Back in the Classroom as Student. 11 April 2017

The day started out well with a nice talk with my Sweetheart.  Then at prayer meeting one of the newer Trainers gave an inservice which I had developed.

I spent an hour as Helper--but I was not asked to help anyone! Then an hour in the Training room with the new missionaries.

Then on to Study Group! For the first time I was not the leader.  One of the newer Trainers and another study group member each had topics to present, and I asked the Trainer if she would just like to conduct the group.  She did so, and did a very nice job of that.  Also the group gave me a lovely card which they all signed with nice notes, and a chocolate truffle, and a set of measuring spoons!  After the meeting, the sister who loves to bake served us oatmeal cookies! And the Trainer shared with me that she had been asked to take my place as group leader, so I was glad I had asked her to lead the class today.

I was supposed to have lunch next, but after several oatmeal cookies I certainly was not hungry! Instead I wrote up my report on the Study Group.

Then off to Capstone Training.  This was a more traditional classroom setting.  A lot of today's information was review, but I did pick up a few pointers that will make working in Family Tree easier.

I did not leave Capstone to go to choir practice before the Mission Conference, so I was able to enjoy the singing as well as the conference from the congregation, as all of the missionaries in the Capstone training went as a group to conference.

After conference I decided to stop by the temple and do a few brief ordinances.  One of the workers thanked me for coming, and said, "I hope we you again."  My reply:  "Two more weeks!" The time is flying!

One of the Japanese sisters for whom I had served as a Trainer had invited me and another sister to supper tonight.  She had asked me what I wanted to eat, and I had suggested she just serve what she would serve her family.  Instead she made a delicious Minestrone using a recipe from an Italian restaurant in Japan; garlic bread; a chopped salad; and a dessert with a side of ice cream!  YUMMY!

I am a member of FairMormon, an online group which answers questions and concerns about the Churchfrom a faithful perspective. I am not very active at answering people who write in, but tonight there was someone who asked for a faithful woman's perspective on the perception of inequality because women do not hold the priesthood.  I really felt like taking a nap after that wonderful meal, but instead I wrote the following:

I am a FairMormon volunteer, and what I share is strictly my own perspective, and does not reflect any official position of the Church or of FairMormon.

You shared that a female relative of yours wrote this:

"Wow - women seem to be the big time workers, also seem to be worked
hard.  Raising kids, all the things that women do and yet unable to
hold high if not highest ranks in the church. Seems oppressive,
demeaning, especially in today's society - well at least in North
America and I'm sure a goodly percentage of the other countries who
are more than 3rd world.
I understand if one is 'born' into that life, being raised in that
doctrine, that it possibly comes more easily, however, speaking as
woman (yes, unmarried and obviously not adept at relationships), I
would find it almost impossible to live under the seemingly
subservient belief system to her husband and male children. Whew! Just
saying. The female LDS must truly be saints here on earth."

I am a convert of 43 years, having joined the Church at the age of 26.  My father was the minister from a Protestant denomination, so I have what might be a unique perspective. In addition, before I agreed to investigate the Church with my husband, I had the same kinds of negative feelings as your relative expressed.  I am most grateful that the Lord answered my prayer to help me to just give the Restored Gospel a chance instead of blocking it out.  

When I joined I was very happy to learn that my role as mother was honored and that there were many tasks in the Church which I would not be expected to perform--and that if those things did not get done by the men, I did not need to feel any responsibility about that.  Yet I have been privileged to teach both men and women in Sunday School and Family History.  I have been a temple worker, serving in parallel positions to brothers in the temple. I have been encouraged to learn and to grow in many ways.  I am currently serving a mission at the Family History Library, where I am a Trainer for both men and women.  

I think that non-members and also members do not realize that priesthood duties are never for self-agrandizement or self-promotion. A man cannot give himself a blessing--if he desires or needs a blessing he must ask other priesthold holders for that.  Priesthood is for service to others. In this regard it seems to me to be a training ground for men to become more like the Savior, giving self-less service. 

One of the benefits of men holding the priesthood exclusively is that there are nearly as many men active in the local units as there are women. That is quite unusual, I believe.  In the church I grew up in, and in other similar churches, it is women and children who attend or are active. 

One other difference compared to many other churches is that leadership is never a career path.  On the local and stake level, at least, both men and women may serve in a leadership position for a while--and then serve  in Primary [the children's organization]. While that might be viewed as a step down in other churches, in the Lord's church serving the children can be more rewarding than serving in a "high" position.

Since in the final analysis, all of us in the Church are simply the Lord's servants, we are not subservient to one another.  In addition, all of us, men and women, are given wonderful counsel on how to improve our relationships with our spouses, our children, and other people. The Church has been a great help to me in learning how to have successful relationships. 

I hope these thoughts will be of some help in your discussions.______________________________________

Now I am waiting for my Sweetheart to call after his temple shift is over--and then, off to sleep!