I’ve been married to an amazing man for 12 years, and I spend my days raising our two wonderful children. I love to read, garden, bake delicious cookies, and avoid chores.
I was born and raised in California and have been a member of the Church my entire life. Being Mormon has always been a huge part of who I am. The gospel affects who my friends are, the choices I make, and the way I raise my children and treat other people. I’m grateful for the positive and loving influence it has been in my life.
I’ve never wanted to hold the priesthood; I’ve always been content with the patriarchy in the Church and in my family. It simply never occurred to me that it could be any other way. Recently, however, my nine-year-old daughter asked me why girls don’t get to hold the priesthood, and I could not come up with a satisfying reason. I didn’t know what to tell her. Most members say that women have motherhood instead of the priesthood, but I didn’t tell her that. I’ve never felt that motherhood is the equivalent of the priesthood. I believe that idea ignores and belittles the importance of fatherhood. Also, not all women have the chance to be mothers, but all worthy men have the chance to be ordained.
The idea of women being ordained to the priesthood strikes a chord of truth and rightness in my heart. And my life is already better just from considering the possibility. It makes me want to be better because I hope to be worthy of that incredible gift should the opportunity ever arise. It inspires me.
My son and daughter are amazing. They are kind, loving, smart, and talented, and both of them have so much to offer their future families, the Church, and the world. Their genders shouldn’t hold them back in any way.
I believe women should be ordained.