I believe in Christ. I believe he lives and that he loves
everyone. His gospel is all about
love; not an abstract love, but a love of God and love of every individual. He truly is mindful of individuals and
asks us to follow him.
I want to share the gospel because
I see how blessed my life is. When
I choose to trust Christ, he becomes my foundation and my strength on which I
can rely. This testimony helps me
face challenges with hope and face success with humility. He teaches me every day how I can be
forgiving of my self and others, appreciate where I’m at in my development, and
strive to be more patient, kind, loving and happy. Life isn’t easy but I’m learning to appreciate the rough
spots that give life added beauty and meaning. The gospel of Jesus Christ makes my life rich- it adds value
to my relationships and every day interactions with the world around me.
The scriptures state, “for this is
my work and my glory- to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”
(Moses 1:39) and also “men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). I have not done enough to share the
gospel, but I want to start, because I know that in this turbulent world I have
peace and joy by following the Savior.
Wearing pants to church is a small
thing and I know I need to do more to share the gospel. But I also know there are many women
who leave the church because when they express feelings of or questions
concerning inequality they receive glares and reprimands from other ward
members rather than love and support in finding answers. We are asked to sustain and follow our
leaders, but we are not asked to do so blindly. We’re encouraged to ask
questions, seek answers, and develop our testimony: “Therefore, ask, and ye
shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (3 Nephi 27:29).
I hope that by wearing pants today
I’ll have the opportunity to support those women who struggle with questions
surrounding the relationship between gender equality, gender roles, and church
leadership; to show them that they aren’t alone and that they are welcome and
wanted.
A
note from my husband Jed: I am also wearing pants today, but I always wear
pants to church. However, I am wearing a purple shirt. Purple was the color
used by suffragists early in the 1900s when trying to obtain the right to vote
for women. I support my wife and others who are expressing themselves in this
way. I also believe in the gospel and this church and welcome everyone to join
in its blessings.
