LOVING GESTURES IN MARRIAGE: MEN’S/FATHER’S DAY APPRECIATION BREAKFAST IN COLORADO
“A man and woman who are united through the power of true love acquire entitlement to a single common status. They also share entitlement to participate and be with each other, whatever the situation or location. Moreover, a man and woman share an equal right of inheritance; they share ownership of each other’s things, for she is his second self just as he is hers.”
Gale Alves, co-chair of the Colorado Women’s Federation chapter, read the above words from Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon who founded WFWP with her late husband, the Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, whom many affectionately call Father and Mother Moon. She read these heartfelt words at a Men’s/Father’s Day Appreciation Breakfast in the Peace Center of the Colorado Family Church on June 16th, with the continuing theme of uplifting marriage and family – one of the main focuses of WFWP.
After greeting everyone and thanking the volunteers, Shirley Chimes, co-chair and regional coordinator, explained how she observed Father and Mother Moon’s loving relationship which made her desire a marriage like that for herself. She shared how in 2009, The Rocky Mountain News interviewed her and her husband, Jim, with a picture and article entitled: “Moon’s ‘Matches’ Have Met the Test of Time and More.” The article highlights how they built their family based on the ideals of creating peace through strong, loving families.
Displaying a picture of Father and Mother Moon, Shirley explained about the life of Father Moon and talked about several stories from his autobiography: his boyhood, love for nature and people, relationship with Jesus, studying in Japan, marriage of 52 years and the legacy he left behind.
Participants were delighted to see their photos in a fun slideshow, with Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon in the background. The slideshow featured from the last two Celebration of Marriages held on November 18, 2017 and April 29, 2018, which all had attended. (See the slideshow below)
Five different spouses shared many fun, inspiring, and heartwarming stories on how they met their partner. Moyna Hudgens, former president of the United Nations Association, brought a piggy bank named Ferdinand and told the whimsical story of how after only a few dates and no marriage proposal, her future husband gave it to her, saying it was so they could “save for their honeymoon.”
To compliment the attached “10 Commandments for Men,” which were given to each of them in a scroll wrapped with “Happily Ever After” ribbon, we created “Loving Gestures of a Wife” to fashion and sustain a happy marriage:
Laugh together
Hold hands, hold hands and pray
Express words that encourage, inspire and give hope
Lift him up in front of the children and others
Kiss him good-bye and wish him well
Discuss finances and thank him for his hard work and income
Let him know he is appreciated
Say, “I’m sorry” and forgive
Always kiss good night
When he comes home, stop what you are doing and cheerfully say hello, hug and kiss
Shirley expressed the fact that WFWP is envisioning working together with one another to develop an educational program regarding marriage and family and read the four points to “Become a Friend.” Three ladies signed up. After a group picture, everyone mingled for quite a while – making it a very memorable Father’s Day.
Reflections from Participants:
Anonymous: “How kind and gentle you all are. We enjoyed the program”
Dr and Mrs. Ferlic: “We both were very proud of the way you presented our “Marriage Breakfast” – you warm our heart about the WFWP-Moon Family.”
Howell’s: “You and Gale did a wonderful job on the event today. Shirley, I loved your presentation, your voice is filled with so much love and care for everyone.”
