by Charlotte Wilson | Jul 31, 2013 | About Mormons
I am a Mormon woman. That means that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a faith often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon church). I’ve been a Mormon my whole life, and now that I’m an adult, I find even more joy and fulfillment in my faith in Jesus Christ. The role of women in The Church of Jesus Christ is often misunderstood, so I’d like to give you an opportunity to get to know a Mormon woman better. Not only are Mormon women equal to men, but we have specific and important roles in our families, church congregations, and communities. I’ve compiled a list of my eight favorite places to be as a Mormon woman. I think you’ll find that I’m not so different from you.
1. The park
I love to visit the park. Especially when the weather cooperates, I love to take my son outside and let him play. I often meet up with friends and their children. This socializing is welcome, because while I certainly love being a stay-at-home mom, sometimes I crave some quality conversation with adults. Occasionally, though, I take a walk through the park by myself. This allows me to take in the beauty of God’s creations and express gratitude for the beautiful world I live in. (more…)
by ashley | Jun 17, 2013 | About Mormons
What can you say about a man of God that would capture his personality in the purest way? President Boyd K. Packer, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently called the “Mormon Church,”) is a man who is dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of his life. Anyone can see his virtue and light by looking up his name on the Internet, or occasionally by watching him on T.V., because of his role in The Church of Jesus Christ; but what is he like behind the scenes?
Boyd K. Packer’s Personal Endeavors
Like all great men and women who have made a positive mark on the world, President Packer has an outlet for personal growth and development. For some this may be fishing, others exercising, but for President Boyd K. Packer it has been carving and painting—with a particular emphasis on carving and painting birds. “‘Carving was restful to me. Sometimes when I got a little stressed or cranky, my wife would say, ‘Well, you had better start another carving,'” says President Packer. “Bird carving kept my hands busy and my mind free to think, ponder, and pray’” (see LDS Living).
Not only is President Packer a masterful (and very humble) artist, he is a teacher above reproach. He decided to become a teacher on a military assignment in Japan. He said:
I was on Ie Shima, a tiny speck of an island off the northwest coast of Okinawa. A few days earlier the island had been destroyed by a typhoon of such ferocious power that large ships went down and planes were blown off the island. The storm was passed, and the war was over, and I had a future. (more…)
by megan | Jun 13, 2013 | About Mormons
The notion of special “Mormon underwear” has long been a matter of curiosity for some non-Mormons. It can be difficult to understand, especially for a person who has not
grown up around Mormons or in a Mormon family. However, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently referred to as the “Mormon church,” have spoken about this topic many times.
The Proper Name for “Mormon Underwear”
“Temple garment” is the proper name for “Mormon underwear,” and is very important for endowed members. An endowed member is someone who has been to the temple. Not all Mormons are endowed. In order to enter the temple, Mormons must meet standards of worthiness. Elder Russell M. Nelson, an apostle and leader of The Church of Jesus Christ, explains the importance of the temple garment and why Mormons wear it always. He says:
Wearing the temple garment has deep symbolic significance. It represents a continuing commitment. Just as the Savior exemplified the need to endure to the end, we wear the garment faithfully as part of the enduring armor of God. Thus we demonstrate our faith in Him and in His eternal covenants with us (“Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 2001.) (more…)
by Delisa Hargrove | Jun 3, 2013 | About Mormons
Why Do Mormons Have Large Families?
“Is she your daughter?” I’ve heard this question dozens of times about my youngest sister Dionna. Technically, she could be my child. After all, her birth occurred after I began my freshman year at college.
I am the oldest of 8 children and one of 240 descendants of my paternal grandparents. Before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often inadvertently called the Mormon Church, my husband, overwhelmed with the magnitude of my extended family, said, “This isn’t a family — this is a nation!”
Large families are one distinguishing characteristic of Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”).
The Family Is Ordained of God
And [Jesus] took a child…in his arms [and] said…Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth…him that sent me (Mark 9:37). (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 28, 2013 | About Mormons
I remember one time when my siblings and I were growing up that my mom asked my brother (who was probably ten or so at the time) to help with the dinner dishes. He responded with “No, that’s woman’s work!” My mom, however, wasn’t the one who set my brother straight—it was my dad. My dad was the first to step in and tell my brother 
that his comment was not only disrespectful, but it also didn’t reflect our values as a family. In our family, no one was exempt from dish duty, man, woman, or child.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) shares these values. Husbands and wives are intended to work together and share the load, even when it means washing dishes.
Roles within the Family
God designed men and women with specific purpose and endowed men and women with specific talents and responsibilities. In an official statement issued by Church leaders in 1995, we learn that “by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). (more…)
