Discussion Questions
• With so many conflicting worldly views of women’s roles, how can we know and follow Heavenly Father’s plan for womanhood?
• How can following the prophets’ counsel to obtain an education help us fulfill our divine roles?
Excerpt from "LDS Women Are Incredible!" by Elder Quentin L. Cook, April 2011 General Conference:
Author and historian Wallace Stegner wrote about the Mormon migration and gathering to the Salt Lake Valley. He did not accept our faith and in many ways was critical; nevertheless, he was impressed with the devotion and heroism of our early Church members, especially the women. He stated, “Their women were incredible.” I echo that sentiment today. Our Latter-day Saint women are incredible!
God placed within women divine qualities of strength, virtue, love, and the willingness to sacrifice to raise future generations of His spirit children.
A recent United States study asserts that women of all faiths “believe more fervently in God” and attend more religious services than men do. “By virtually every measure they are more religious.”
I was not surprised by this result, particularly as I reflected on the preeminent role of families and women in our faith. Our doctrine is clear: Women are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves them. Wives are equal to their husbands. Marriage requires a full partnership where wives and husbands work side by side to meet the needs of the family.
We know there are many challenges for women, including those striving to live the gospel.
To read the full talk, click here.