Hi, I’m Rachael. I work in the fitness and sports industry. I graduated from BYU in 2009. I married my best friend in the temple a little over 4 years ago. I have two kitty cats that I treat like children. My husband and I just bought our first home, and I am finding that I really enjoy demolition. I love to sew, especially bright colored dresses because color makes me happy. And I think dessert should be a part of every meal.
I am a life-long member of the Church and have served in a number of callings, my two favorite being Sunbeam teacher and Relief Society Teacher. I could not believe the hilarious things 3-year- olds told their teachers and how their innocence and sweetness brought new light to gospel principles. Preparing for Relief Society lessons helped me learn and grow in ways I could not have anticipated. The power I felt in discussing doctrine with other women was, and is, powerful, and I want to see more of that. I want to hear more women’s voices. I want more women to be recognized as spiritual leaders. I want more women to be involved and our voices respected, from the ward to the stake to the entire church level.
I love the Church and the gospel. It is my home. I am Mormon, because I have grown up in this Church, and it has brought me close to my Savior. I may see faults in the institution, but I cannot deny my testimony of Christ. I have felt His love for me, and it has changed my life.
The faith I have in my Savior and my Heavenly Parents is what fuels my desire for the ordination of women. I have always felt that women are underutilized in the Church, and growing up, I could not understand why. All the women I know are strong, intelligent, and more than capable. Why shouldn’t we tap into that potential to build up the kingdom of God?
I still haven’t come up with any good answers. But I really think that ordaining women would benefit everyone. I know that I have a lot to offer. I know my sisters have a lot to offer. And I want us to be able to offer these talents and gifts in service to everyone around us. I believe women should be ordained.