| Normally, I
don't post ideas of what not to use, but I strongly agree with the comments that were made
below and hope they will be of help to anyone planning their lesson presentation
°Ü° Alice Gifford - YW Connection Contributed by
Ann Smilnthru@aol.com
I have read some well-meaning posts to this list
suggesting a couple of object lesson ideas for lesson #33 or #37 using gum or a rose. I
would suggest to anyone teaching these lessons to PLEASE NOT USE these object lessons. You
have no idea which of your girls have sadly been "handled" or "used"
and are in the process of repentance. Imagine how devastating it would be for a vulnerable
YW to hear from her YW leader that she was no longer desirable and could never be whole
again.
I encourage all leaders teaching this lesson to please read the note at the end of Lesson
#33: Be aware and sensitive in case any of the young women have had difficulty in the area
of chastity. Encourage them to believe that they can be cleansed. Remind them of the words
of Elder Packer: "Go to your bishop. He holds the key to this cleansing power."
Contributed by: vb@golddustTX.com
I've seen this sort of object lesson done with gum candy and
even once with an apple. The teacher sent an apple around the room asking everyone to take a
bite. Eventually there is not anywhere to take a bite where someone has not already. You
get the picture.
I think it is very important to consider those who may be victims of sexual abuse. If you
look at the statistics, 1 in 3 YW are or will become victims. You very well may have
someone in your group of girls. I know that in my very small group, we have at least 3.
This is not common knowledge. Not all of the advisors are aware.
This object lesson, while a wonderful example for someone that has not been affected by
abuse, it can be extremely harmful for someone who has.
Because I am aware of this situation in my YW, I also plan to use appropriate quotes from
this article in that lesson, and ask that all my
advisors use it also.
Lisa A. Johnson, "Hidden Agony," New Era, Mar. 1992, 43
I hope that this all makes sense. Please do not assume that you do not have this problem
in any of your girls. You just really never know.
~Velvet Bookout
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