Mormon Women Monday Myth's and Truths # 6

Picture taken from mormonwomen

Some of my friends who are not LDS do not understand the devotion Mormon women give not only to their families, but to the church.  In today's world there is so much rage and negativity going on around us, so why is it that most mormon women are so happy?  It is thought by LDS women that we have a divine calling to be a mother, to raise children our Heavenly Father has sent to us and entrusted to our care.  Mormons believe the family is central to God's plan for the happiness of His children and family is the fundamental unit in society.  With that being said, I can say we believe no work can be nobler than that of a mother, those who rear and raise, nurse and nurture their families.  We also believe that all women, whether they have children or not, are mothers in the sense that the female gender has a divine, innate capacity to nurture and teach and care for others.

So, What about women who don't marry or have children but who would like to?
There are many women who do not have the opportunity to marry and bear or raise children but very much want to.  These women make up a large and significant portion of the LDS church, and they contribute an equally large and significant portion to the Church and all of its programs.
Latter Day Prophets have repeatedly taught that those "whose circumstances do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and priesthood in this life will receive all promised blessings in the eternities."
This is so hard for many, many women who want so badly to have a child of their own, but I truly believe our Heavenly Father will provide motherhood to those who are obedient and continue to do good.  My sister in law and brother in law were unable to conceive their own children, so they adopted 4  children to complete their family, and to bless our entire extended family. My nieces and nephew were sent here to earth to be a part of the Williams family, they just used a different body to get those little spirits here, and how grateful we are their mother's were able to allow Doran and Shannon to raise them.

CAN MORMON WOMEN WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME?

ANSWER: YES

Latter Day Saint women across the world hold professional titals of CEO, VP's, doctor, professor, author, artist, teacher, athlete, and business owners.   It makes me laugh when I hear people say this, especially when I'm at work.  The idea that faithful mormon women can't, shouldn't or don't work outside the home with a career  or pursue schooling is absolutley not true, nor is it what the LDS leadership teaches.
We do place the family as our 1st priority and highest regard,  we believe that all decisions regarding a wife or mother's employment should be weighed carefully on how it will effect the family and the rearing of their children, husband and wife make these decisions together.
"The Family Proclamation to the World" teaches that although husband and wife are equal partners, each gender does have a principal role in the family. Mother's are primarily responsible for the nurturing of their children, and fathers are primarily responsible to provide the necessities of life, but so many times "life" is a disability, a death, or other circumstances that may require us to adapt.
However, the fact is an LDS woman working outside the home or pursuing a career is left to her to decide and is entirely dependent upon her individual, marital, family and social situation.  We as mormons are taught not to judge any mother who chooses to work outside the home, regardless of the situation.

CAN MORMON WOMEN PURSUE EDUCATION?

ANSWER: WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO---SO YES

Theologically we are encouraged to gain an education and develop our minds, talents and abilities.
Spencer W Kimball who was a prophet when I was growing up said "The emphasis on education for LDS women continues, we want our women to be well educated"
The modern day Prophet President Monson has given counsel to both male and female "God wants you to educate your mind and to develop your skills and talents, education will prepare you for greater service in the world and in the church.  It will help you better provide for yourself, your family, and those in need.  It will also help you be a wise counselor and companion to your future spouse and an informed and effective teacher of your future children"
In a 2010 study they found that women of all faiths "believe more fervently in God" than men, and that "by virtually every meassure they are more religious" than men.
This goes along with a quote from President James E Faust a leader of the LDS church when he said "Surely the secret citadel of women's inner strength is spirituality. In this, you equal and even surpass men, as you do in faith, morality, and commitment when truly converted to the gospel.  We believe that God planted within women something divine."