I was born of wonderful parents that had known each other since high school, each served missions, married each other in the temple, and welcomed four other children into their family before I arrived. From the time I was a young child, when I remember sitting with my family reading the scriptures, I had a great love for the good word of God. That love continues to this day, and I find great joy in my personal scripture study, reading the scriptures with my family, attending institute classes and gathering with my family to hear from living prophets, seers and revelators during General Conference. I usually listen to all the talks twice, since with all the very young children in my family, it’s not always that easy to pay attention the first time through!
As I watched the March 2014 Women’s Meeting, I was deeply touched by Sister Oscarson’s address, in which she stated, “We need to realize that we all desire to serve in the kingdom using our unique talents and gifts in our own ways.” I myself have been blessed with the opportunity to serve primarily with the very youngest among us. I have been entrusted with two beautiful spirits to raise up in righteousness. I have served in my ward’s Nursery for 4 years, and prior to that I was serving in other Primary roles. I volunteer regularly in my community, working with children who are fleeing domestic abuse. I also work as an educator while I am completing my undergraduate studies. I have a strong testimony that God has given me the gift of being able to touch all those young ones I meet, and I have seen wonderful things brought about by the small, simple things that I have been able to do. There are not words to express how much those opportunities to serve have deeply touched my soul.
I desire for all of God’s children to have the same blessing – of being able to serve in the kingdom in a role that reflects the uniqueness of their talents and gifts. I question whether that blessing can truly be extended to all if the capacities in which we are permitted to serve are so specifically defined by a single characteristic of our unique and complex eternal identities.
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect. I trust in the Lord, and am comforted to know that He leads His church through living prophets today. I also know that as we are prepared to receive all the blessings held in store for us, often conditional upon our asking, the Lord will continue to reveal many great and important things that pertain to the Kindgom of God.
I believe that all His children will one day have an expanded opportunity to serve according to their own unique talents and gifts. I believe that women will be ordained.