When most people read that slogan they instantly think – Marine Corps. The flag raising on Iwo Jima. The tough as nails drill sergeant barking orders at young recruits. Courageous young men and women pushing themselves that extra mile for the good of each other, the Corps, and their country.
That same slogan also aptly fits some of us in the Catholic Church. Couples that practice Natural Family Planning account for only 3-4% of Catholic couples in the church today – the few. My wife Mary and I haven’t always been counted in this group. While not fresh out of “boot camp”, we have only been practicing NFP for 4 ½ years now. We have used NFP to successfully avoid pregnancy and also to conceive our third and fourth children.
We were not easy recruits either. Mary had heard about NFP much earlier than I did, but passed on the material because she had a lot of unfounded misconceptions. It wasn’t until after the birth of our second child that we thought we needed some form of birth control. I didn’t want Mary to go back on the pill and I was also very uncomfortable about any permanent options. Mary was the first to visit some of the “recruiters” of NFP. With her scientific background, it took a lot to convince her of the accuracy and reliability of the methods of Natural Family Planning. In order to enlist however, she had to convince me. I was no easy sell on the program. You see, after a 9 year stint in the U.S. Navy I knew what NAVY really meant – Never Again Volunteer Yourself. After many months of discussion however, I relented and went to get all the facts from the recruiter. I had doubts after we “enlisted”, but we both came to realize that this was the right path for our marriage.
I’m proud of my wife for her courage to challenge her prior convictions. I’m proud of her tenaciousness to change not only my mind, but my heart. I’m proud of the challenging path we’ve taken. It has been a very liberating journey for us both and one that has driven us to share our experience with others.
I know that many of you may feel that you don’t have the courage to change, to talk with your spouse, or to take that leap of faith. Change is hard, but we all know that everything that is worthwhile has a cost. Is NFP worth it? In my opinion, it is PRICELESS. My marriage is stronger than I could have ever imagined and I believe it has made my family stronger. Don’t just take my word for it, studies of couples using NFP have consistently shown a divorce rate of less than 5%.
We’re looking for a few good men and women to join us at our Introductory Sessions in Hageman Hall. Look for the announcements in the church bulletin and register with the parish office so we can save you a seat. At least come to hear what the “recruiters” have to say – it may change your life, your faith and most importantly your marriage. Be all you can be…..you have the courage within you.
By: Mark