Thank you for writing this, Patrick. It's insightful, humble, and profoundly relevant.
Born into what seems like some anthropological experiment, I was raised a Catholic (mass was in Latin) as the only daughter in the middle of seven sons, by a misogynistic father and timid mother who believed men are supposed to rule. We joined this, (I like the full name) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1971. For me, the world and my own potential began to open up.
Since then, let's just say I've lived long enough to watch countless positive changes. How I've remained committed as the Light gradually grows brighter, is because of something my dear mom managed to teach me early in life: my relationship with God is mine. There is nothing I can't say to Him and He'll hear me. He has. He's answered--over and over again. As the church has made changes that liberate, I've cheered and wept with joy more than frustration. If I'm slow to learn, so is everyone. Everyone.
Generally, God (and yes, I absolutely believe that term embraces divine feminine and masculine) doesn't force-feed truth to anyone. We have to ask. I've asked and trusted that when I can absorb an answer it'll come. It has, it still does, and always will. So, no matter what goes on around me, I've known all my life that women are not inferior in any way to men, no matter how many around me say or act contrarily. But it's SO nice when a man "gets it." It's wonderful to be seen.
As men and women trust that a loving Lord hears and cares (act like you do until you can!); ask, listen, and act on what they receive, truth pours down on each and every one of us and then, collectively. It starts with the individual. "We" has no meaning without that.
A little performative. And easy words. If you ask me. You kind of gloss over some of the major problems with being a Mormon and affirming such gender inequality. Men and women aren’t even equal in the temple. My father in law is a sealer. My mother in law hands out towels in the baptistry. Let alone in the church hierarchy. Be a Mormon if you want to but don’t act like that’s a major victory for women’s rights. You are still standing on the sidelines laughing nervously while Mormon patriarchy does its thing. Try taking a stand for women’s autonomy in Idaho.
Powerful! I love the comparison of women’s sovereignty to gravity. That it exists whether or not we acknowledge it. But understanding the power of gravity is what gets us off the ground. Love it!
Thank you for writing this, Patrick. It's insightful, humble, and profoundly relevant.
Born into what seems like some anthropological experiment, I was raised a Catholic (mass was in Latin) as the only daughter in the middle of seven sons, by a misogynistic father and timid mother who believed men are supposed to rule. We joined this, (I like the full name) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1971. For me, the world and my own potential began to open up.
Since then, let's just say I've lived long enough to watch countless positive changes. How I've remained committed as the Light gradually grows brighter, is because of something my dear mom managed to teach me early in life: my relationship with God is mine. There is nothing I can't say to Him and He'll hear me. He has. He's answered--over and over again. As the church has made changes that liberate, I've cheered and wept with joy more than frustration. If I'm slow to learn, so is everyone. Everyone.
Generally, God (and yes, I absolutely believe that term embraces divine feminine and masculine) doesn't force-feed truth to anyone. We have to ask. I've asked and trusted that when I can absorb an answer it'll come. It has, it still does, and always will. So, no matter what goes on around me, I've known all my life that women are not inferior in any way to men, no matter how many around me say or act contrarily. But it's SO nice when a man "gets it." It's wonderful to be seen.
As men and women trust that a loving Lord hears and cares (act like you do until you can!); ask, listen, and act on what they receive, truth pours down on each and every one of us and then, collectively. It starts with the individual. "We" has no meaning without that.
A little performative. And easy words. If you ask me. You kind of gloss over some of the major problems with being a Mormon and affirming such gender inequality. Men and women aren’t even equal in the temple. My father in law is a sealer. My mother in law hands out towels in the baptistry. Let alone in the church hierarchy. Be a Mormon if you want to but don’t act like that’s a major victory for women’s rights. You are still standing on the sidelines laughing nervously while Mormon patriarchy does its thing. Try taking a stand for women’s autonomy in Idaho.
Powerful! I love the comparison of women’s sovereignty to gravity. That it exists whether or not we acknowledge it. But understanding the power of gravity is what gets us off the ground. Love it!