During conference, Kate asked me if a girl can be the prophet. When I answered, “No,” she seemed a little confuse and disappointed.
“Why?” she asked.
“Well, number one, the prophet has to hold the priesthood. And number two, he has to be called by God.”
This lead to, “A girl can’t hold the priesthood?” She’s asked this before when she saw her brother passing the sacrament. She wanted to do it too.
“No a girl gets to be a mom and have the babies,” I replied. I realize this is a watered down version, but I’m talking to an almost 7 year-old! “That’s her part,” I continued.
That seemed to make her happy for the moment.
I remember thinking like Kate. I remember thinking I can do anything any old boy could do. Why are they so important? Why am I not?
Then I learned something.
I learned how remarkable and noble a calling it is to be a woman. I learned this as a little fetus grew inside my belly. I learned this as I gave birth to that baby and had the most spiritual experience of my life. Five times I have had this opportunity. I am a co-creator with God!
Every day I am reminded how important my work is. When my kids need me to wash their clothes, help with math, give a hug to mend hurt feelings, or maybe a little redirection when a poor choice is made. It is vital that I am there. They rely on me. Who is going to teach them if I am not there? The world? That’s not what I want. I want to be in charge of the majority of ideas placed in their heads.
I find this whole feminist movement happening inside the church a funny thing. Women are unhappy and feel they are devalued somehow by what the church expects of them, or doesn’t allow.
I came across a blog long ago that really caught me off guard. The writer was telling her readers (they are many) that her son had just gotten the priesthood. She was lamenting this because she felt it was just another thing that he could use to say he (meaning boys in general) is better than a girl. Honestly, I wanted throw up! In a few years I would be in the same situation and I was so excited for Ryan! I couldn’t wait for him to wear his suit and pass the sacrament! I believed it to be a critical event in his life to becoming the man I knew lay deep within him. It made me wonder what happened in her life for her to believe what she did.
I am aware that there are men who do abuse their priesthood authority. It’s awful. But I also believe the greater part honor it, especially the leaders of this church. I have no doubt they are called of God and receive direction and revelation from our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I believe they love, honor, and recognize the essential role a woman plays in "the plan". They appreciate the fact they are nothing without us!
This same blog gave mention to Elder Cook’s talk during conference. The comments started out positive. But all it took was one. Nothing could turn the tide back after that. One negative comment led to another. Soon, nobody appreciated that talk and its purpose. I was beginning to wonder if we even watched the same conference! They jumped from speaker to speaker complaining of some phrase, little story, or even a word they didn’t agree with. Then someone asked if a woman had ever given the prayer in general conference. If it were Kate asking it would be different, but the text of this conversation was purely negative, so you get the intention.
Really people? Really? I think you missed the whole point of those messages because you were so caught up on some trivial matter that really didn’t matter!!!! I try not to judge. I know that a lot of people were not privileged to grow up in the home that I did. They may not have a husband who is the best example.
We, men and women, are equal in the Lord’s eye. This is taught through scripture as well as the leadership of the church. I believe there is some Mormon culture they are upset with. I can see that, but realize that is the expectations people have created themselves, not the Lord or church leaders. Maybe their intention is to rid the culture of the “molly Mormon” life. Please do because I know I don’t measure up. Let’s do it in the right way though.
Criticizing the men who direct this church is NOT the right way! Living your life as an example, being positive, recognizing the priesthood as the blessing that it is, and realizing male and female have two very DISTINCT and DIFFERENT roles to perform, IS the right way!
I will step off of my soap box now…
