Back in September I attended a multi-stake fireside where Sister Julie B Beck, General Relief Society President, was the speaker. It was wonderful to be in her presence and listen to the counsel she shared. I didn’t get to meet her or even shake her hand but as she spoke I felt the spirit and I felt the love she has for the sisters in the gospel.
Fast forward a few months to December 2011. I am part of a blog network that includes MormonMommyBlogs.com and through this network I’ve been invited to a meeting where 4 women bloggers have the opportunity to be the voice of millions as we visit with Sister Beck. We will be discussing the issues facing women in the church as well as the myths surrounding women and their role in the gospel and in family. As the date gets closer and I read some of the questions people are submitting I have experienced many different feelings. Nervous, excited, burdened, inadequate, empathetic, sad, worried, humbled & prayerful. It is an amazing opportunity and I don’t think I will ever be prepared enough, but I’m doing my best and that’s all I can do.
There has been a lot of discussion already, but I would like to give you, my readers the opportunity to add your two cents.
- What are some things you think the world doesn’t understand about Latter Day Saint Women?
- What question would you ask Sister Beck if given the opportunity?
I value your input and look forward to your suggestions.
Wow! What an incredible opportunity, Veronica! When I think of women I’d want representing me in a one-on-one with Sister Beck, you and several of the other women in our ward would definitely come to mind. I’ll be praying for you!
I feel like I’m the least of anyone to offer advice (I’m afraid I fall under the young whipper-shnapper category), but I’ll do my best!
What the world might not understand about Latter-day Saint women:
-Our culture (some might say bubble) doesn’t shield us from the pressures (media- or culture-based) that so many other women feel to be some kind of “perfect”–the perfect wife, the perfect businesswoman, the perfect figure, et cetera. Outside pressures are just as prevalent for us as anyone, unless we ~choose~ otherwise. That’s a choice that all women can make, regardless of religious affiliation. I guess this all might tie in to the idea that we’re all NORMAL (which I’m sure you’ve already thought of).
I think I’d ask Sister Beck how we can really IMPLEMENT the things that we’re being taught. About “simplifying,” not comparing ourselves to others and vise versa… These are things that have been specifically brought up either implicitly or explicitly in General Relief Society Meeting. (President Uchtdorf’s recent address comes to mind.) But I feel like to the extent that I’ve seen, we ladies have just had a hard time breaking out of the Relief Society culture that has been created over years. (i.e. elaborate centerpieces, handouts, visiting teachers always having to bring some sort of treat when they visit (that might just be a student ward thing) etc.) Is that just characteristic of UTAH Relief Societies or is it everywhere?
I think more important is not comparing ourselves and others. That is such a hard tide to try to reverse. How can we do it? Or do it more effectively? Maybe it’s not as prevalent as I suppose, but I really feel like it’s a poison that hurts so many women and weakens us as a world-force for good. What can we do to let go of the impulse to compare, judge, and criticize (even, and especially if it is ourselves we are judging and criticizing)?
Best of luck, Veronica! I’m proud of you!