Sexual Intimacy: The Learning Curve

The week before I was married I went shopping with a close relative that helped pick clothing I could wear on my wedding night for my husband. I had a couple of choices she packed and gave it to me on our way out of the reception. When it came time for me to change, I looked through the bag, and after rummaging for about 5 minutes, I eventually went to my own bag I packed and picked out my trusty shorts and t-shirt. The things of eternity revolve around the family beginning with husband and wife becoming one. Although this beginning was something I laugh about, I am okay with where I came from and am thankful for the lessons in sexual intimacy since.

Brother Brent Barlow (1986) shared a time when he and his mission companion were asked by a Protestant Minister what the Mormon stand on sexuality was. When he added, “Could you please tell me the Mormon philosophy toward sexuality?” Barlow’s companion stated, “Sir, we believe in it.” Whether you are more in tune with who you are sexually or not, marriage is that chance for intimate connection and growth. As long as you have patience, communication and a good sense of humor, you will grow into yourself and all your body has to offer in its best way. These are good and God intended.

Picture from: www.beliefnet.com

President Kimball (1974) said, “The Bible celebrates sex and its proper use, presenting it as God-created, God-ordained, God-blessed. It makes plain that God himself implanted the physical magnetism between the sexes for two reasons: for the propagation of the human race, and for the expression of that kind of love between man and wife that makes for true oneness. His commandment to the first man and woman to be ‘one flesh’ was as important as his command to ‘be fruitful and multiply.’ ”

My mother and her sisters would share how their first intimate encounters were, and as young women my sister, cousins and I would cringe. Looking back I appreciate their candidness for this sacred topic. While they never explained the technicalities of sexual intimacies, they conveyed the naturalness of it so I knew it was good when practiced properly.

Now as a wife and mother of 12 years I have grown in knowledge in this area of myself. Inspired by my mothers, husband, church leaders, and the Holy Ghost I have been able to share what I know with my daughter.  Brother Sean E. Brotherson quoted both Presidents Hugh B. Brown and Kimball on sexual intimacy knowledge. Brotherson says to give ourselves permission to “seek answers to your concerns.” This knowledge comes as we “ seek…diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea…out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”