Who We Are!

We have had several requests to post a bit about ourselves! 

For the next week we will be posting a little about us and our experiences.

And I get to go first, enjoy. ~ Kyra

Please comment - what experiences/events/comments have made you who you are!

Hi All, 

It has already been an amazing experience getting to know you and read your comments, ideas and thoughts on the topics we have touched on. I am so excited to get to delve deeper into topics relating to women as they are near and dear to my heart. 

I come from a very unique family, I am the oldest of five- four girls and one boy. I have a father who is secretly superman and a mother who is wonder-woman (no secret about that one). We were raised being told we could do anything and be anything we wanted to be, and more importantly, we were expected to be those things. Therefore, it was shocking to me to be told at 17, after finding my new co-workers open check in the bathroom, that the reason I was still making minimum wage after a year and he (who was hired two months ago) was making 1.50 dollar more than me an hour was because I was a girl. In fact, the manager on duty continued and said it was something I was going to have to face- women make less then men. I was flabbergasted. It was that night that I understood why there are feminists and why I was one of them. 

Sorry, the more recent family picture was on the day of our wedding 

Since then my interest in women’s studies has become deeply rooted at the very core of my soul. I have been blessed to travel to several different countries on multiple continents and have been deeply saddened by the situation of my sisters abroad (as well as at home- we aren't a perfect society by any means). I have also seen the amazing, fantastic power that comes when women understand their true, divine potential and unite for a common cause- nothing could stand in their way.  It is this knowledge of the devastating reality of women around the globe and the strength that they wield that drives me onward.

And I have to admit, I am a bit of a history junky. I have fallen in love with the history of the LDS church, particularly the quiet often untold stories of the women who were actively involved.  As I have researched topics and individuals I have a far greater respect and love for my sisters of Zion. I am so excited to introduce them to you- for we truly are their progeny. 

It is my hope that together we can explore what it means to be a woman in the world today, a woman of faith and of hope and understanding. I know that it is only together, united that we can change the world.

Can't wait to hear from you!

Kyra

Daily Quote

November 12, 2012: "Danger has been a part of my life ever since I picked up a pen and wrote. Nothing is more perilous than truth in a world that lies." - Nawal El Saadawi 

Gender Roles and Victim Blaming

Our world is operated by gender roles and each society values different gender roles.  These gender roles are a way that society has organized specific characteristics of the sexes in order to function. However, as most of us would agree these gender roles may not always be a positive thing for women and also men. I hope that this blog post will be more of a discussion.  I want to share some research information and then have an open discussion about how we can go about teaching benevolent sexism and traditional gender roles in an appropriate manner.

Victim blaming became a passionate subject for me after this past spring when my husband and I had the opportunity to help a friend plan a Take Back the Night event.  She planned this event in regards to a recent rape that occurred on the Provo River Trail.  After this attack, the young woman who was out running received a lot of blame for the attack. After this even  I thought a lot of how gender roles and benevolent sexism contribute to victim blaming. I was reminded of a correlation study that a professor, whom I have had the opportunity to do a lot of work with, conducted.  I want to share her findings and help lead our discussion.

 Let me explain her research.  Her study focused on how strength of benevolent sexism, hostile sexism, and gender role tradionality contribute to the level that a rape victim either of a stranger scenario or date-rape situation influence the victim being blamed and the rapist being excused for the behavior.  In this research, hostile sexism was defined as negative and antipathetic attitudes toward women that are typically thought to comprise gender-based prejudices.  Benevolent sexism was defined as positive and sympathetic attitudes toward women that are not typically thought of as necessarily sexist. For example, opening the door for a woman or pulling her chair out for her at the dinner table would be part of benevolent sexism.  There were 126 participants that ranged from ages 18-26. All participants were attending a university in the Rocky Mountain region and all were undergraduate students. 58 were women and 60 were men. The participants were randomly assigned to read a scenario that focused on a date-rape situation or a stranger-rape situation.  After they read the survey they were asked to complete the Rape Supportive Attribution Scale, the Sex-Role Stereotypical Victim Blame Attribution Scale, the Excuse Rapist Scale, the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and a demographic survey.  What she found was that the date-rape scenario was minimized in seriousness compared to the stranger-rape scenario. They found that hostile sexism and benevolent sexism were positively correlated. Those who scored high on the benevolent sexism test and gender role traditionaltiy were more likely to blame the victim in a date-rape situation.  However, in a stranger-rape scenario they almost always blamed the rapist.  Those who scored high on hostile sexism tended to blame the victim in both scenarios.

“Abrams, Viki, Masser, and Bohner (2003) found that ambivalent sexism, particularly benevolent sexism, was a significant moderator of negative attitudes toward acquaintance rape victim...for benevolent sexists to protect women, women need to be seen as sexually pure and innocent. Therefore, if a woman violates benevolent sexists’ expectations (being raped by her date when she is supposed to be sexually pure), she no longer deserves to be protected. Abrams

et al. (2003) proposed that benevolent sexism can explain the phenomenon of victim blame in the case of acquaintance rape.” (Yamawaki, 2007). 

From this quote, she found that for those who scored high on benevolent sexism, once a woman violates the standards for being “sexually pure” she no longer deserves protection or respect.  Often times we hear,” Well, she shouldn’t have worn that, she should not have been at his place that time of night, she shouldn’t have gone alone.” These statements unfortunately are still a problem in our society. 

Does anyone else find her findings interesting or even alarming? What particularly sticks out to me is that almost half of the participants were women.  Some of these women still felt that the women in the acquaintance-rape scenario were the one to be blames for what happened. Why would this be? Here is where the questions for the discussion come to play.  We as a society, LDS or not, encourage our children, especially our boys, to be gentlemen. We encourage them to open the door for women, pull out the chair at the dinner table for her, ect. Now, I will be the first one to admit that I love it when my husband opens the door for me and I do not want to ignore teaching our son how to be a gentleman.  But how and what ideas or experiences do you have in teaching children these gender roles in a manner that they do not end up blaming a rape victim of an acquaintance scenario in the future? What do these findings of her research mean for us?   

Daily Quote

November 7, 2012: "Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, 'She doesn't have what it takes.' They will say, 'Women don't have what it takes.'" - Clare Boothe Luce 

Remember Our Suffrage

In honor of the American elections today, we thought we'd pass this along for your viewing pleasure. Regardless of who you vote for today, vote. If at all possible, make the effort to vote. Men and women around the world have given their lives for the right to vote, and many still do not have that right.

Daily Quote

October 31, 2012:
"I am a Woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal Woman,
that's me."
- Maya Angelou 

The Savior: The Greatest Champion of Womanhood

I stumbled upon this phenomenal talk entitled “Here I am, Send Me” given by Elder M. Russell Ballard at BYU in March 2001. In it, Elder Ballard quoted Elder James E. Talmage who stated “the world’s greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ”[1]. Why is it important to recognize the Savior as not only a defender of women, but the greatest?  I believe it is significant because it tells us that Christ is no respecter of persons, it indicates that we will receive equal divine attention regardless of gender, and it shows that within Christ’s church there is to be no hierarchy or degrading of another, especially based on sex.  We know from the restoration of the gospel that the pre-mortal and mortal natures of men and women were specified by the Lord himself, and it is not within “His character to diminish the roles and responsibilities of any of His children[2].”

Elder Ballard substantiates Elder Talmage’s pronouncement by stating “The first time the Lord acknowledges Himself to be the Christ, it was to a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. He taught her about living water and proclaimed, simply, “I… am He” (John 4:26). And it was Martha to whom He proclaimed: “I am the resurrection, and the life… And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). It is also interesting to note, as Elder Ballard did, that “during His greatest agony as He hung on the cross, the Savor reached out to one person—His mother” and sought out John the Beloved to care for her (John 19:16-17)[3]. 

I think it pertinent to include comments by Jolene Edmunds Rockwood into this discussion.  Rockwood states that many women were numbered among Christ’s closest associates, including: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others (Luke 8:1-3). She stated that “Christ deliberately paired men-women examples in his teachings, as if to be sure that women also saw his teachings as relevant.”[4] For example, Christ taught to the male shepherd the importance of one soul by asking which of them would not leave their ninety and nine in search of the one and asked the women in the audience if one of them had lost a coin would they not search the whole house until it is found and rejoice in the finding. It is interesting to note that these two parables are told sequentially in the text.  There are many more examples: Christ heals the centurion’s servant and immediately afterwards raises the widow’s son. He equates the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed which a male farmer would have planted in his garden and to some leaven which a woman would have put into her dough. The examples continue throughout the synoptic gospels. The following is a brief outline of some of the most vivid examples[5]:

Luke 10:29-37: Christ teaches a man (Good Samaritan parable) à Luke10: 38-42: Christ teaches a woman (Mary and Martha to “choose the better part”).

Luke 13:10-16: Jesus heals first a woman on the Sabbath à Luke 14:2-6: Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath

Luke 17:35: One man shall be taken from two who are in the field à Luke 17:36: One woman shall be taken from two who are grinding.

Mark 7: 24-30: Christ heals a Gentile’s daughter à Mark 7: 31-37: Christ heals a deaf man

Matthew 9: 20-22, 23-26, and 27-34: Christ heals a woman, raises a girl from the dead and then heals two blind men.

Evidence of Christ's attention and love toward the female sex is not solely found in the New Testament among Christ’s mortal ministry but present in the Book of Mormon in Jacob. In which, Jacob conveys revelation from the Lord who talks of the wickedness and the abominations of the Nephites (Jacob’s people) and says ultimately they will be destroyed and their enemies (the Lamanites) would remain because the Nephites had broken the hearts of their wives and lost the confidence of their children (Jacob 2:35). The Lord continues by saying that He had heard the prayers of the women and it was because of them that the Lord would visit them with a sore curse, and ultimately destruction (Jacob 2:33).

We know from these examples that Christian doctrine made woman full participants in conversation, miracles and in Christ’s gospel. With this fundamental understanding it is clear that we, as Latter-day Saints, originated from gender equality taught and expressed by the Savior.

I echo Elder Ballard when he stated “of this you may be certain: The Lord especially loves righteous women.”

---

[1] Jesus the Christ. 1956. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book. p 475.

[2] M. Russell Ballard. 13 March 2001. Here Am I, Send Me. BYU Speeches.

[3] M. Russell Ballard. 13 March 2001. Here Am I, Send Me. BYU Speeches.

[4] Sisters in Spirit ed. Maureen Beecher and Lavina Anderson. University of Illinois Press:1987, 6.

[5] Sisters in Spirit ed. Maureen Beecher and Lavina Anderson. University of Illinois Press:1987, 30-31 (footnote no. 25).

Daily Quote

         "Sisters, I testify that when you stand in front of your heavenly parents in those royal courts on high and you look into Her eyes and behold Her countenance, any question you ever had about the role of women in the kingdom will evaporate into the rich celestial air, because at that moment you will see standing directly in front of you, your divine nature and destiny." (http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58956/BYU-devotional-Elder-Glenn-L-Pace-The-divine-nature-and-destiny-of-women.html)

Daily Quote

        There are people fond of saying that women are the weaker vessels.  I don’t believe it . . . [Women] are always more willing to make sacrifices and are the peers of men in stability, godliness, morality, and faith. (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 7th edition, p. 352.)

Daily Quote

October 26, 2012:
"Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt 

Shhhhhhh, I'm on my period

You’ve had it happen before. Probably more times than you can count, actually. The nervous girl whispering, “Do you have an extra tampon?” The exchange of glances spread like wildfire among all the women as the desperate search for a tampon ensues. The best part about this oft repeated scenario is the secrecy of it all. There seems to be this unspoken rule that men and menstruation are kept completely separate. Even if males become aware of a “tampon search,” they pretend to have no idea what is going on.

Worse yet, you live with a handful of girls and never think twice about your bathroom trashcan being littered with applicators and pads. Then a male friend is over and asks to use your bathroom. You point him down the hall. As soon as the door shuts, you realize with horror the messy evidence of “that time of the month.” But it’s too late; he’s in there with all of it. But why worry? I mean, he comes out and while he might look mildly shocked, he will pretend it was the most normal bathroom experience of his life. 

Then there are the cramps. You’re out on a date and squirming in your seat, trying in vain to find a position that will alleviate the pain. He asks if everything is okay. Seriously? Okay? Your uterus is gallivanting through a minefield, ten dozen knives are ripping apart your abdomen, but how do you tell him that? “I’m fine, it’s just a headache” you reply. Men, let me spill a little secret to you. If a girl tells you she has a migraine or any form of a headache, there is a 90% chance she is actually on the verge of literally being split in two by cramps. And never underestimate the evil nature of the nasty beasts. For every woman, it’s different. But most girls I know experience debilitating pain in their legs, “stomachs”, and backs, with tenderness also in their arms and chests. And that’s just the cramps themselves. Then there is the bloating, the acne, the mood swings, the cravings, the list goes on and on and on.

Menstruation. Period. That time of the month. Whatever you call it, there it is, once a month (hopefully not more!), and it’s the worst. If you happen to be one of the few and far between who has relatively painless cramps and gets her period closer to every 1.5 months, you know by now to keep this to yourself while the rest of us skip school and work because we can’t get out of bed.

If half of the world’s population suffers from this phenomenon, why the hush hush nature of the subject? Why do we whisper to find tampons, make up fake ailments when asking for painkillers, or feign a migraine when unable to go out? Why is the topic of periods one of the few that is taboo in mixed company?

While a lot of our posts on this blog are written with the goal of carrying a more scholarly note, I’ve intentionally chosen to deviate from that path on this particular topic. Yes, I have dozens of articles that reference the history of menstruation in societies over time and it is fascinating to study different factors that affect societal views of menstruation: marriage practices, patrilocal v. matrilocal groups, patrilineal v. matrilineal traditions, etc. But I want to save all of that information for a later post. Right now I want to know about our society today.

Periods are not “dirty” or “disgusting”. They’re a natural part of life, and without them life wouldn’t exist. There’s no shame in being on your period, it just happens and it happens to almost 50% of humans. So why are we raised to keep our periods only between females? I tell my Dad whenever I have a sore throat. My brother asks if I’m feeling better after recovering from the flu. My professor lets me leave class to get a drink of water when I’m caught in a fit of coughing. Periods are the most regular function of our bodies and yet the least talked about.

The argument has been made that patriarchy is to blame for the taboo of periods. While I agree that this is partially true, I would argue that there are many additional factors, patriarchy is not solely to blame. With that said, I still invite you to imagine a world where the roles were reversed. Gloria Steinem’s incredible article, If Men Could Menstruate (http://www.haverford.edu/psych/ddavis/p109g/steinem.menstruate.html) sums it up perfectly. I am begging you to read it. If men could menstruate, the entire notion and culture of periods would change. As Steinem points out, “men would brag about how much and how long.” Tampons and pads would be federally funded, men would be excused from work every month, and it would be cool to be “on the rag” or a “three-pad man.” I’m not suggesting a cultural revolution in which women turn the tables and become the superior sex because we have what men never will. But I am encouraging a societal shift in the way we view periods.

Why do we refuse to talk about our periods with men? What’s wrong with telling your boyfriend that you don’t want to go out to dinner because your uterus is going to explode? Why not warn your male colleagues that you might be a little snippy over the next couple of days?

And men, we’ve heard all the jokes. “What a B! Must be her time of the month if you know what I mean….” or “Are you serious? This is not a big deal. Why are you being so dramatic? Stop PMSing already.” Just because a woman is a “B” does not mean she’s on her period. And just because a woman is on her period, does not mean she’s a “B”.

When our daughters get their periods for the first time, celebrate it! They’re entering womanhood and that should be a joyous occasion, not shameful. We brag about our boys when they finally get hair under their arms or shave their faces for the first time. But at the slightest sign of breast formation, we quietly take our girls to get training bras. When we buy the first box of tampons or pads for our daughters, we leave the boys at home for that shopping trip and buy enough groceries to make sure the feminine hygiene items go unnoticed. Enough is enough; let’s reverse the negativity of periods and start by at least talking about them.

What are your thoughts on menstruation? Do you talk about your period in male company? What was it like when you got your period for the first time? What are you going to do to change the taboo of periods?  

Daily Quote

October 25, 2012: "Every girl is expected to have caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall butt, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, and the arms of Michelle Obama. The only person close to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes. Everyone else is struggling." - Tina Fey 

Daily Quote

         Some Christians condemn Eve for her act, concluding that she and her daughters are somehow flawed by it. Not the Latter-day Saints!  Informed by revelation, we celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall.  (Elder Dalllin H. Oaks, Ensign, November 1993, 72-75)

 

Daily Quote

There is not a president and vice president in a family.  We have co-presidents working together eternally for the good of their family . . . They are on equal footing.  They plan and organize the affairs of the family jointly and unanimously as they move forward. - Elder L. Tom Perry

The Restoration

In addition to the powerful miracles and revolutionary teachings that occurred during Jesus Christ’s brief earthly ministry, the Savior established His church among his followers. After His crucifixion and the death of the Twelve Apostles, the fullness of the gospel was removed from the earth. This period is called the Great Apostasy, when there was a “falling away” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3) from the gospel which Christ had established. The keys of the priesthood along with many precious truths were lost and the world entered the dark ages for over 1400 years[1]. Of this period, Dallin H. Oaks states that the Latter-day Saints “are indebted to the men and women who kept the light of faith and learning alive through the centuries[2].” After decades of spiritual confusion, our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ restored the fullness of the gospel through his prophet, Joseph Smith. This Restoration reintroduced the teachings and ordinances necessary for salvation of all mankind in their fullness.[3]

Among the many marvelous events that occurred during this Restoration was the coming forth of the Book of Mormon through the gift of translation given to the prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is the keystone to the LDS faith; it is a companion to the Bible and tells the history of ancient inhabitances on the American continent. It testifies of the love God has for his people and its purpose is to bring people to accept Jesus as the Christ[4]. 

Additionally, the priesthood or the “consummate authority given to man from God[5]” was reintroduced in its fullness and is available to every worthy male member of the church. This authority is sacred opportunity to wield the power of God. It is used within the church to set members apart for church callings, heal the sick and perform sacred ordinances that will bind families together forever.

A vital aspect of the LDS faith is the belief of continual revelation. Members are taught to pray to their Heavenly Father and that we will receive a response if our hearts are worthy. We, as members of this faith, testify that the heavens are open, that God speaks to his prophet today and that we (both male and female) are entitled to receive personal revelation to our own sincere questions and desires if we are worthy and obedient. 

As women and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we inherit a phenomenal history. We have been asked to stand tall in the face of many trials unique to this very day and age. This blog is an opportunity for us to support each other and to work through experiences which have never been faced before. With the knowledge and understanding of the Restoration we can come to know who we are, where we came from and exactly where we want to be. We are daughters of the Restoration, blessed with a divine heritage and destined to work wonders.

---

[1] The Restoration. Lds.org. http://www.lds.org/topics/restoration-of-the-gospel?lang=eng

[2] Dallin H. Oaks. “Apostasy and Restoration”. Ensign, May 1995. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/04/apostasy-and-restoration?lang=eng

[3] www.mormon.org

[4] For additional information see “Preach My Gospel” available in PDF on www.lds.org

[5] Boyd K. Packer. “The Twelve Apostles.” Ensign, Nov. 1996. 6.

New Missionary Age for Young Women

Every six months the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints televises a worldwide conference for its member and the general population. This past weekend at General Conference the policies regarding missionary service in the Church for young adults were revised. Young men now have the option to begin missionary service at 18, instead of 19, upon high school graduation. But I think the biggest surprise was the reduction in age for young women to serve from 21 to 19. Gasps resonated throughout the Conference center as the delight of this news and as the implications of the revision began to sink in. Over the past three days on BYU campus (one of the Church’s universities) I have heard multiple snippets of conversations regarding this change. Everyone agrees that big changes are in store. The demographics of Church schools will change drastically and we likely lose significant numbers of students, but the world will receive so many  more missionaries to preach the gospel. Young women throughout the world are rejoicing in this new revelation and I personally know of many sisters who are going on a mission in the very near future rather than in a couple years.

How did you feel after you heard the announcement?

What kind of changes will this make in our society and culture?

Have your own personal plans for serving a mission changed since Saturday?

Daily Quote

October 8, 2012:
"When I see the elaborate study and ingenuity displayed by women in the pursuit of trifles, I feel no doubt of their capacity for the most herculean undertakings." - Julia Ward Howe 

Ántonia’s Pedestal and Jim’s Inequality

Literature Review: My Ántonia by Willa Cather

(Author’s Note: Along with highlighting current female politicians and activists and historical figures, we also want to produce a literature segment for the blog. We will review works that we have read and how we believe they pertain to the experiences of women. This paper in particular, I wrote for my women’s literature class last winter. We read works by award-winning female authors and examined themes relating to womanhood and feminism.)

Ántonia’s Pedestal and Jim’s Inequality

            The feminist movement began in the mid-19^th century with a desperate cry for equality. The novel, My Ántonia, is an American classic that portrays the formidable strength of women on the prairie who are required to work as men in order to survive and continue to support the family. Although Jim Burden views Ántonia with a great deal of respect and reverence, he places her on a pedestal and thereby denies himself equality with her.

            The very beginning and end of the novel presents a Jim Burden who has become disenchanted with his life. Only his childhood memories of Ántonia provide his life with meaning, purpose and direction. Although Jim is intimately absorbed with Ántonia, there is a feeling of Jim being external to Ántonia. He never allows himself to be an equally strong character as she is. Ántonia remains in charge of her own life to the best of her abilities. She moves to Black Hawk to provide for her family like the other hired girls who “did what [they] had set out to do, and sent home those hard-earned dollars” (110). Jim in contrast admits that when he moves to Lincoln he is introduced to the abstract world of ideas and “fades for a time” (139). When both Jim and Ántonia are reprimanded for their youthful exploits at the dance tent, their opposite reactions further delineates their inequality. Ántonia defiantly leaves her employer saying “‘A girl like me has got to take her good times when she can. Maybe there won’t be any tent next year’” (114). Jim on the other hand, simply promises his grandmother that he will stop his frivolities. Ántonia is a force to be reckoned with and Jim bends like the prairie grass at the whispers of a breeze.

            Jim feels that true happiness is to “be dissolved into something complete and great” (17). Jim felt this way as a child, and as an adult basking in the glorified memories of his youth. This euphoria is once again discovered when Jim walks back into Ántonia’s life where he can melt into the greatness that is Ántonia. His entire being has become reliant on the radiance of Ántonia and in the 20 years that he was absent from its presence he lost the art of living; he was devoid of the transcendental experience he knew as a child. Jim tells Ántonia “The idea of you is part of my mind…You really are a part of me” (171). Jim worships Ántonia and all that she represents to him but he is unable to live a fulfilling life in which she has no main role. Upon meeting one another after two decades apart Jim declares that Ántonia has “lent herself to immemorial human attitudes which we recognize by instinct as universal and true” (186). However, Jim does not appear to have these universal attitudes that he so adores in Ántonia. Jim affords Ántonia all the greatness he can muster but never allows himself to become equally great thereby never really learning from Ántonia or truly incorporate her into himself.

            In terms of women’s studies this view of Jim Burden and Ántonia’s relationship demonstrates a frightening aspect of human equality. Third-wave feminism is not about subjecting men to the rule of women, but finding a true equality between the sexes. Jim Burden denies himself the humanity he worships in Ántonia and thereby places her on a different plane than he himself is on. By creating this inequality, Jim is never truly happy except when he can lose his existence in that of Ántonia’s.

How do you involve the men in your life in women’s studies and feminism while maintaining their worth and equality and individuality?

Daily Quote

October 4, 2012:
"One of the things about equality is not just that you be treated equally to a man, but that you treat yourself equally to the way you treat a man." - Marlo Thomas 

A Review of Why We Are Organized Into Quorums and Relief Societies

A REVIEW OF WHY WE ARE ORGANIZED INTO QUORUMS AND RELIEF SOCIETIES 

SISTER JULIE B. BECK 

BYU DEVOLTIONAL, JANUARY 2012 

     The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique structure, one of order and delegation on which former Relief Society President Julie B. Beck took the time to outline in a speech given at a BYU devotional on 17 January 2012. I would like to summarize her remarks and highlight some key facets of her argument that are essential in understanding the divinity and order of the LDS church. 

     She begins by emphasizing that no functioning branch of the church can exist without a quorum president and a relief society president, both are essential. A quorum is, as President Boyd K. Packer stated, a “select assemblies of brethren given authority that [the Lord’s] business might be transacted and His work proceed[ed].[i]” He continued by saying, “in ancient days when man was appointed to a select body, his commission, always written in Latin, outlined the responsibility of the organization, defined who should be members, and then invariably contained the words: quorum vos unum meaning ‘of whom we will that you be one.[ii]” Similarly, the Relief Society connotes “an enduring and cooperating group”[iii] that is differentiated by its common aims and beliefs. Of this President Joseph F. Smith stated that the Relief Society was “divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God to minister for the salvation of the souls of women and men.” [iv] 

     It is important to note that both work toward the same ultimate goal, which is the same purpose of our Savior “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”[v] The importance of understanding the necessity of quorums and societies is grounded in understanding this purpose. It is not an individual journey. President David O. McKay said that if men only needed “personal distinction or individual elevation, there would be no need of groups or quorums. The very existence of such groups, established by divine authorization, proclaims our dependence upon one another…”[vi] 

     To be a member of a quorum or the Relief Society is to adhere to the responsibilities and principles that govern each, and to be a part of such organization is a lifetime experience. Sister Beck states, “No matter where we serve, we always retain our “citizenship” in and our responsibility to the quorum or Relief Society.”[vii] 

     Sister Beck proceeds by outlining the reasons we are organized thus, first it is under the priesthood and after the pattern of the priesthood. Each ward is guided by a Bishop who is endowed with keys, or authority from God, for his ward. The quorum and Relief Society leaders are utilized by the bishops “under-shepherds” who “magnify, enhance, and distribute his watchcare”[viii] After the pattern of the priesthood is also an important concept to understand. Quorum and Relief Society leaders have a “measure of divine authority given to them regarding the government and instruction of those they are called to lead.” [ix] The sustaining process is also a priesthood pattern, we do not elect our leaders by popular vote-when we sustain leadership it is an act of our faith in the Lord and those who are called by our leaders. It is a public display of support for their responsibility to lead us. 

     The second reason for such an organization is to focus Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters on the work of salvation. The work of salvation includes missionary work, retaining in activation those who are converted; it is also a focus on family temple and family history work. Additionally, this includes improving the temporal and spiritual existence of our members and others. Elder John A. Widtsoe stated that the saving work of the Relief Society is the “relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance- relief of all that hinders the joy and progression of woman.”[x] The quorums of the church are called to the same saving work. Elder Widtsoe continues, “to save souls opens the whole field of human activity and development.”[xi] 

     Thirdly, we are organized into quorums and Relief Societies to help the bishop wisely manage the Lord’s storehouse. This storehouse includes time, talents, compassion, materials and fiscal assets of members of the church. The Bishops depends on the quorums and Relief Societies to help him seek out and care for all those in his ward boundaries. President Henry B. Eyring said, “The only system [that can] provide succor and comfort across a church so large in a world so varied would be through individual servants near the people in need.”[xii] Here it is important to note the role of home teaching and visiting teaching. President Monson taught “ours is the responsibility to teach, to inspire, to motivate, to bring to activity and to eventual exaltation the songs and daughters of God.”[xiii] 

     The fourth reason is to provide a defense and refuge for Heavenly Father’s children and their families in the latter-day. Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated, “one of the greatest functions of the Relief Society is to provide sisterhood for women, just as the priesthood quorums provide brotherhood for men.”[xiv] It is our blessing and privilege to be a part of a sisterhood or brotherhood that provides a place of belonging.  Almost anywhere a family may go, a church family awaits them. It is the blessing of a global church striving for one-ness. 

     The fifth purpose for being organized into quorums and Relief Societies is to strengthen and support us in our family roles and responsibilities as sons and daughters of God. It is often in Relief Societies and quorums that family leaders and future family leaders are able to develop qualities which will help support them in establishing patterns and practice of righteous behavior and covenant keeping in their lives. Sister Eliza R. Snow, the second Relief Society President, stated: 

We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God…. Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated , but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters?”[xv] 

It is in the quorum that brothers are taught to “rise up” as “men of God” and “have done with lesser things. Give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of Kings[xvi].” As Sister Beck describes, it is the work of the purpose of “the quorum and the Relief Society that clarifies the unique identities and responsibilities of sons and daughters of God and unifies them in defense of His plan”[xvii]. 

     To conclude, Sister Beck emphasized the importance of understanding the unique structure of the Church of Jesus Christ and the importance of each functioning position. Her driving point: there is so much needed to be done and there is an order in which to do it. She stated, “What the Lord envisioned regarding quorums and Relief Societies has not yet been fully utilized. Many ...are at present sleeping giants waiting for you to breathe new life into them.” [xviii] 

     I was in the audience when Sister Beck delivered this devotional and I was touched by the authority and strength by which she spoke. I truly believe that understanding is critical to true and active membership in the Church and it is in understanding the proper order and necessity for the order that will lead us to respect, honor and appreciate it. 

     I would like to close with Sister Beck’s last sentence which states “we are ‘called by the voice of the Prophet of God to do it,’ and, as we do so, ‘the angels cannot be restrained from being [our] associates.’”[xix] 

- Kyra 

See the full article at: http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=2012

---

[i] Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know- and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, February 1993, 9.
[ii] Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder Should Know- and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, February 1993, 9.
[iii] Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11^th ed. (2003), s.v. “society:, 1184.
[iv] Joseph F. Smith, in Minutes of the General Board of Relief Society, 17 March 1914, Church History Library, 54-55; Quoted in Daughters of My Kingdom.
[v] Moses 1:38
[vi] David O. McKay, in CR, October
[vii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 2.
[viii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 3.
[ix] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 3.
[x] John a Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 308.
[xi] John a Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, 308.              
[xii] Henry B. Eyring, “The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society,” Ensign, November 2009, 123.
[xiii] Thomas S. Monson, “Prophet Speaks- The Wise Obey,” general conference leadership session, Friday, 3 April 1987; quoted in Teaching of Thomas S. Monson, 140.
[xiv] Dallin H. Oaks, “The Relief Society and the Church,” 37.
[xv] Eliza R. Snow, address to Lehi Ward Relief Society, 27 October 1869, Lehi Ward, Alpine (Utah) Stake, in Relief Society, Minutes Book, 1868-1879, Church History Library, Salt Lake City, 26-27.
[xvi] “Rise Up, O Men of God,” Hymns, 2002, no. 323.
[xvii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 7.
[xviii] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 8.
[xix] Julie B. Beck, “Why We are Organized in Quorums and Relief Societies”, BYU Speeches, January 12,2012, 8.