The Power of Women

In honor of today being the 100th Anniversary International Women's Day, I thought I would share some of my favorite quotes and thoughts about the power of women, especially LDS women.

Brigham Young said, "Now, I say the women have great influence. Look at the nations of the earth. Any nation you like, no matter which, and you enlist the sympathies of the female portion of it and what is there you cannot perform?"

Wilford Woodruff said, “I am glad there is a little spirit among our sisters, and that they dare say their souls are their own.” I love it! Its okay to be spunky!

David O. McKay said, “A beautiful, modest, gracious woman is creation’s masterpiece. When to these virtues a woman possesses as guiding stars in her life righteousness and godliness and an irresistible impulse and desire to make others happy, no one will question if she be classed among those who are truly great.”

The three quotes above were from here. I only selected a few, but there are many more!

One of my favorite things about being an LDS woman is my membership in the Relief Society. I love Relief Society!! Sister Julie B. Beck, the Relief Society General President gave an amazing talk about the purposes of Relief Society and the women in it. 

I love this statement she makes at the end of her talk, "President Spencer W. Kimball stated a number of years ago that 'there is a power in this organization that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God—nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society.' Relief Society was established by the Lord to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare for the blessings of eternal life. Our aim is to support the women of the Church in their individual responsibilities by ensuring that every meeting, every lesson, and every activity we undertake helps them increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen their families and their homes, and serve the Lord and His children."

I also really liked this talk by Patricia Holland. So inspiring!! As is this talk by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

President Kimball said the following: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days . . . will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that [they] are seen as distinct and different —in happy ways—from the women of the world” ( Ensign, Nov. 1979, 103–4 ; emphasis added).

I'm definitely feeling very inspired today about my role as a woman and the power and influence I have in my life here and now.

I said something to my co-worker about today being International Women's Day and she didn't understand. I explained that it celebrates the positive influence women do have and can have on the world. Her next comment made me so sad, "We can do that?" Of course we can!! If we don't, who will?! I'm so grateful for a religion that teaches the value and roles of women and then whole-heartedly supports us. 

Happy International Women's Day!!