How to fullfill President Kimball's Prophecy?

[SwissMrs&Pitchfirecaptain of 1,000]

I'm sure we're all familiar with President Kimball's quote: "Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world...will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different - in happy ways - from the women of the world."

I put that quote with these, "It has been three decades since that call to action. Are we all that different from the other good women of the world? Are we ever going to do more than just quote President Kimball? We have the gift of the Holy Ghost, a living prophet, spiritual gifts that magnify us, access to priesthood power, ordinances that endow us with knowledge and power, unique leadership training, and the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. We should be far more distinctive than even the very finest women in the world. But are we? In our everyday lives, do we "talk of Christ," "rejoice in Christ," "preach of Christ," and testify of Him (2 Nephi 25:26)? Are we women on a mission to build His kingdom?" Sister Sherri Dew

“It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the…women of the world, in everything that is praiseworthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and…purifying to the children of men.” (Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church [1998])

I feel a part of this unseen movement, that there is much I need to be doing. I've been directed to do some things specifically but there is still much I do not know and would like to know what you are doing? How do we bring President Kimball's prophecy to pass?

[jonesdecaptain of 1,000]

Maybe prozac/zoloft/etc are a means to fulfillment of this prophecy?

DISCLAIMER: The sarcastic statement above does not reflect my opinion on all cases where such substances are involved (just most of them).

[SwissMrs&Pitchfirecaptain of 1,000]

I read President Kimball's quote during one of my RS lessons (I teach the 3rd Sunday) and I got much the same response there. All the more reason to post it.

[AshleyBcaptain of 1,000]

I think this is a good topic SwissMrs... the only thing I could think when I read it was that I was definitely not living up to those expectations. Thus why I didn't respond. I'm still not entirely sure how to truly become that way. It's just small steps for me everyday and an awful lot of repenting and learning some of the same things over and over. I do know that changes are taking place within me. But I definitely don't see myself as being one of those women.

There have been some things I have recognized recently that I have been doing that I never considered very important. One of them is sharing the gospel on the internet. I realized that some things in my blessing that just might have been being fulfilled by sharing the things of my heart online. Though I never even thought about that. I think just being prompted to open my mouth and share and doing it are things that may be helping in ways I hadn't considered very important. You never know how what you say or do impacts someone else.

[jimmykcaptain of 10]

I have seen and heard many outstanding women in the church and outside of the church who are strong and valiant and good and who are are trying to make a difference in so many ways in the world, who are standing up for things that are right and trying to bring to light things that are wrong. WOMEN ARE THE COURAGEOUS PEOPLE OF THESE DAYS. As men we are to quiet to lazy and to wimpy to make a difference so the women are doing most of our work for us. Lets wake up men and be men and use the many great gifts that we are endowed with and try to make the women of the world proud of us.

[SwissMrs&Pitchfirecaptain of 1,000]

I think our on line contributions are often times much bigger than we realize. I remember a few years ago looking for information on a particular topic and was stunned to find that my searches brought up blogs by women who were not LDS but who where living the truths we espouse. I was so frustrated to not find members who were teaching what I needed to learn at the time. Because even though these women were good, and teaching much truth, they were still lacking. Then it occurred to me, I have the gift of the Holy Ghost and I should be one of the women leading. I've since found many quotes from the prophets on this topic (us needing to be the ones leading the women of the world) I only posted a few. But, it is something I ponder often and am continually looking for more inspiration. I often feel so frustrated in RS wanting to know how to help the women to see who they are and what they have. I want so much more for them.

[NoGreaterLovecaptain of 1,000]

I think our on line contributions are often times much bigger than we realize. I remember a few years ago looking for information on a particular topic and was stunned to find that my searches brought up blogs by women who were not LDS but who where living the truths we espouse. I was so frustrated to not find members who were teaching what I needed to learn at the time. Because even though these women were good, and teaching much truth, they were still lacking. Then it occurred to me, I have the gift of the Holy Ghost and I should be one of the women leading. I've since found many quotes from the prophets on this topic (us needing to be the ones leading the women of the world) I only posted a few. But, it is something I ponder often and am continually looking for more inspiration. I often feel so frustrated in RS wanting to know how to help the women to see who they are and what they have. I want so much more for them.

I think that is very admirable. This is a great thread!

[Randcaptain of 1,000]

I agree, this is a great thread.

I have seen and heard many outstanding women in the church and outside of the church who are strong and valiant and good and who are are trying to make a difference in so many ways in the world, who are standing up for things that are right and trying to bring to light things that are wrong. WOMEN ARE THE COURAGEOUS PEOPLE OF THESE DAYS. As men we are to quiet to lazy and to wimpy to make a difference so the women are doing most of our work for us. Lets wake up men and be men and use the many great gifts that we are endowed with and try to make the women of the world proud of us.

I agree with Jimmyk, and think that the powerfully good things that women do, and need to do to reach this prophetic promise, are the little things. The kindness in a difficult situation, thoughtfulness on top of a full day and full hands, Being as well as doing. Good people notice good acts, large of small. I think as you women try, share, grow and manifest the grandness I see in both of you, SwissMrs, and Thebestsun, you the characteristics that will draw and attract those good women in the world who have a craving for that goodness, but it is lacking in society. They will come. I am in awe of the great women in our church. Such goodness. Such kindness and caring.

[Deborah000captain of 100]

Before I found the church, I prayed for the Lord to show me what what was right and true and good. I further prayed that if He would, then I would do it.

This became a constant, almost rote prayer to me. "'Please, show me what is right and true and good and I will do it." "Please show me what is right and true and good and I will do it" I ended all my prayers with this pleading.

After some time, one Sunday I found my way to the chapel of the church in my area, and there I met the missionaries on my way to the door. After asking them for information on the church, which they welcomed with huge smiles, they came to my home to teach me the gospel. The Spirit whispered to me that their message was "what was right and true and good", and I happily prepared to "do it" and was baptized.

Of all the many new things I learned and the many new people I grew to love, it was the women and in particular the program of visiting teaching that bound my heart to His church. By visiting in their homes and they in mine, with our little children in tow, I learned the gospel reflected in their warmth and friendship. I learned to live the gospel by following their example.

President Kimball was the prophet of the Church at this time, and I have always been grateful for his wonderful counsel.

[gardenerof12captain of 50]

I have thought about this a lot. Right before my life really crashed (about 2 1/2 years ago - Children's Services... long story, still dealing with it) I wanted to teach a class with Bro Skousen's Making of America as the text, for the community.I was unable to teach the class. I have been pretty focused on my family recently. However, (it may have even been here) I have read that this nation must be righteous in order to be free. This has helped me as I focus more on my family, trying to raise righteous citizens. I also think that, in order to fulfill President Kimball's prophecy we need to find joy in serving our family. I have been reading a blog (misfit cygnet) about "mormon culture" and the attitude that we can take Babylon and "clean it up" and then it's good. Just take the swear words out of the movie, just add leggins to a skirt that is too short and then it's good, be a stay-at-home mom but send your 3 year old to preschool so you can "do lunch." I do not know haw to go about it, but it has to be an entire change of attitude, to develop a "mother's heart," to find joy in living the complete gospel.

[sbsioncaptain of 1,000]

how else could we prepare for and make available celestial principles?

[Randcaptain of 1,000]

Before I found the church, I prayed for the Lord to show me what what was right and true and good. I further prayed that if He would, then I would do it.

This became a constant, almost rote prayer to me. "'Please, show me what is right and true and good and I will do it." "Please show me what is right and true and good and I will do it" I ended all my prayers with this pleading.

After some time, one Sunday I found my way to the chapel of the church in my area, and there I met the missionaries on my way to the door. After asking them for information on the church, which they welcomed with huge smiles, they came to my home to teach me the gospel. The Spirit whispered to me that their message was "what was right and true and good", and I happily prepared to "do it" and was baptized.

Of all the many new things I learned and the many new people I grew to love, it was the women and in particular the program of visiting teaching that bound my heart to His church. By visiting in their homes and they in mine, with our little children in tow, I learned the gospel reflected in their warmth and friendship. I learned to live the gospel by following their example.

President Kimball was the prophet of the Church at this time, and I have always been grateful for his wonderful counsel.

Welcome Deborah. Great story. In an extraordinary way, that is such a typical story, not to diminish your experience, but prayers for what is good and true, end up being answered in just this way. I hope to see more of you on the forum.

[NoGreaterLovecaptain of 1,000]

I have thought about this a lot. Right before my life really crashed (about 2 1/2 years ago - Children's Services... long story, still dealing with it) I wanted to teach a class with Bro Skousen's Making of America as the text, for the community.I was unable to teach the class. I have been pretty focused on my family recently. However, (it may have even been here) I have read that this nation must be righteous in order to be free. This has helped me as I focus more on my family, trying to raise righteous citizens. I also think that, in order to fulfill President Kimball's prophecy we need to find joy in serving our family. I have been reading a blog (misfit cygnet) about "mormon culture" and the attitude that we can take Babylon and "clean it up" and then it's good. Just take the swear words out of the movie, just add leggins to a skirt that is too short and then it's good, be a stay-at-home mom but send your 3 year old to preschool so you can "do lunch." I do not know haw to go about it, but it has to be an entire change of attitude, to develop a "mother's heart," to find joy in living the complete gospel.

One of Satan's greatest tool IMO with the saints is to tell them it is ok to keep one foot in Babylon by just changing a few things. You are in or you are out, if you are luke warm...........

[nutmegcaptain of 100]

this is a great thread! i don't have much to add except that i have been so yearning to be MORE peculiar, if that is possible, lol. Are you familiar with the Titus 2 women? you can find out about them on various blogs. The Duggars also, are just a fabulous example of Non-LDS Christian women doing what I think more LDS women should be doing. They have a new book out called "A Love That Multiplies" and I feel like I've learned more about parenting and being a righteous mother from that book than anything else. I'm so impressed by how they drink in the Bible (the only scriptures they have--we have so much more!) and LIVE it. It seems like everything thing they do they got from the Bible. It's amazing. I've been feeling so impressed that I need to be like that but with the fullness of the truth. I'm even considering wearing skirts more, lol. I haven't gotten that far yet, though, don't be too scared for me! I had a friend growing up who had just moved from Anchorage, Alaska and she said the area authorities there had asked the sisters to wear skirts more, not just at church. I remember thinking, as a teenager, how awesome that would be and wishing the Seattle area authorities would do the same! i guess i didn't think i could do it on my own then .

Not that it's just about dressing differently, i don't want to derail here. But i do think that makes a difference. Instead of always just straddling the line of barely modest or "modest is hottest" to instead err on the side of being too modest, of trying always not to be even remotely immodest, if i'm making any sense. to not even be thinking, "am i covering up this that and the other just enough" but be thinking "what overall impression or spirit am i conveying? is it a modest spirit?". Those Duggar kids are just being steeped in scripture and prepared for a life of service and sacrifice and taught to stay far far away from evil influences and i just keep thinking that if all LDS parents did this how we could change the world in a generation. really.

I so need to repent and do better!

[SwissMrs&Pitchfirecaptain of 1,000]

I mentioned the Duggars to my VT a couple of years ago and her response was that Michelle has to be on Prozac, no one could do it otherwise.

I've been thinking about becoming a skirt lady for several years. It just felt like something I should do. But, I didn't get serious about it until about 2 years ago. One day I was really thinking about it and opened up my scriptures to Deuteronomy 22:5 "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man.."

There is an unorganized religion in our area and all the women who belong to it wear skirts. One of the women is a really good friend of mine. I've felt a real sisterhood with her, something I've never felt before. We talk about every religious topic there is in an open objective way. She is so charitable, kind, honest, and Christlike. We have very different ideas about a lot of topics but we remain good friends. Back to skirts, I became really frustrated for a while because of the way she expressed why she wore skirts (I have a running poll and ask everyone we meet that wears them, why they do). She expressed it in a way that turned me off. I didn't want to be associated with their religion because I wore skirts and so I stopped. It's been a big struggle for me.

We live in a very small town and we are the only ones who homeschool from our branch. Yesterday in Priesthood they were discussing all the problems in the public school system (drugs, sex, drinking etc. all done very openly) and one of the missionaries said, "Why don't you just homeschool?" Pitchfire hurriedly replied, "Bite your tongue Elder!" Homeschooling is very taboo in our branch! The teacher then went into a discourse about the evils of homeschooling. They believe we need to expose our children to evil so they can be strong and be an influence for good to covert the community. Nearly every youth in our branch is part of the party crowd. Pitch was so close to running to the library to grab this quote (but they were on borrowed time already):

President Harold B. Lee had this to say:

“Build a bonfire sometime and watch the beautiful moths and insects come wheeling in because of the enticement of the bright lights. Round and round, closer and closer they whirl until their daring prompts a fatal mistake and they fall with singed wings to their doom in the burning furnace of tempting fascination. I’ve seen beautiful young human butterflies playing with the tempting fires of sin. They want to see the bright spots of a big, sinful city while they are away from home. … By improper dress and look and cheap conversation, they issue invitations for the advances of the unholy. They listen to and repeat the filthy and obscene story. They tell themselves that experience with vice and sin is necessary preparation for protection against it. They draw a distinction between the ‘kill, rob and cheat’ kinds of sin and the ‘pleasant sort of sinning,’ which they consider less serious. They forget the warning of the wise man who said that ‘The knowledge of sin tempteth to its commission,’ and that you can’t come in contact with sin in any form without losing a certain pure-mindedness. They little realize that:
“‘Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.’

“Many of these beautiful human butterflies winged for heavenly flight have fallen with wings singed and badly seared because of their curiosity about the forbidden” (Decisions for Successful Living [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973], pp. 87–88).

[bbrowncaptain of 100]

WOW! they really would hate it if we made it up there wouldn't they! "Now there is two of them" When that comes up (and it has several times) I always ask why they don't send their kids to the brothels, bars, and porn shops "they need to be exposed to this so they can reject it!"

[bbrowncaptain of 100]

The topic makes me think of the talks from Sister Beck from October 2007 general conference:

http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/ ... w?lang=eng

http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/ ... e?lang=eng

These talks received great backlash from women within the church (signed petitions running around), and that is a hint right there that these principles are something that we aren't accepting and doing as a people.

I'm also reminded of a chapter in the second "Thomas Jefferson Education" book. I think the chapter was entitled "Motherhood vs. Feminism" or something of that nature and I dislike the topic SO much that I skipped it and only after reading the entire book went back to test the waters and read it. It turned out to be a fabulous read, discussing how being a mother doesn't equate to being inactive in the community, a recluse, etc as the stigma attached to it suggests, but that good mothers teach and involve their children in being an influence for good in the world around them.

I do think that too often when we think of our duty as members to share the gospel, teach correct principles, uphold the constitution, etc that we have a tendency to look at the work and teaching we do within our own homes as a secondary or lesser way of fulfilling these covenants and duties, and are admonished to do more outside the home and family. The reality is exactly the opposite...we teach our children and build up that relationship first, and through that work, influence others for good far more than we would otherwise be able. Not only unknown generations of posterity, but the possible influence for good in every person that we and they come into contact with throughout our lives. I think living principles, especially those relative to family (which, in reality, is the whole gospel and it's purpose), is one of the best and perhaps most obvious ways we can be a peculiar people and stand as witnesses of truth, showing others happiness in family life IS attainable, desirable, and can be eternal.

CB

[AshleyBcaptain of 1,000]

That would have been a good quote for them to hear from Pitch. Personally I think homeschooling is great and if you are someone who has the discipline and no how to do a good job at it then I think its probably always going to be the best option. However, I don't think I'm disciplined enough to be able to do that. I have a hard time doing preschool with my toddlers now. I think either argument can be seen as nonsensical though. Arguing they need the exposure to reject evils is pretty silly but also trying to shelter you kids from everything can be a very bad idea too. I don't think we should overly expose them to things because they will get that exposure if they live a clean and normal life anyway but I think some parents still can try to go way over bored and shelter their kids too much too and either one can be detrimental. Iv'e seen it go both ways.

[SwissMrs&Pitchfirecaptain of 1,000]

Come on over Catherine! We're actually planning on doing church over the phone as much as possible this summer.

Here are some irresistible quotes:

“Do you not think that these things make an impression upon the mind? Do you think I can forget the example of my mother? No; her faith and example will ever be bright in my memory. What do I think! Every breath I breathe, every feeling of my soul rises to God in thankfulness to Him that my mother was a Saint, that she was a woman of God, pure and faithful, and that she would suffer death rather than betray the trust committed to her; that she would suffer poverty and distress in the wilderness and try to hold her family together rather than remain in Babylon. That is the spirit which imbued her and her children. Would not her children be unworthy of such a mother did they not hearken to and follow her example? Therefore I say God bless the mothers in Israel.” Chapter 4: The Influence of Mothers," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: JosephF. Smith, (1998)

Years ago, a son wrote to his mother and asked her what she did to successfully rear her children—all nineteen of them! She wrote him this reply:

“The writing anything about my way of education I am much adverse to. It cannot, I think, be of service to anyone to know how I, who have lived such a retired life for so many years, used to employ my time and care in bringing up my own children. No one can, without renouncing the world, in the most literal sense, observe my methods; and there are few, if any, that would entirely devote above twenty years of the prime of life in hopes to save souls of their children, which they think may be saved without so much ado; for that was my principal intention, however unskillfully and unsuccessfully managed.” (Franklin Wilder, Immortal Mother, New York: Vantage Press, 1966, p. 43; italics added.)

That mother was Susannah Wesley, and the son who wrote was John Wesley, one of the great reformers. Twenty years of the prime of life in the hopes of saving the souls of her children! Such a task required skill, competence, courage, intelligence, and ingenuity far above any career.

Do you want a principle for successful motherhood? Make time to teach your children the gospel and principles of gospel living when they are young. It may be that you too will need to “renounce the world” and “devote above twenty years of the prime of life in hopes to save the souls of [your] children.”

No accomplishment transcends the building of the character of a son or a daughter of God.
President Benson ("The Honored Place of Woman", Ensign, Nov. 1981, 104)

[nutmegcaptain of 100]

Thank you Swiss Mrs! That last quote is fabulous. i just wrote a blog post about an experience i had on sunday that reaffirmed to me that the choice i made to forgo a career in singing and instead focus my life on being a stay at home mother. it occurred to me that someone else might be thinking that i could have done both, especially as it took a while to find the right guy, and maybe someone else wonderful and amazing could have. but i have always known that it would take, basically, devotion and just being a mom and not having all kinds of outside commitmments to make myself into a somewhat good mother. A few, yes, i'm not saying you never leave the house. I just wholeheartedly agree with that quote above, that's all!

[SwissMrs&Pitchfirecaptain of 1,000]

What is your blog?

[nutmegcaptain of 100]

i'll pm it to you. hubby and i are feeling a little paranoid, lol. this is actually the first post in like a year and a half. i had decided that i wasn't really loving the blog world anymore and how it always felt a little bit like a popularity contest and how it was just another distraction for me as a mother. i'm already a compulsive reader and distracted enough. but i felt strongly enough from my experience on sunday that i really wanted to write it out and share it, somehow. the gist of it is that i sang in a ward that is held at the Joseph Smith Memorial building and Elder Ballard was in attendance. I have never met an apostle even though I have lived in utah for 15 some years. It was an absolutely marvelous Christmas program and I had a whole little mini-revelation/reminder that my Savior knows me, loves me, is glad I choose this little motherly life, and wanted me to have this near-transcendant musical experience to sustain me. there's more to it and i suppose i could cut and paste it on here, but it's kinda long. it sounds dumb when i summarize it like that! oh well. anyway, if anyone wants to read it they can pm me, i think there are lots o' awesome people on this forum, but lets be honest, some people scare/bug me, so i don't really want it to just be out there! there's lots of pics of my cute kids, etc.

[JohnnyLcaptain of 1,000]

Lots of nice sharing here, thanks!

I see two sides a lot, and would love to see many more in between.

On one side, we have the "all is well in Zion" section, who doesn't really realize that... well, that's really Babylon, not Zion. They don't really read the scriptures, they don't really pray earnestly, but they go to church and are overall good women. They love to show up for women's conferences and pay big money to hear what was published in the Ensign a few years ago, to feel like they are "growing" and being good. They are easily brainwashed, usually poor thinkers, vote for people who are handsome, and say the same comments over and over every four years in Sunday School. They still enjoy books on the bestseller list, romances, and soap operas. They are very mainstream society, with some "more" added. They are good, but living far below their potential.

On the other side, we have the "all is bad in Zion" section, who are smarter and better than even the prophets and apostles, and aren't afraid to let anyone know it. They really are smarter in most areas than the other women and some of the men, love to lead others (including their husbands), and have done great things, including reading and praying (even if it might be to Heavenly Mother once in a while); BUT they have lost the Spirit, at least to a degree. At least a few are the closet feminists. Most are terrified of being seen as a different/ peculiar/ holy. They have lived up to their potential in most ways but the one most (and in the end, only) important way: spiritually.

I "dated" many of those two types at BYU, and was very disappointed. I was so, so sad when we were finally! getting together--and she bragged about how she cheated to get into Harvard law school (not that she even needed to!).
Of course, if they were better, they wouldn't have been interested in me, right? But you know, I think I would have preferred that...

Some really want to "fit in" with others, through trends, fashion, friendships, proving they are "doing things", etc. They don't realize that sometimes, it just can't be done, sorry. Sometimes they really want to help their husbands, but not in the way their husbands want or need it.

I would love to see much more of a better third kind. I have seen many of them. It is possible. I think the main problems are:
self-love;
self-acceptance;
fully accepting the gifts God has given them;
fully accepting the calling God has given them;
a clear purpose?

[linj2flycaptain of 1,000]

bump...

I'm sure we're all familiar with President Kimball's quote: "Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world...will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different - in happy ways - from the women of the world."

I put that quote with these, "It has been three decades since that call to action. Are we all that different from the other good women of the world? Are we ever going to do more than just quote President Kimball? We have the gift of the Holy Ghost, a living prophet, spiritual gifts that magnify us, access to priesthood power, ordinances that endow us with knowledge and power, unique leadership training, and the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. We should be far more distinctive than even the very finest women in the world. But are we? In our everyday lives, do we "talk of Christ," "rejoice in Christ," "preach of Christ," and testify of Him (2 Nephi 25:26)? Are we women on a mission to build His kingdom?" Sister Sherri Dew

“It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the…women of the world, in everything that is praiseworthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and…purifying to the children of men.” (Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church [1998])

I feel a part of this unseen movement, that there is much I need to be doing. I've been directed to do some things specifically but there is still much I do not know and would like to know what you are doing? How do we bring President Kimball's prophecy to pass?

Such a great post. I think I'll make it my New Years Resolution.

[ericcaptain of 100]

I'm sure we're all familiar with President Kimball's quote: "Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world...will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different - in happy ways - from the women of the world."

I put that quote with these, "It has been three decades since that call to action. Are we all that different from the other good women of the world? Are we ever going to do more than just quote President Kimball? We have the gift of the Holy Ghost, a living prophet, spiritual gifts that magnify us, access to priesthood power, ordinances that endow us with knowledge and power, unique leadership training, and the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness. We should be far more distinctive than even the very finest women in the world. But are we? In our everyday lives, do we "talk of Christ," "rejoice in Christ," "preach of Christ," and testify of Him (2 Nephi 25:26)? Are we women on a mission to build His kingdom?" Sister Sherri Dew

“It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the…women of the world, in everything that is praiseworthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and…purifying to the children of men.” (Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church [1998])

I feel a part of this unseen movement, that there is much I need to be doing. I've been directed to do some things specifically but there is still much I do not know and would like to know what you are doing? How do we bring President Kimball's prophecy to pass?

It may seem like there is alot of prozac, etc in the Church among women in Utah. You have to go outside the USA to find the prophecy in this quote. We could rarely find a good man to baptize in Brazil, but so many wonderful women who were drawn to the light of the restored gospel. Yes, I think it is being fulfilled - especially when you consider that President Kimball was the "prophet of the children of Lehi".

[karend77captain of 100]

Well couple things here. First the use of anti depressants theory for me is the stress LDS women put upon themselves to be perfect or keep up the appearances of being perfect. Even when one visit teaches a neighbor for years and you try to help and they "no no we will be fine" as if to ask for help is a sign of weakness. We need to allow each other, as sisters, to be imperfect, to ask for help in times of need. Allow each other the blessing of serving each other and through service grow to love one another that much more. So, please have compassion for Utah "prozac women", and if you know some, be kind.

Second, there are courageous young women out there setting the example in the USA. For instance, my daughter, due to health reasons, did not have children the first few years she was married. She taught school and those children became her children. She was much admired for her work. But after a few years, she did have children and choose to stay home with them after they were born. She loves being a mother. She has so much pressure from others to go back to teaching but tells her former co workers that being a mother is the best thing ever. She is a light to others. She doesnt preach outright the church, but her example of her priorities says enough. They know she is LDS.

[ericcaptain of 100]

Well couple things here. First the use of anti depressants theory for me is the stress LDS women put upon themselves to be perfect or keep up the appearances of being perfect. Even when one visit teaches a neighbor for years and you try to help and they "no no we will be fine" as if to ask for help is a sign of weakness. We need to allow each other, as sisters, to be imperfect, to ask for help in times of need. Allow each other the blessing of serving each other and through service grow to love one another that much more. So, please have compassion for Utah "prozac women", and if you know some, be kind.

Second, there are courageous young women out there setting the example in the USA. For instance, my daughter, due to health reasons, did not have children the first few years she was married. She taught school and those children became her children. She was much admired for her work. But after a few years, she did have children and choose to stay home with them after they were born. She loves being a mother. She has so much pressure from others to go back to teaching but tells her former co workers that being a mother is the best thing ever. She is a light to others. She doesnt preach outright the church, but her example of her priorities says enough. They know she is LDS.

Agreed, Karen77. The social pressure of the (Utah) LDS culture is enormous and mirrors the pride spoken of in the Book of Mormon. My wife and I have just learned to do what works for us - and to heck with all else that doesn't truly matter. It is liberating when you begin to no longer care about what others think and just do your own thing. It, quite frankly, is del diablo all the pressure that people project onto each other or feel themselves in response to the Joneses next door.....

[Fiannancaptain of 1,000]

Well couple things here. First the use of anti depressants theory for me is the stress LDS women put upon themselves to be perfect or keep up the appearances of being perfect.

A relative of mine is a teacher. He always stressed at how well he was doing until his principal took him aside and basically said, "I was not a good teacher until I stopped caring. When that happened I became an outstanding teacher." She did not mean that one should not care about your job but once you set yourself on autopilot and just do your best you will expend too much energy. Oh, the relative -- he wound up being one of the favorite teachers of the students and administrators.

I think the same can apply to all people. Don't worry what people think! Stand out and be proud of who you are and do not attempt to conform to what the society says. The Gospel is a relationship to Jesus and The Father, not to a culture. Unless something is a commandment in the scriptures then it is nothing but a cultural construct. Once people can then move on from guilt to picking what fits them they will suffer depression. You should have the courage to take your five kids to the store even if you live in a society where the average person has only 1 or 2 kids. And if your Relief Society president makes a comment about people with "too many kids" you should have the courage to call her on it. If she is critical that you have three ear-ring studs in your ear you should also have the bravery to just say "Whatever."

Life is too short to let others dictate our happiness. they did not die on a cross for us, did they? Well then why make such a deal over what they may think of you? I believe once men and women both get this mindset then the Church will expand rapidly! We need to get back to the individualism and esoteric ideals of the early saints. Once we get there we will be attractive to non-members again.