I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. I am a woman. And I am incredibly happy. With all that has been said concerning the
Ordain Women movement, I would like to try my hand at explaining my thoughts
the way the Savior often taught…in a parable.
I don't pretend to be perfect, and my parable is far from
being perfect, as well. However, I am
hoping that this will shed a helpful, somewhat clarifying light on how the
roles men and women play in the Lord’s church can be different while still
maintaining the same level of value and importance.
The Parable of the Cookie Jar
One bright Friday morning, Tom is skipping to school with an
extra hop in his step. His class has
earned enough points to have a cookie party!
Mr. Jones will be bringing cookies and a movie for the children to enjoy
during the last portion of the school day.
There is a buzz of excitement in the air as 24 seven and eight year olds
try to survive until the afternoon recess bell rings, calling them back into
the classroom where jars of cookies and delightful entertainment will await
them. When that blessed time comes, and
Tom and his friends come into the room, they see jars of cookies lined up on
the front table. The buzz of excitement
now turns into audible chatter and giggles.
Mr. Jones calls for the children’s attention and asks for all of the
boys to come up front. He explains that
each boy will receive a cookie jar, and each boy’s jar will be filled with
cookies to share with his classmates.
The boys all look into their jars and their smiles quickly melt down to
grimaces. One boy exclaims, “Ew! Oatmeal raisin…I hate oatmeal raisin!” Another disappointedly adds, “I wish I could have gotten oatmeal raisin,
I got peanut butter, and I’m allergic to peanuts!” Mr. Jones explains that each boy will not be
enjoying cookies from his own jar, but will be asked to share the cookies in
his jar with others in the class. Annie
raises her hand, “But, Mr. Jones, I want to hold a cookie jar!” “By not holding a jar,” Mr. Jones responds, “
your hands will be free to do other very important things. Plus, you will still receive just as many
cookies as every other student in the class.
I’m simply assigning the boys to hold the jars. That’s all.”
How can I be a happy Mormon woman? Why am I not frustrated that I don’t hold the
priesthood? I have a testimony of my
Heavenly Father and have had one from a very early age. I know he loves me. I know he is very aware of my circumstances
in life, and I know that he wants me to be just as happy as he is. I trust him, and I have a testimony of the
truthfulness of the gospel, as it is taught in the Bible, the Book of Mormon,
and by the living prophets and apostles. I know
that I can and will receive all that the Father has in store for me by honoring
the covenants I made with him in the temple.
I am so grateful for my knowledge and testimony of the truthfulness of
the gospel. My membership in the church
is not a source of frustration. Indeed,
it is the very reason I am happy.
