Saturday, April 30, 2016

Realizing My Role

As a LDS woman, I often feel pushed to get married and have children. This has caused many personal issues for me because I view life and my role as a woman differently than many others do. When a person mentions the "traditional" role of a woman, what comes to mind? Perhaps cooking, cleaning, caring for children, etc. While I believe that all of these have their place in a family, I also recognize that my Father in Heaven wants more from me. I do not believe that what I will do in the future will be better than what anyone else will do; it is simply different. God directed my path in many different directions before finally leading me to college and now that I am here, I know that He wants me studying for a reason. I have a purpose in this life other than simply being a mother and that is to help other families that have not had the same happiness that I have been blessed with. 

While I know that my degree is essential to my future, I also hold dear the idea of being a mother. Over the years, I have been able to learn how different LDS couples view children and the idea of family. Many of the couple I know simply leave it up to the Lord and allow Him to guide their path. Others feel that if they are not constantly trying, or searching, for additional children, then they are failing. That is not the way to do family. The Lord has a plan and as we continue to trust in Him, He will allow us to see and understand more of it. I was able to participate in a discussion regarding the amount of children that a couple should have and I was sorely disappointed in some of the ideas that were presented. There are many aspects that go into the decision to have children, and it is not a small decision. It is also a decision that is between the Lord and the couple. Many of the people in this discussion were worried that if they did not keep trying for children then any unborn spirit children would, essentially, be damned due to that decision. I understand their concern but we must remember that His plan is mightier than any of us will ever be. The Lord will not put anyone where they were not meant to be. Trust the Lord. Trust your promptings. Respect your decision. 


Alma 39:17

"And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?"

1 comment:

  1. I used to cringe at the stereotype of LDS women as well. I felt like I'd do more good for society as a counselor or some other public servant than as a mother. But over time God taught me that, although I'm not going to be a perfect mom, taking care of his children as a mother is the most important work we could ever do! Of course, God may have other things for us to do as well like you mentioned. I'm glad to hear that you're seeking the Lord's guidance, that you hold dear the concept of motherhood, and that you want to bless other families as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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