I haven't made the time to blog for a year. Life has been busy. Yesterday I came across something that compelled me to write today. I was on Facebook and a particular link was being shared by many of my friends. The link was to an event titled "Wear Pants to Church on Sunday". I was intrigued. What was all of this buzz about? So I clicked on the link and read what was essentially a protest. A protest against the inequality of women and men in the Church of Jesus of Latter Day Saints.
First of all I just want to say that Sacrament Meeting is not the place for a protest. Neither are any of the other Sunday meetings. It is a time to worship God, renew our covenants with Him and gain further knowledge of the gospel. Nobody cares what you wear to church. In our ward in Ohio, people came to church in scrubs, jeans, and yes more that one woman was wearing a pant suit. At least they were there for the right reasons.
I believe the reason some women feel that there is inequality in this church is because we can not hold the priesthood and therefore can't be bishops, stake presidents or even the prophet. Also, there are some who think the role of women that the church teaches is outdated and oppressive, i.e. being the homemaker and having the sole responsibility of rearing their children. And wearing a skirt to church of all things.
I feel very sad for these women. They do not understand the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I'm not saying I have a perfect knowledge of it myself. What I am saying is that I do understand Heavenly Father's plan for our roles as men and women.
I know my Father in Heaven loves me. He loves me as much as he loves His sons. He has said that all are alike to Him. I don't think this means that we all have the same responsibilities. We each, as men and women, have separate and equally important roles in life.
I'm also sad because these women are over looking the most wonderful thing we have been blessed with. Women have the ability to grow a person in our bodies, give birth to that person and be that persons mother. That is one thing men are not able to do, nor will they ever be able to.
As stated in The Family: A Proclamation to the World, men hold the priesthood. They are the providers. They bless their families. They give their families the masculine love and protection women cannot provide. Women give birth. They are blessed with a soft heart and therefore are nurturing and giving. They rear their children. They give their families the feminine love and support men cannot provide. The church is very specific about these roles for a reason. Heavenly Father has planned it this way. He knows all things. I know he speaks directly to our prophet and this is what the prophet has told us we must do. Whoever thinks otherwise does not have a testimony of revelation. Or this gospel for that matter. To that I say, you can absolutely find a church that better suits your needs. You have that choice.
Heavenly Father loves his daughters so very much. Of this I am certain. I feel equal with my husband in all things. We may have different responsibilities, but I have not now nor have I ever felt oppressed or looked down on by him or any of the men in my life. Quite the opposite. I feel lifted up and praised. I feel loved and appreciated. Those women who do feel oppressed and looked down on have certainly had some experience or another that has made them feel that way. That is not the work of the church. That is the work of individuals. Men are not perfect. Even bishops and stake presidents make mistakes.
Women in this church hold positions of leadership. They teach congregations. They go on missions. There are few churches in this world where that is the case.
I feel equally yoked with my husband. I am so thankful for this gospel and all that I have received from my Father in Heaven. I am so glad I get to be the one to bear children and nurture and rear them.
And I think pant suits are ugly.
P.S.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a wonderful talk similar to this topic. He warns against changing gender roles. Here is the link if you want to read it.
