Questions Answered

Do you remember when you wanted a question answered and you only had a few sources to find the information? Maybe, you asked your parents, a good friend, your doctor or a priest. In this age of technology, the approach to finding answers is much different. My children say, “Just google it, Mom!” But, where can your Natural Family Planning (NFP) questions be answered with expert knowledge and truth?

The internet provides the opportunity for couples to seek information beyond their small circle of contacts. As a Couple to Couple League NFP teacher, my contact information is on websites like CANFP which have allowed conversations about NFP to become a reality, when in years past they would not have. For many years, I have answered general and specific questions regarding NFP. The conversations have never been dull, and some of them were very memorable.

What follows are two unforgettable conversations.

One evening, I received a call from a man asking a question about the premenopausal time and NFP. As our conversation progressed, he mentioned he was living in Virginia. Out of curiosity, I inquired, “Why are you calling me since there are NFP teachers in Virginia?” His answer was that he had tried numbers there, but no one answered his call. Thus, he reasoned I would be available because of the Pacific time zone. Leaving the conversation, he commented that he was really pleased to talk with someone and have his questions answered that night. A time zone and NFP conversation, who would have thought!

Another phone call began with a young lady telling me her husband requested a divorce. My first suggestion was to seek a good marriage counselor. However, this young lady was persistent and felt this was the route she needed to take to save her marriage. She diligently learned NFP and asked questions about marriage, love, and God’s plan for marriage. One day her spouse began joining her for classes. As time went on, a transformation occurred. I observed his willingness to learn NFP and his attentiveness to his wife. More than a year later, I received a special note; they remained husband and wife.

Lives change through prayer, knowledge, and truth. As a teacher of NFP, I have been blessed to answer many questions and teach many couples. It is a joy to be available to couples and see how God transforms their lives.

CANFP is an organization that provides up to date information and answers to many questions. The Natural Family Planning information provided by CANFP is knowledge and truth found in one place. On the website, you can find a range of topics about NFP, including the basics, the spiritual aspects of NFP, information on upcoming events, and resources with contact information for further questions and learning. Such resources include a list of NFP doctors, teachers, and clergy. Both the website and the newsletter have sections called ‘Ask the Expert’. As I am a hands-on person, the newsletter you are currently reading is my favorite resource from CANFP. CANFP is an important organization as it provides resources where questions get answered and all you must do is ‘google’ CANFP.