I was honored to be able to watch the session with all four of my amazing daughters. Plus Wallaby's BBQ. Much to love in this meeting.
#1 Diversity
I'm not a promoter of diversity for the sake of diversity. If something isn't supposed to make a difference, making an issue of it forces it to make a difference. Besides, I don't want true diversity. I don't want an equal percentage of law-abiding people and criminals in my neighborhood, for one example.
Maybe a better words is “variety.” Either way, it was wonderful to hear so many different languages, styles of dress, ages, homes, temples, and accents. It's so much more interesting. More to the point, it is good to be unified in faith and cause with so many who are in such different circumstances.
#2 Humanity
In the 90s I read a biographical book about Marjorie Hinckley. She told a story of her husband as a boy using a bad word and having his mouth washed out with soap by his momma. Strangely, I rejoiced at the story. Hearing that even the prophet did really dumb, bad stuff was good to hear. It gave me hope.
Last night President Neill F. Marriot (if we call male counselor's after the title of the office holder, why not female?) told about going to the temple to receive guidance about a problem. The answer was that she was sinful and needed to change. Rather than promoting the leadership idol worship Mormons are wont to engage in, she put herself squarely in the midst of the rest of us: an imperfect human being greatly in need of the Savior's mercy.
A self-absorbed natural women is an enemy to God.
I can totally relate.Â
#3 Voices
Women being quoted with an authoritative voice by other speakers. Women being used for voice over as the meeting began. Women speaking about their various temple experiences. (Particularly the woman who had lost six children in an earthquake!)
#4 Verbiage
President Diether Uchtoforf began by noting the meeting “as we open another General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Past references (as well as Ensign placement) have always treated this week-before-real-conference meeting as a separate entity, even though the Priesthood Session is an official General Conference session.
Women were referred to as:
- Blessed disciples of Jesus Christ
- Daughters of heavenly parents
#5 Golden
The lone woman in the golden blouse in the choir. (OK, I do think there was one other woman with a paler yellow. But amidst the fuchsia, red, and purple, we squealed every time she was on camera.)
Dare to be different, sister!
What were your favorite stories, ideas, quotes? Please add them in the comments!Â
I am so glad you posted this. After watching a recording of the European meeting, I didn’t watch! But I watched this morning on your recommendation. There was much inspiration and hope!
My favorite had to be the Korean children singing. Lots of adorableness to go around!
Cherish, glad you were encouraged and ended up liking it. 🙂
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Great points. I am ” that woman” too. The question is do I take that and work on it too….or do I dismiss it as her personal chastisement and seek out my own. Not that I go looking to be chastened.
Oh and it was 6 children killed in the quake. I remember thinking immediately about my own 6 and how that would have wiped out my family in one fell swoop. 🙁
Thanks! I’ve updated the post to correct the error.
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Agreed. Much to love in this meeting. I also loved how stories of the younger girls were included without being patronizing. I was glad for the focus on the temple because I struggle with it. I don’t understand all the ritual and it makes me uncomfortable but the women who spoke about it helped.
I listened in with my wife. (Am I in trouble?) Thought it was a good meeting all around. I think they are listening!
Thank you for this. It was a good meeting. First black woman to pray in a session. Represent!
1. First black woman to pray in a session of conference.
2. I thought I heard a lot less of the Primary voice this time. Is that just wishful thinking?
3. The video of the Korean children – so beautiful.
4. I loved the arrangements of the music.
5. Sister Marriott’s family picture. Actually, I liked her whole talk. So great to hear from her.
So heard lots of Primary voice from the woman conducting and the women in the black dress. Mostly they seem to todo the stilted, unnatural reading most GAs do just in a higher voice.
I still thought it was a vast improvement.
good meeting. hope gc can meet the same standard.
Someone was screaming about the gold shirt. I just know it.
The very last thing the last woman on the video said was “Never stop your steps to the Temple.” I grabbed an old envelope in my purse and jotted that down. It was a simply powerful phrase.
Kind of off topic, but how did you create the image with the woman in the circle lighter than the rest of the image? Inquiring minds…
Marshall, it’s probably not the “expert” way — because I’m no graphic artist — but here are the steps using Adobe Illustrator.
Hope that makes sense!
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I’m dealing with gender identity issues so I enjoy the ladies’ conference most. Totally agree about the bright blouse, btw.
This is response to Angie’s comment about the first black woman giving the prayer.
The first non-white prayer gave a prayer in the Women’ Meeting in March of this year. Her name was Ofa Kaufusi.
Kris, thanks. 🙂 Yes, after I posted that I was reading on Facebook about that. Funny, I don’t remember a whole lot of talk about it then. Maybe because (I believe) Sister Kaufusi lives in the Salt Lake area?
At any rate, it was very cool to hear a sister from South Africa!
I think Kaufusi is Samoan. Maybe Tongan. ???
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