Ann

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses! This is such a wonderful community. You've given me a lot to reflect on. I deeply believe in the truth of the Gospel and have no desire to stray, so it's been invaluable to connect with other members here and gain their perspectives, especially since I don't have many opportunities for that in my own ward.

Hello! I’m a woman deeply committed to my faith and the church, with a strong testimony of the gospel that means the world to me. Lately, though, I’ve been feeling a bit isolated in my thoughts and emotions, which has me wondering if others might feel the same way. I find myself agreeing with many ideas shared by progressive LDS members, though I differ when it comes to LGBTQ matters. To be clear, I wholeheartedly believe in showing love and ensuring our LGBTQ brothers and sisters have a place in both the church and society. But when it comes to celestial marriage, I hold firm that it will always be between one man and one woman. Polygamy, to me, feels like something that came up because we live in a flawed, fallen world—I trust it’ll all work out in the hereafter. For me, the celestial ideal is one man and one woman united, and while I know that view might stir some debate, it’s where my heart rests. Throughout my life, I’ve wrestled with how women have been treated and viewed, both in the church and beyond its walls. I’m truly grateful to be living in a time when real progress is happening, especially within the church. I’m so appreciative of the brethren and the meaningful steps they’re taking! Still, there are some things that weigh on me. Just to clarify, I don’t consider myself a modern feminist—I feel the movement has drifted from its roots and now pushes ideas, like equating transgender women with biological women, that I can’t support. In my mind, transgender women aren’t women in quite the same way. If I had to describe my stance, I might call myself an egalitarian—yes, it carries some political weight, but it captures how I see men and women as equal yet distinct, like two beautiful pieces of a divine whole. I deeply value the doctrine that men hold the priesthood to serve others, just as I cherish women’s sacred role to nurture and teach, often through motherhood—though I know not every woman becomes a mother, and they can live out that calling in so many wonderful ways. I’m not one to push for women’s ordination to the priesthood, but I do find myself missing some of the privileges we once had, like when women in the early church could bless the sick. When our roles come together, I believe it creates something truly harmonious. What troubles me, though, is the sense that women’s voices and perspectives don’t always seem to matter as much as men’s—except maybe in certain callings. Too often, I feel overlooked by men who then offer well-meaning but empty comments like, “Women are more faithful than men—that’s why more of them will be in heaven.” That just doesn’t sit right with me. In our culture, motherhood is often lifted higher than fatherhood, but I see them as equally essential. After all, we pray to our Heavenly Father for guidance. I’d love to hear more about women in the church—both from history and today. The scriptures don’t say much about them, and I wish we honored the women of the gospel as much as we do the men and prophets. I’m not looking for attention or a big role—I just want women to be part of the discussion. I also wonder why we still separate Sunday School by gender. I’d love to see callings built more around partnerships—like husbands and wives serving together—rather than splitting priesthood holders and women apart. It feels important for men and women, boys and girls, to learn about each other’s divine roles side by side. Same goes for church activities—I’d rather see events that bring us all together instead of dividing into Relief Society or Elders’ groups. Most couples want to spend that time with each other, and we could design things to include singles without making it all about family stuff. Above all, I’m praying for more revelation about our Heavenly Mother. My love for my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ, runs deep, but I long for a divine feminine example to guide me. My dad was my rock growing up—he shaped my faith in huge ways—but it was my mom’s influence that made me who I am today. I want that kind of connection with my Heavenly Mother, too. I’d still pray to the Father and seek His wisdom, but I yearn to understand the feminine ideal I’m meant to strive for—to see the full picture of what men and women are meant to be together. I hope that longing isn’t out of place; it’s just what’s in my heart. Sorry for going on so long! I hope my words don’t upset anyone—I’m sharing them with an open heart and a lot of faith. Thank you for hearing me out!