can I still wear these?
