Women, the Priesthood, and practicing for perfection

The Ordain Women group (group advocating for women to be ordained to the priesthood) is at the forefront of discussion in the LDS community again as another general conference approaches (meeting of all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where apostles of Jesus Christ, His chosen Prophet, and other members in general leadership positions teach and testify). My thoughts have turned to the subject of women, equality and priesthood ordination as well. The best way for me to clear my head and move on to more pressing matters such as my children, my oceanography test, my other classes, my lesson for my calling in my church on Sunday, etc, is for me to get my thoughts out in writing. 

First, I love my Heavenly Father so much. I know He lives and that He loves me. I know He has a plan for me and all His children to return to Him, receive eternal life (meaning to live with Him forever, inherit all that He has, become like Him, and continue my family relationships that I cherish so much here on earth). I know that He has provided me with everything that I need to reach my full potential. He does not hold anything back that is necessary for me to return to Him. Some may not feel this way. Many have not had the opportunity to be sealed to a spouse for eternity in the temple, but those blessings have been promised by modern prophets to those who endure faithfully to the end. He will not exclude any who have faithfully kept covenants.

Second, I love my role as co-creator, with my husband, of bodies for His spirit children and my role as a mother. One of the arguments made for priesthood ordination for women is that fatherhood is equal to motherhood, rendering motherhood a poor excuse for denying women the priesthood. However, I do not believe that fatherhood is equal to motherhood. I sacrifice 9 months to grow and carry a tiny body. I put my life at risk at the end of those 9 months pushing the now 6-7 pound baby out of my body. I sacrifice sleep for the next few months to feed the baby when he/she wakes because of hunger. My husband could sacrifice his sleep, but he can't give the baby what he/she needs so eventually I will have to get up and feed the baby. While my amazing husband spends his days working to provide for our family, I play, feed, change, cleanup after, love, and guide this little baby. We add more babies and start the routine again. When the children are grown and go to school, I get up with them to get them off to school. I am the one to greet them as they come in the door, ask about homework, and discuss what is happening in their life. I fix their food and shop for their clothes. Many text books on marriage and family relationships provide evidence that motherhood and fatherhood are not equal. Referring to families where both parents work, they discuss a second shift for women. While the discussions are mostly negative, I find it comforting to know that working moms come home and nurture, guide, and take care of their families.

I hope readers do not feel that I am putting down fatherhood. Fathers are so important in their children's lives. My children have the best father I could ask for. All I am saying is that in MY experience fatherhood and motherhood are not equal.  The priesthood authority is the great equalizer.  Men are called upon to lead their families in love and righteousness, give their infants names and blessings, bless their children when they are in need, and perform needed ordinances for them to return to live with Heavenly Father again.  I would never desire to take those opportunities away from my amazing husband.  My sister once said (and I agree) that women work with God for the salvation of His children by providing a way for them to come to earth and men work with God for the salvation of His children as they provide the needed ordinances for them to return to Him.  Each part is of equal importance.  

Next, I know that this is Christ's church restored to the earth through revelation and with His guiding hand. Revelation is sought after and received by the prophet who leads the entire church. We can pray, seek for, and receive revelation for our own lives and for those we have stewardship over. We can ask for things we need and with faith receive all that our Father wants us to have. We can petition the Lord for changes we feel are necessary. Then we wait on the Lord with patience and obedience to His laws and ordinances, showing respect for His way and timing, keeping our covenants, and supporting and sustaining His chosen prophet.  If we do not receive the answer we were hoping for, then with faith and trust continue on, enduring to the end, seeking for understanding, being "...willling to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him (us)...."  Mosiah 3:19

Lastly, my temple endowment assures me that all the blessings and power of the priesthood are mine.  For me, that is enough.  I am very happy with my church callings, with how my church is run, with my role in the church and God's kingdom, and my partnership with my husband. However, I am very aware that others have not had the same experiences I have had and who do not share my same feelings and thoughts on the subject. I know there are some who have been hurt and who need love and friendship. There are so many different members with so many different life experiences. There are some who see and feel inequality. I cannot know what has led some to feel differently than I do. I feel that my job as a follower of Christ is to be kind, gentle, meek, to speak and testify when prompted by the Holy Ghost, to serve, and to pray that they can find answers, comfort, and the love and belonging they seek. I do not often do my job well, but as I learned from a sister I look up to, I am practicing and practice makes perfect. May we all practice understanding, patience, and loving kindness, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.