Digital Only: Young Adults
Understanding My Purpose as a Woman in the Church
Seeking answers helps me continually learn more about my responsibility as a woman.
Photograph posed by models
A few years ago, my college classmates and I were discussing gender responsibilities in society, which quickly turned into a conversation about gender roles within the gospel. I learned that many sisters in the gospel find it difficult to know what women’s responsibilities are in the kingdom of God.
After that discussion, I started to wonder too: What is my role in the Church? What can I contribute?
I have often wrestled with questions like these, and while I don’t have all the answers, by seeking truth, I have received insights that have helped me understand more of my purpose in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. Heavenly Father loves all His children.
As I began praying for revelation about my role as a woman, I was frustrated that it didn’t feel I was receiving any answers. But in a moment when I was particularly struggling, a thought came to my mind: This is God I’m talking about. Do I really think He doesn’t understand me? Do I really think my Heavenly Father loves some of His children more than others?
I’m often reminded that God loves all His children, male and female. And I trust that there is a part for me to play that is wonderful and as important as that of anyone else. As the Book of Mormon states, “[The Lord] denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … and all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33).
These truths helped me recenter my faith. And I knew if I recognized that God loves me perfectly and that His entire motivation behind His plan is love, I would be able to better understand my divine purpose.
2. Prophetic guidance helps us see more clearly.
The past few years have brought many changes under the direction of prophets and apostles that have reaffirmed the worth of women in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Women have expanded opportunities to serve in temples and witness ordinances, and their voices have become more magnified in Church manuals, materials, and programs like the new Children and Youth program.
Many Church leaders have also taught about the importance of women. For instance, in the October 2019 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson said: “My dear sisters, your ability to discern truth from error, to be society’s guardians of morality, is crucial in these latter days. And we depend upon you to teach others to do likewise. Let me be very clear about this: if the world loses the moral rectitude of its women, the world will never recover.”1
By pondering the recent messages from our leaders for sisters in the gospel, I’ve recognized how we gain greater understanding about our purpose.
3. We have full access to the power of the priesthood through our obedience.
When my younger brother was being ordained an elder, he was told that priesthood power came through obedience to God’s commandments. As I heard those words, a realization struck me with enough force that I gasped and opened my eyes: That principle is true for me too, I thought. Even though I’m not ordained to an office of the priesthood, I can always live worthily to have the power of the priesthood in my life.
Sister Reyna I. Aburto, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, taught:
“Every woman receives priesthood power as she participates in priesthood ordinances and keeps the related covenants. …
“Each woman has access to priesthood power according to her covenants and her personal righteousness.”2
Simply put, the priesthood is the power of God and is available to everyone who keeps their covenants and follows the commandments. As we live worthily God grants us His power to overcome difficulties. Power to discern truth. Power to do good. Power to ultimately become like our heavenly parents and live with Them. All these blessings can be ours as we follow Jesus Christ.
4. We have a unique influence.
President Nelson taught: “My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out in ward and stake councils. … You sisters possess distinctive capabilities and special intuition you have received as gifts from God.”3
I grew up in a large family, and I always believed that motherhood would be my greatest contribution to building the Lord’s kingdom. However, my husband and I recently learned that our chances of adding children to our family in this life are small. Our infertility journey has been excruciatingly painful, but the uncertainty of treatments and the emotional load of making difficult decisions have been especially soul crushing. At times I have wondered, What will my influence and role be if I can’t be a mother in the way I had planned?
During this journey, I’ve been grateful for other faithful women in my life whose experiences have also turned out differently than they had planned. And through their examples, Heavenly Father’s message to me has been this: “Don’t wait. Don’t second-guess if you could or should have done more or chosen differently. Be where you are now. Take opportunities to love and serve those around you.”
As I was following President Nelson’s invitation to study how priesthood power applies to women,4 I came across another teaching from him that I often draw comfort from: “To help another human being reach one’s celestial potential is part of the divine mission of woman.”5
Regardless of whether I have children in this life, I am fulfilling my divine mission as a woman anytime I help any of God’s children progress toward their celestial potential. I have a unique influence as I keep my covenants to “mourn with those that mourn” and “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9). There will be—and always have been—opportunities to serve and love those around me.
My understanding of my role as a woman in the Church of Jesus Christ continues to grow. It isn’t complete yet, but because of the glimpses I’ve already received about my purpose and influence, I believe my purpose is—and will be—wonderful, important, and of infinite value in God’s eyes and in mine.