The Power of Righteous Women

Women are essential to God’s Plan of Happiness. Since the beginning of time, women have been a critical instrument in God’s work on the earth. Eve, “The Mother of All Living” made the difficult choice to partake of the fruit so that man could be. Sarah gave birth to a son at 90-years-old, becoming a great witness to the principle of God’s blessings when we keep our covenants. Jochebed, Moses mother, made the ultimate sacrifice of surrendering her child to the will of God when she sent his tiny body down the Nile river in a basket. Mary, the virgin teenage mother who carried and gave birth to the Savior. Still, there is the woman at the well, the mothers of the Stripling Warriors, Emma Smith, and Susa Young Gates. Today we see similar examples of essential women in bringing about the work of God such as Marjorie Hinckley, Sheri Dew, and Wendy Nelson. 

With so many examples of the need for women in bringing about God’s work on earth, why are sisters who question the equity and worth of women in God’s plan? 

 In the book of Judges, Chapter 4, we learn the stories of Deborah and Jael. Deborah was a prophetess, well-known, wise, and had great leadership and battle skills. Jael was alone in her tent, quietly going about her work with a different skill set. Deborah had faith the Lord would help and protect the people as they went to fight the Canaanites. When the Canaanites gathered in the valley the Lord sent rain and drowned many of the soldiers. The flooded valley caused Sisera to flee. Again, with the Lords help, Sisera found himself at Jael’s tent where she invited him in to hide. Recognizing he was the leader o the Canaanite army, and that the Lord had delivered him to her, she killed him so that he could not hurt more people. Despite their differences, they both served as instruments in the hand of the Lord to bring about His work and glory in powerful and influential ways. 

What we learn from the examples of Deborah and Jael is that women can be influential regardless of their age, status, finances, education, or calling. Deborah and Jael are powerful examples to never underestimate the power of a righteous woman. Deborah and Jael teach us that as we are obedient to the commandments, covenants, and the will of the Lord, He will bless us with a gift greater than any worldly treasure. A gift that restores peace, changes the world. 

In 1976 President Kimball said, “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days … will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that [they] are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world” 

I know many righteous and articulate, distinct and different women bringing about God’s purposes on the earth today. I think of my own grandmothers, both converts to the church sacrificing so much to follow and serve the Lord. Sacrificing thing such as relationships which was evident when my maternal great-grandfather gave my grandparents 30 pieces of silver (think Judas betraying Christ) on their wedding day to show his ‘blessing’ of the union of her daughter to a “Mormon”). I think of my mother who has tirelessly been an example of service and dedication to the Lord’s work, pushing forward even during difficult times such as losing her mother and burying her young son. I think of my daughter and her recent decision to be baptized a member of the church in a time when religion and God are unpopular choices. 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “I want you to be proud you are a woman. I want you to feel the reality of what that means, to know who you truly are. You are literally a spirit daughter of heavenly parents with a divine nature and an eternal destiny”. 

I implore you sisters questioning the worth and value of your role as a woman in the church today to count yourself among the examples of the women God has counted on throughout all of time to bring about his purposes. Know that He holds you and the things He has called you to do in the same high regard and of significant importance. Know the Lord has saved you to be an influential part in bringing about His work in these Latter-Days because he counts you among his most precious and strong disciples.

Think of the women in your life. What gifts and talents have they been given that allows them to do Gods work? 

You can read more about Deborah and Jael and their story here. 

New Year. New Intentions.

Twenty-Seventeen has come and gone and I honestly can say I'm glad to see it go.  It devastates me to ponder on the previous year and recognize so much stress, fear, doubt and unhappiness when in reality I was so blessed.  How sad that my day to day recognition was clouded with so many negatives despite actually being surrounded by a sea of positives daily.  Never have I ever been more physically and emotionally exhausted as I was treading water for 365 days in 2017 because I kept looking for more.  How grateful I am for those special trips to California, Toronto and Cancun and the few responsibilities of my church calling and as a mother, that kept my head above the water.  Maybe it was turning 30 last month, or the possibilities and opportunities that lie before me and my family in this new year, but I'm feeling a love and strength within my mind and heart that this year will be a year of incredible purpose.  In the last few weeks my outlook on life, my goals, wants, desires and focuses have somehow shifted in a direction I never expected.  I have so much to share about my personal struggles this last year because I feel so strongly against this plague of self doubt, comparison and the always wanting more way of life that is polluting and restricting our lives as women, spouses, mothers, fathers and good human beings... But that's for another post so I can truly open my heart to you.  I will however share with you my WORDS for 2018 that have me refocusing and re purposing my life and our family lifestyle as well as my January Library Haul so you can see where I'm finding inspiration and encouragement for a happier and more truthful year. 
2018 Words: Intentional Purposeful  Simple Essential  Minimal Humble Faithful Present Less Breathe
January Library Haul 

If you can sense the theme between all these words and books, you'll recognize that our goals this year will include slowing down, de-cluttering our home and schedule and most importantly actively fighting the "keeping up with the Jones" disease that sickens and darkens every home. And trust me, that last part is what's going to be the hardest change with the insistent world of social media (which we absolutely have a love/hate relationship with) that is always telling us we'll be happier with more when in fact what we already have is more than enough.  We are anxious to learn and grow more about a purposeful lifestyle as we find a balance between what we really NEED and what we want.  We hope you'll stick around for some exciting and NEW things that are coming this way this year.  We're more excited than ever to share with you our journey as we make a shift in our lifestyle and focus of this blog in hopes for a happier and simpler life with more time for the things that matter most. 
What are some of your words, goals and books lists for 2018?