Sunday, December 16, 2012

Wearing Pants to Church


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.

1 comment:

  1. You rock, michelle. I didn't know you had a blog. I'm going to follow your adventures.

    ReplyDelete