My list of blog topics grows longer and longer, oh how writing clears my mind and sharpens my understanding. I truly need to write. Several of the topics revolve around the theme of women. My dear friend Claire and I often talk about women and our roles, challenges, and strengths on our runs together. I love these runs, look forward to them. They leave me refreshed and thoughtful.
Last night was the Relief Society Welcome Dinner. We celebrated the history of the Relief Society and were each given a copy of the book “Daughters in My Kingdom.” It was a beautiful night visually, socially and spiritually. I had several thoughts I want to record. A few weeks ago I was listening to a FAIR interview with Claudia Bushman. She teaches Women’s issues and has done a lot of research on Mormon women in particular. She spoke of how as a young mother she organized projects for the highly intellectual women of her Boston ward. They wrote a magazine, each contributing essays. They put together huge theatrical works. She spoke of the power of women, and suggested that women can do much more. As I attended the event tonight I thought of her comments, and agreed that the women in my ward have the intellect and talent to do amazing things. One of the counsellors in the RS president, Sarah Palfreyman, spoke about a part in the book that particularly touched her. The current general RS president had decided to withdraw from the National Association of Women because, to shorten the story, she didn’t feel like they were getting much out of it. The Prophet at the time, George A. Smith, said, again to shorten, “You surprise me! You mustn’t think just of what you get, but what you can give.” Hearing this story I looked around and wondered the same thing, what can I give? Our ward is full of strong, intellegent, talented women. Thinking about what I had to give, I suddenly had a feeling something like my brother explained feeling at BYU. I didn’t feel special at all, as I realized that anything that had once made me special- was now common place. There are plenty of musicians, academics, scriptorians, athletes, artists, etc. . . What do I have that isn’t already being offered in abundance? I didn’t come up with anything right away, and even after pondering it when I got home, only came up with two things. I have more soul searching to do to find what it is I can contribute.
As part of the decor the planning committee had made a timeline highlighting important dates in the history of the Relief Society. Standing there reading it, my eyes teared up as I marveled at the power and influence of these women. In times of war they became nurses. They opened hospitals, raised and sold grain to the government in times of need, they wrote magazines, cared for the poor and hungry. What struck me was that these women were doing these things during times when women didn’t have the rights and prominence that we have today. I was inspired by this heritage of strong influential women. Again, I pondered, what is my role? I enjoy beautifying my own home- but perhaps it’s time to join our nieghborhood beautification committee? I love staying home and tickling and playing with my baby, how could I expand my love and reach and care for those children that don’t find such love at home? Or more, how can I reach out and help other Mother’s learn to find the joy in Motherhood that I find?
It’s time to stand up and reach out!
3 responses to “Women”
Thank you for sharing this Kjirsti. It means a lot to me. I haven’t checked in on you in awhile. So glad you had a wonderful trip to Utah. Its so nice to be with sisters. Love the beautiful pic of you on that post.
I love your thoughts about this subject. It has been on my mind a lot as well. I just got back from Time Out For Women and as you can imagine, many of the messages there were about this very thing. I think I often have the feeling as a woman that I want to go out and make a big difference or to ‘change the world’ – I find myself thinking really BIG and fail to realize that it is the small things that make the difference. I don’t think the women in the history of RS realized the magnitude and importance of the small things they were doing – which collectively turned out to be BIG and very important things in the lives of all they served. They paved the way for us now and set an example of outreach and love. It is fascinating to read about the amazing things they were able to accomplish through their organization, effort and sacrifice.
Thanks for sharing Kjirsti! Your thoughts are always very inspiring to me.
I’ve thought about your post Kjirsti. I appreciate the motivation you felt from your past experiences and I certainly agree that we all have much to give to the world. However, I would hate for any of us to feel that beautifying your home is of less value than beautifying your neighborhood. Sometimes as women I think it is easy to think that anything (even just working for pay) is more valuable than the work we do at home. I think sometimes we are like children and we want environments to work and serve in that provide big dividends in pay, recognition, accolades. I hope that you and I can both see the small scale-but eternally significant differences we can make in our tight circles. For example-the way you bless my life and Getti’s and all your siblings with your friendship, service and love has eternal significance. By blessing my life it is naturally spilling over to my children’s who place you as one of their heros. What you do and say is watched by them and us and influences and blesses us. I have been reminded that Christ did do miracles for the thousands on a few occasions, but more often than not he performed his miracles and blessed people with his wisdom and goodness in very small, intimate ways. Just some thoughts. THanks for your insights. Love you