I’m a lifelong member, and I love reading, writing and thinking. You can often find me with a book or with a pen. I also love hiking in God’s great outdoors, singing, and cooking—especially when there’s someone to help me eat whatever I make.
Mormonism is my home and I love it. I don’t know where I’d be without what I was taught growing up—the doctrines of agency, personal revelation, charity, consecration, and eternal progression have changed me forever. I believe myself to be the daughter of deity with divine potential, and I try every day to see that same potential in those around me. I love how these doctrines empower us to reach beyond ourselves and serve others, which I believe will bring us closer to God than anything else.
These same life-changing doctrines have led me to believe that women should be ordained. I believe that the purpose of life is to learn to be like God, and that means that both women and men someday will inherit the power of their Heavenly Parents in its fullness. If the priesthood is the power of God, then I believe that women need just as much practice with it as men if we’re to learn to be like Heavenly Father and Mother. Also, I believe in the spiritual power of all of God’s children, and I think that as long as we only ordain men, then the governing councils of the Church will be missing out. I know so many women who would make fantastic leaders, and I think the Church would be richer for having their voices.
On a more personal note, I want this power for myself not to become a priesthood leader, but to bless my family. I have always cherished the priesthood blessings I’ve received, first from my father and now from my husband. It’s comforting to know that when I need help, I can just ask my husband. However, he has also come to me when he feels lost and needs help and comfort, and it hurts that I can’t do more for him. Priesthood blessings, especially when voiced by those who know and love me, have touched me in ways that nothing else can, and I want to be able to give that gift to my husband and to our future children instead of running for the home teachers. I want to be able to be there for my family in every possible way.
I believe that women should be ordained.