Changes and the Priesthood

"We want the [church] leadership to prayerfully consider ordination of women." This seems like a fair request. I hope the gathering goes well this evening -- when a group of women are planning to show up and request entrance into the priesthood session.

I was going to post that thought on Facebook, but I decided not to get involved. Like so many things, I am on the fence about women holding the Mormon priesthood. I can see it passionately on both sides of the argument. On one side, I tend to think, "Who wants the priesthood? ... That's just one more thing to do." Many of my friends feel this way, and no one I talk with often really says a word about it. But I was talking to Tim about this recently, and he pointed out some of the views of the other side of the argument that he sees on his more artistic Facebook news feed. 

On the other side of this "women and the priesthood" argument, you have a group of people who are asking to please let them hold the priesthood. They feel oppressed and underused in their relationship with the church and their faith. The disparity in responsibilities makes them feel small. They believe in priesthood power, and they are willing to wait for the proper authority to use it in a new and different way. I think they deserve to be heard and respected. 

The fact is I never think about change in the church. I don't watch for it, and I don't care. I accepted the church as is, so "no change" is fine with me. But because of this apathy -- I am also willing to leave. That's right. I am willing to leave. All or nothing. That is how I roll. If I felt so strongly that women should have the priesthood, I would probably just judge the church and then walk away. But these woman are willing to vocalize. They are willing to be the change they want to see in the church and in the world. That is so beautiful to me. They make me want to stay. 

I've been thinking about it more deeply, and I think I would in fact really like to hold the priesthood as part of my worship of Jesus Christ. I kind of wish I was I Utah today.

So what do I care so much about that I will stand up and demand equality or charge or truth? This question is always worth my time and respect.

I feel inspired. 

Good luck tonight, ladies. And thank you.