Daughters of God

Last night we had a member of our Relief Society speak to us about one of her favorite subjects - women of God throughout the ages.  She is working on her PhD in World Religions or something along those lines and know reams of stuff about history and languages etc. - a very learned woman.  She presented 6 women from various point in time and we listed characteristics they all possess - bravery, humility, intelligence, stoicism, charity, hardworking, diligent, etc.  2 of them were Jewish and the rest were Christians and each had a very strong spiritual foundation.  She then summed up by explaining that each one of us has the same spiritual heritage and the same Father in Heaven and we, as women, are endowed with these same characteristics and the ability to be strong, courageous, intelligents, spiritual, beautiful women.  It was a powerful lesson and, to a history buff like me, fascinating.

The women highlighted:

1. Queen Esther (Old Testament)
2. Anna the Prophetess (New Testament)
3. Paula, a wealthy Roman widow
4. Leoda, the Holy Oblate
5. Lady Anne Carway
6. Sister Marjorie Hinckley

3 I had heard of, 3 I hadn't and they were fascinating.  I recently read an idea to go through the scriptures and pay attention to the women mentioned in an effort to understand our place as daughters of God.  This gave me a new spin for that - taking note of the qualities they each possessed.  What an interesting challenge that would be!  Number 4, Leoda, was described as a woman who observed admirable qualities in others then tried her best to emulate them, especially charity, the noblest of all virtues.  As a result, she became one of the most respected church women of her time (700 A.D.).  It made me wonder how I could change if I observed the qualities of women in the scriptures and women around me, then tried my best to improve the qualities I am lacking in.  And there are many!

The sister presenting the information finished with Sis. Hinckley who she claims as one of her greatest examples.  She shared this quotes and I love it:

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.


I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.

I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.

I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.

I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.

I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

 
Very interesting night.  I love it when I come away from RS feeling inspired!  I only wish I could share the information on each of these women that she shared with us.  They were truly fascinating and amazing individuals guided by the Spirit.