Monday, December 16, 2013

Moral Force of Women/ Power in the Priesthood

We used this talk in Relief Society a few weeks ago. It was a good lesson with a lot of participation in the way of comments and dialog.
There are many strong feelings in the church and especially in the world on Women and their "place" in the Church. This was a good talk if you took it in the spirit it was given.
whether you are single or married, whether you have borne children or not, whether you are old, young, or in between, your moral authority is vital, and perhaps we have begun to take it and you for granted. Certainly there are trends and forces at work that would weaken and even eliminate your influence, to the great detriment of individuals, families, and society at large. Let me mention three as a caution and a warning.
A pernicious philosophy that undermines women’s moral influence is the devaluation of marriage and of motherhood and homemaking as a career. Some view homemaking with outright contempt, arguing it demeans women and that the relentless demands of raising children are a form of exploitation.8 They ridicule what they call “the mommy track” as a career. This is not fair or right. We do not diminish the value of what women or men achieve in any worthy endeavor or career—we all benefit from those achievements—but we still recognize there is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage. There is no superior career, and no amount of money, authority, or public acclaim can exceed the ultimate rewards of family. Whatever else a woman may accomplish, her moral influence is no more optimally employed than here.



Elder Andersen's talk was another one that was well written and delivered. Another topic that is tricky and needed in our society today.
My message to this faithful woman and to all is that we can live every hour “blessed by the strength of priesthood power,” whatever our circumstance...The power of God’s holy priesthood is found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify that as you worthily participate in the ordinances of the priesthood, the Lord will give you greater strength, peace, and eternal perspective. Whatever your situation, your home will be “blessed by the strength of priesthood power” and those close to you will more fully desire these blessings for themselves.
As men and women, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters of God, we move forward together. This is our opportunity, our responsibility, and our blessing. This is our destiny—to prepare the kingdom of God for the return of the Savior.


5 comments:

  1. President Hinckley " I feel to invite women everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourself with thoughts of failure. I hope you will simply do what you can, do it in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass." (Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley. 1997)

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  2. President James E Faust stated : " The Prophet Joseph said, 'If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.'. Hold your soul very still, and listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Follow the noble intuitive feelings planted deep within your souls by Deity in the previous world". Ensign May 1998

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  3. According to Elder Wirthlin ( He came to Suitland Stake twice while we were there.).:" Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women, I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can LSAT lifetimes. Kindness is the essence of a celestial life." apr. 2005

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  4. Sister Julie B Beck at the Oct. 2007 Conference stated: " the responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance . More than any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into the world where they 'wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities , against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.' (Eph 6:12). However mothers nees not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children."

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  5. Julie Beck also said: "Mothers who know are also nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness. To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? Latter Day Saint women will do this and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times.". Women like my daughters have become, how grateful I am for their strength.

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