All right friends I'm about to get real for a minute here. This post will probably be controversial; I understand this. I know that there will be some who agree with me, and some who very strongly disagree. And that's okay. These are my thoughts and my feelings. So before anyone gets all judgey IN EITHER DIRECTION, whether I'm a Saint who just performed an act that will get me straight through the pearly gates or I am a blasphemy-spouting heathen, understand that these are my personal thoughts and feelings; not scripture, not words from the mouth of the Lord. Just me. Imperfect, and flawed, and sometimes with errors in my understanding.
I read a story today about Kate Kelly probably being excommunicated from the LDS religion because of her involvement in a group known as Ordain Women, which is attempting to convince the leaders of the LDS church to give the priesthood to women.
I will be honest; I do not understand her reasons for forming this group. I do not know her thought process, the intentions of her heart, or her eventual goals from starting this group. I do know that the Church is true. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of our living God, and I know that following the counsel of President Monson will never lead us astray. His words are the words of the Lord. Within them we may find counsel, inspiration, guidance, peace, comfort, and wisdom.
Kate Kelly has gone against the counsel of the prophet. I do not pretend to know what the consequence of this action should be, but I stand behind President Monson, and I stand behind those who act in his behalf and in behalf of the Lord (namely, those who will decide on the consequences for her actions). In this life we are free to choose as we will; we are not free to choose the consequence that will come from our choices. We never have been able to choose the consequence, and we never will be.
To all those women who are confused, and think maybe Kate Kelly is right, I wish to share a few thoughts with you. I cannot tell you how to believe or what to think. But I can share with you what I believe, and what I think.
I believe that women do have the priesthood, in many ways. We may not be able to say we have been ordained to the priesthood, but anyone who is worthy and able to attend the temple has access to the power of the priesthood. I also believe that men and women, while in many ways are equal in the sight of the Lord, have very different responsibilities.
THIS IS A GOOD THING. I'm sure of it. Imagine for a moment, if you will, the way the world would be if every single person on this planet had the exact same responsibilities. Society would cease to exist. There would be none to make laws, none to enforce laws, none to regulate anything. I think it's the same thing as with our talents--every single person has a different set of gifts and talents, and thank goodness, because how boring and lifeless would the world be if everyone was good at all the same things.
We, as women, have access to the power of the priesthood just the same as any man. What we don't have is the authority to exercise it in the same way. Again, this is not a bad thing. Understanding this is essential: Men and women were created to be different, inherently and essentially different. This is the way it should be. By attempting to "equalize" men and women in things such as the authority of the priesthood, we are attempting to change the very nature which the Lord has created us to have. He means us to be male or female, and He means us to assume the mantle of responsibility that each role inherits by nature of his or her male or female spirit.
We, as women, are different than men. We are different by our very nature. It is the Lord's design that the man should be the head of his home. (Also let's please not discuss single moms, divorced women, etc....that is a topic for a different time.) Men are ordained to the priesthood to help them in this leadership position. Women, as the helpmeet of the men, are equal partners in leading their home; but it is the woman's job to uphold her husband as the head of the household. **GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ASHTON: Men are given the priesthood to help bring them closer to the Lord, thus aiding them in guiding their family in the ways of righteousness.**
Be content with your roles and responsibilities. They may be different, but they are every bit as important and essential to the work of salvation. Unless our roles and responsibilities are being performed 100% perfectly 100% of the time, we should not be asking for still more roles and responsibilities.
I know the Prophet speaks for the Lord. I know that he will never lead us astray. I know that the Lord my Redeemer lives, and loves us more dearly than we may ever comprehend. It has been said that in the last days, many of the elect shall be deceived. Stay close to the Lord and we cannot be deceived.
