Monday Mormon Myths and Truths #6

 

MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2013

Monday Mormon Myth's and Truths # 6

Picture taken from Mormon women

Some of my friends who are not LDS do not understand the devotion Mormon women give not only to their families, but to the Church. There is so much rage and negativity around us in today's world. So why is it that most Morman women are so happy? It is thought by LDS women that we have a divine calling to be a mother, to raise children our Heavenly Father has sent to us and entrusted to our care. Mormons believe the family is central to God's plan for the happiness of His children and family is the fundamental unit in society. With that being said, I can believe no work can be nobler than that of a mother, who rear and raise, nurse, and nurture their family. We also believe that all women, whether they have children or not, are mothers and divine, with an innate capacity to nurture, teach, and care for others.

So, what about women who don't marry or have children but would like to?
Many women don't have the opportunity to marry and bear or raise children. These women make up a large and significant portion of the LDS church and contribute equally to the Church and its programs.

Latter Day Prophets have repeatedly taught that those "whose circumstances do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and priesthood in this life will receive all promised blessings in eternities."

This is so hard for many women who want so badly to have a child of their own, but I honestly believe our Heavenly Father will provide motherhood to those who are obedient and continue to do good. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law could not conceive their own children, so they adopted four children to complete their family and bless our extended family. My nieces and nephew were sent to earth to be a part of the Williams family. They used a different body to get those little spirits here, and how grateful we are their mothers were able to allow Doran and Shannon to raise them.

CAN MORMON WOMEN WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME?

ANSWER: YES

Latter Day Saint women across the world hold professional titles such as CEO, VP, Doctor, professor, author, artist, teacher, athlete, and business owners. It makes me laugh when I hear people say this, especially when I'm at work while reading this. The idea that faithful Mormon women can't, shouldn't or don't work outside the home with a career or pursue schooling is not valid, nor is it what the LDS leadership teaches.
We do place the family as our priority and highest regard. We believe that all decisions regarding a wife or mother's employment should be weighed carefully on how they will affect the family and the rearing of their children. Husband and wife make these decisions together.
"The Family Proclamation to the World" teaches that although husband and wife are equal partners, each gender does have a principal role in the family. Mothers are primarily responsible for nurturing their children, and fathers are mainly responsible for providing the necessities of life. Still, so times "life" is a disability, a death, or other circumstances that may require us to adapt.
However, the fact is an LDS woman working outside the home or pursuing a career is left to her to decide and is entirely dependent upon her individual, marital, family, and social situation. We as mormons are taught not to judge any mother who chooses to work outside the home, regardless of the situation. 

CAN MORMON WOMEN PURSUE EDUCATION?

ANSWER: WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO---SO YES

Women are encouraged to gain an education and develop their minds, talents, and abilities.
Spencer W Kimball, who was a prophet when I was growing up said "The emphasis on education for LDS women continues, we. We are women to be well educated"
The modern-day Prophet President Monson has counseled both males and females to educate their minds and develop their skills and talents; education will prepare you for more excellent service in the world and the Church. It will help you better provide for yourself, your family, and those in need. It will also help you be a wise counselor and companion to your future spouse and an informed and effective teacher of your future children"
A 2010 study found that women of all faiths "believe more fervently in God" than men and that "by virtually every measure, they are more religious" than men.
This goes with a quote from President James E Faust a leader of the LDS church when he said "Surely the secret citadel of women's inner strength is spirituality. In this, you equal and even surpass men, as you do in faith, morality, and commitment when truly converted to the gospel. We believe that God planted within women something divine."