One morning, a few months ago, I stood next to my husband, Dustin, in front of the mirror in our bathroom. I think we were both brushing our teeth. My thoughts for the previous several days had dwelt on men and women, their roles, their differences. You see, I had just read a book that was set in a different time when men had to be warriors. A time when they had to protect and defend their wives, families and country. Dustin and I were both bare shouldered because it was morning and we weren’t dressed yet. As we were standing next to each other in front of the mirror, I couldn’t help but observe the differences between him and me, a man and a woman. His shoulders are broad, well-muscled and strong. While I am a fairly strong woman, I relished the study of his shoulder versus mine. I looked so small next to him. So delicate. So… feminine.

A friend of ours recently passed away, leaving behind a wife and two small children. As we went to the viewing and hugged each of his family members who attended his body, his newly-widowed wife hugged me fiercely and, through her sobs, conveyed to me that this just isn’t fair! She didn’t want this! This wasn’t supposed to happen! They were supposed to grow old together! She isn’t supposed to be a widow at 28 years old! Her feelings of confusion, anger, heartache and sorrow washed over me. All I could do was sob and tell her, “I’m sorry.”

If tragedy were to strike my family as it did our friends’, I know I could take care of myself and that I could provide for my children if the need arose. I’ve always known that and I have confidence in myself and my capabilities. That being said, the events of the last few weeks made me realize that I cherish being taken care of. It is a joy, a privilege, and a blessing. I treasure that my husband’s main desire is to provide for his wife and his children. I honor the fact that he is a man who wants to be the breadwinner. I relish my role of being a feminine woman who knows she can take care of herself, but allows her husband the honor of doing it for her.

And, for me in my life, the complete awareness of my own capabilities coupled with the choice to be dependent on my husband, despite what I can do or be, is a choice I make willingly and gratefully.  A choice that has born the sweet fruit of joy and mutual respect between him and me, a husband and a wife.

Clancy grew up right in the middle of her family of seven… mom, dad, sister, brother, Clancy, sister, brother.  She is now the happily married mother of three and a half children ages 9, 7, 4 and a baby due in March.  Her interests include (but are not limited to) writing, singing, being with her family and playing Ultimate Frisbee.  Having been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints her whole life, she is currently enjoying the fulfillment of her calling as Ward Choir Director.

The post First Person: Shoulder to Shoulder appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

My name is Amber. I am 22 years old. I grew up in the LDS church as the second of ten children. I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to finish my degree at BYU this past August in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. Because I came from a big family, I sacrificed many things to pay my way through school. Through this, I learned how to work hard for the things that are important. I also learned to listen to the Spiritual guidance I received.

I love children. I love watching their minds find solutions to puzzling situations. I love watching them grow into young adults, then into adults. I love watching the process from the beginning.

I was married when I had about two years left of school. I had told my husband, frankly, that we would wait a year before trying to have kids so that I would be finished with school. However, within a month the Spirit was indicating a different direction. After prayer and fasting, I realized I needed to change my focus from what I thought was right for me to what Heavenly Father wanted for me. My husband had already expressed his desire to have children immediately, so when I came to him with a change in heart he was very excited.

I became pregnant a couple months later. The delightful pregnancy I had envisioned was not to be. I was so sick that I had to visit the emergency room of the hospital a couple times to receive IV hydration. Through all of this, I managed to stay on top of, or ahead of, my schoolwork. I managed to attend all my classes faithfully and subsequently did very well on all my exams. My faith in our decision remained steady. It was difficult, but everything was working out better than I could have imagined.

My husband gave me a few Priesthood blessings during this time. These blessings did not promise I would get better. In fact, one blessed me with strength to handle the difficulties ahead with my pregnancy.

Shortly before my 24th week mark, I began having horrible abdominal cramps. I could not walk very far without the pain becoming so intense that my husband would have to get the car and drive me home. I ignored them at first because I did not want to go to the ER again. That soon changed. One evening, they became unbearable. While I lay on my bed sobbing, wishing the pain to go away, my husband determined it was time to go to the ER. He practically carried me out to the car and sped to the hospital.

After hours of waiting, an ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI scan, they finally concluded the pain came from an inflamed appendix. I was to be rushed in for an emergency appendectomy. The surgery was necessary, but put me at risk for going into premature labor. They asked me the question, “if this baby was to come, do I want them to do all they could to keep her alive?” My husband and I told them absolutely. After a Priesthood blessing, I was calm and ready for the surgery. Despite the many risks, everything went perfectly.

The rest of the pregnancy continued without further incidents. I delivered a healthy baby girl a week before my due date. 2 weeks later my husband and I were back in school. Balancing school work and a newborn baby was extremely difficult. I often questioned whether we really had done the right thing. The Spirit continued to comfort me during my most difficult moments.

When I suspected I was pregnant again only 5 months later, I was very dismayed. I did not know how I could manage having two babies while in school! Heavenly Father once again provided comfort. During one Sacrament meeting, I felt the comforting arms of the Spirit wrapped around me. I knew everything would work out as it was supposed to. When the pregnancy test confirmed my suspicions a couple weeks later, I was delighted. With this news, my husband and I figured out a way for me to finish school before baby number two arrived.

As before, I became really sick. I began outpatient IV therapy to help me stay hydrated. Thankfully, my husband did not take classes during the next term. With his help, I was able to finish up my classes.

People will often raise their eyebrows when they find out how close our children will be. I hear the inevitable “You will be one busy momma,” “That is quite a load to handle,” and (sarcastically) “Good luck!” As tough as it may be, I have learned to follow the promptings of the Spirit. Even though I have graduated, I know having two babies will be quite stressful. At the same time, I am very happy to welcome a new baby into our family. Even with two babies in two years of marriage, we could not be more content.

As a Mormon woman, I have learned to value children. Jesus Christ often directed his followers to become like little children. The innocence of children allows them to follow with steadfast faith and without doubt. I still struggle to have such an undoubting heart, but each day I am with my daughter (and my little one who is on the way) I learn a little bit more.

The post Portraits of Mormon Women: Amber appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Editor’s Note: Recently, we heard from our general Relief Society leaders in the Church’s annual general Relief Society meeting. Much of the focus of the 2009 broadcast was on the importance of Relief Society as an organization to help build faith, strengthen families, and provide service. If you are curious about why Relief Society is important to LDS women, take a look at Sister Silvia H. Allred’s talk entitled “Every Women Needs Relief Society.”

This post by Becky is a moving example of the way being a member of Relief Society can bless the life of any woman. We appreciate Becky’s willingness to share her story here at Mormon Women.

As Sisters in Zion

~by Becky

I belong to the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was founded in 1842 by a prophet of God and serves two main purposes: to provide relief to the needy and bring people to Christ.

It is an organization of women. The largest in the world.

There is a hymn – a theme song – for members of the Relief Society entitled “As Sisters in Zion.” It speaks of the power and roles of women. How we are to be ministering angels. How we are here to work. How we are here to love each other.

I was always annoyed by the song.

It always seemed so cheesy to me. It is a gentle, suave song. Soft. And I preferred rousing numbers that get my blood going and made me want to march around and shout, “Hallejua!” Like “Ye Elders of Israel.” I thought that was a much cooler hymn.

My view of “As Sisters in Zion” changed when I moved to Brazil.

We arrived in São Paulo in October of 2004. I remember well my first Sunday. I didn’t speak a word of Portuguese. I had a brand new baby in my arms and held My Man’s hand tightly. All of my adventurism and courage failed me at the steps of our church building. My sweet husband kissed me at the door to the Relief Society room and wished me good luck.

He left me.

I walked hesitantly into the room. Head down, feet shuffling, I hurried to grab a seat in the back. The VERY back.

I had timed it just right — I took my seat just as the Relief Society president began the meeting. Sweet. No time for introductions.

She said some things in some language to some people. Everyone was smiling, finishing up friendly conversations and opening books I couldn’t read.

I began to cry.

I missed my family. My friends. My language. I knew that there was absolutely no way I could do this. Truly, what WAS I thinking?

As I sat pondering my stupidity and feeling extremely sorry for myself, the pianist began playing the first strains to a familiar tune.

“As Sisters in Zion.”

I couldn’t understand the words, but my heart did. It swelled in size and warmth and sent chills down my spine. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t speak the language or didn’t have a friend for thousands of miles. I had SISTERS here. I have SISTERS everywhere.

Fast forward four years.

My Relief Society president asked me to speak during our Super Special Relief Society Presentation in sacrament meeting. We all wore blue blouses and chique gold scarves. We sang a song. We had some talks. And then it was my turn to speak.

I bore my testimony about this inspired organization of women. How we can have family no matter where we go. How we truly are sisters in Zion. And how the Spirit speaks all languages.

And then I began to sing our hymn — in English.

I broke down after the first line.

Tears streaming down my face, I kept one hand on my mouth, trying to control myself. I stood at the pulpit in the sacrament meeting room. All eyes on me. My face was glowing red and the piano continued through the music written by Janice Kapp Perry.

And one by one, my sisters joined me.

Soon the entire congregation was singing softly the words written over a hundred years ago. And I wept. I stood before my sweet sisters, sharing in their spirit and celebrating their strength.

As sisters in Zion, we’ll all work together
The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek
We’ll build up the kingdom with earnest endeavor
We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak

The errand of angels was given to women
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim
To do whatsoever is gentle and human
To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name

How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed
Oh, naught but the Spirit’s divinest tuition
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

Amen and amen.

Women rock.

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To listen to “As Sisters In Zion” in Portuguese please click here.

To listen to “As Sisters in Zion” in English please click here.

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How has Relief Society blessed your life? Please share your thoughts below, or we invite you to submit your experiences at gmail, username mormonwoman.

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For more Sharing Our Voices content, including First Person essays, see here.

The post First Person: As Sisters In Zion appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Elect Lady

Elect Lady and Daughter of God
Yours are the hands that hold to the rod.
You care for the sick and ease their pain
Wipe away tears–no, it’s not in vain.

You lift up the lonely and faint of heart
Easing their burdens, gently doing your part.
You’re always there in time of need
Bringing love and cheer and whatever’s decreed.

You set the example–you pave the way
Doing kind acts of service ev’ry day.
Elect Lady and Daughter of God
We think you’re wonderful and you we applaud.

~Gloria Carter

*A Relief Society President is a woman who is called to serve the other women in her congregation by leading them spiritually and overseeing their temporal needs as well. This “calling” (an assignment in the local congregation) takes hours and hours of service weekly. Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Satins learn to love and appreciate Relief Society presidents for their tireless service in their behalf. The calling to be a Relief Society President typically lasts 2 to 5 years and brings with it a spirit of humility and love for the sisters of the congregation.

The post <i>Poetry</i>: Elect Lady appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

I’m not a Mormon girl, but recently I feel I’ve lost my way with the lord. I go to FCA [Fellowship of Christian Athletes] almost every Friday and I feel out of place sometime, I see how strong the other girls bonds with the lord is and I feel small and weak in comparison. I want to find a deeper connection with the lord, and I want it to be apart of my every waking moment not just on Friday mornings. I’ve been learning about Mormonism recently when I read a book against them, but to me it seemed the book was bias and that there had to be more to this religion then what this girl was saying. So I’ve been looking into it. I’ve always felt different then my family my father is atheist and my mother, well I’m not sure what she is. I grew in a mixed up family where my mother did drugs and my father drank a lot, so most of the time my older sister took care of me and I took care of my little sister. I went to foster care for awhile with a catholic family and I never could connect with their way of thinking. They were good people but I didn’t understand them.
Ever sense I was a child I was never interested in school, I always played by myself and have always enjoyed anything dealing with children or that of a wives role. So now looking into this religion and hearing how much fun you have together and you talking about the sisterhood you have, I can’t help but feel envious. My sisters and I are not close and I often feel alone in my home. I want something that can be apart of my entire life that follows more along the lines of my inner beliefs. I’ve always believed that I should stay at home and raise children, I’m only eighteen and for years now I’ve been finding myself longing for children and a strong bond. I’ve never been able to find a close relationship with the lord but I want one.
I was hoping that you could tell me something more about your role as a wife and as a Mormon woman, what the guidelines or rules are (the most important of course). I just need someone to tell me on a more personal level what its like, and how it affects your day to day life. If you could help me with this I would appreciate it a lot. Thank you for listening.

Please take the time to answer Shelly’s questions and give her your perspective on the roles of Mormon women. You could also talk about how the gospel helps you develop a strong day-to-day relationship with God, and about the blessings of sisterhood in the Church.
Thank you!

The post Ask a Mormon Woman: What is your life like as a Mormon woman? appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, comrades and friends – but only one mother in the whole world.
~Kate Douglas Wiggin

If I was damned of body and soul,
I know whose prayers would make me whole,
Mother o’ mine, O mother o’mine.
~Rudyard Kipling

God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers.
~Jewish Proverb

Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
Father in Heaven has sent me to you.
When I am near you, I love to hear you
Singing so softly that you love me too.
Mother, I love you, Mother, I do,
I want to help you because I love you.
I want to mind you, I want to find you
Happy and Smiling because I love you.
Mother, I love you, I love you, I do.
~Lorin F. Wheelwright
 
The holiest words my tongue can frame,
The noblest thoughts my soul can claim,
Unworthy are to praise the name
More precious than all other.
An infant, when her love first came,
A man, I find it still the same,
Reverently I breathe her name,
The blessed name of mother.
~George Griffith Fether

And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary…
Mosiah 3:8

The post Tribute to Mothers appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Read past lessons:

Lesson #1

Lesson #2

Lesson #3

The post <i>Portraits of Mormon Women</i>: Centennial Lessons: Church History for Women, Lesson #4 appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Born December 21, 1913, in Winnetka, Illinois, Arnold Friberg is recognized as one of the greatest master painters of modern times. Perhaps his best-known work is the 1975 American masterpiece “The Prayer at Valley Forge” — depicting George Washington praying while the Continental Army winters at Valley Forge.

He also did the pre-visualization paintings for the Cecil B. DeMille film The Ten Commandments , for which he received an Academy Award nomination.

Currently, the exhibit is in Bountiful, Utah. If you are interested in getting the exhibit in your area, you can go here to vote (see the ‘vote’ tab at the top of the page).

For more information about this traveling art exhibit, see here or here.

The post Bring Arnold Frieberg’s Art to a City Near You! appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

A fireside was held to commemorate this significant event. You can watch a rebroadcast of that fireside by clicking here.

The post Blacks and the Priesthood — Commemoration Fireside appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

For some beautiful pieces exploring stories of women in the Old Testament, see this article.

Do you know of other existing art to which we can link? Do you have art of your own you would like to share, or know someone who does? Please email us at ‘mormonwoman’ AT ‘gmail’ DOT ‘com’

The post Women of the Old Testament (Art) appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.