
I have heard that a lot of women didn't appreciate (and that is putting it mildly) Sister Beck's talk...see for yourself. To listen to the talk go here
So after hearing this you know I've gots to put in my 2 cents and stand up for Sister Beck!
I LOVED Sister Beck's talk. I thought it really hit home. I loved her theme of "mother's who know". I think she stood up for the LDS mother. She stood up for having children (and yes dare I say it? not postponing them after marriage). She stood up for nurturing and as she says nurturing is another word for homemaking (gasp!). She says that as women "who know" we should make sure that our homes and family are clean, presentable, and orderly. She said that LDS women should be the best homemakers in the world. She said by doing this we will create a climate for spiritual growth. She said that women should pattern their homes after the temple. She goes on to say that mothers who know are leaders, they teach their children any way they can. They prepare their children to be missionaries. They do less...they choose carefully where they want their time and attention. She says we cannot have it all. She tells us that we will raise the generation that will take the gospel to all the world. She says that the LDS women should EXCEL at all these things.
Well...after this talk and all of the responses I salute Sister Beck. I am not the best homemaker around. I dread cleaning bathrooms, and doing the laundry. But even when I don't want to, I do it. Not for me but because I love my family enough to hopefully make our home a place where the spirit resides and feels comfortable to be in. I have been taught by goodly parents that a clean home is a godly home. In a world where housework is made out to be degrading Sister Beck stood up for homemakers. As I have been cleaning my home and taking care of the physical needs of my family I have often felt the spirit confirm to me that what I was doing was noble and good. I have felt the approving love of our Heavenly Father as I have labored to be a homemaker. In a world where women claim that they are "just a housewife" I have confidence and know that I am doing what my Father in Heaven wants me to do. I have often felt that more then anything my goal was to raise righteous missionaries. I want my sons and daughters to serve worthy missions to help bring the gospel to all the world and to help them set a wonderful foundation for their own lives. There are things that I took from her talk that I know I need to do better at. I was reminded of my purpose and my goals and have since set more goals to be a better mother. I want to be a mother who knows.
I thank Sister Beck for giving such a great talk. For helping me know what I should be doing better. More importantly, Sister Beck is called of God. She is God's choice for the Relief Society General President and I have full confidence that she speaks inspired words. I have a testimony of a living prophet who receives revelation, so therefore I know Sister Beck is what we need at this time to give us the women of the church, advice and councel.
We had a great General Conference weekend! I absolutely love this time of year when we are together as a family, watching General Conference. Like Todd said yesterday, there is just a nice feeling during this first weekend in October and April. Conference was so good. I loved hearing all the talks and hearing all the advice and support. I loved Elder Hollands, Nelson's, Oaks and Bednard talks as well. They were all so good. I really loved how all the talks "laid it out there" this conference. They certainly didn't beat around the bush! I know I have gone out on my soap box but I have always felt a strong desire to stand up for what I think is right. What a nice weekend...I look forward to getting our Ensign so I can study these talks more in depth.


10 comments:
Well said.
I love it! I can totally picture you all riled up while you wrote this!
I loved the talk too and posted about it on the new blog I started (www.ourmommydiaries.blogspot.com)
I am actually surprised that you heard bad things about it because I have heard nothing but rave reviews. I know that I will reference it often. I think she did a great job of not making mothers feel guilty for all of our shortcomings but instead motivating us by understanding who we are and the great responsiblity and calling that we have. I know it motivated me to be better. Now I've got to go clean my house :)
You are such a great mom...those boys are lucky to have you! (Todd included)
very nicely said- I have to say I agree- and today I babysat 3 kids- and I just thought over and over how no one can replace a mother and how important a mother is!! It is the most important thing we can ever do.
I can't believe you posted anti-Beck literature on your blog . . .
Her talk was my favorite. Most people I talked to loved it. I'm very shocked to hear that people had problems with it. Then again, I'm not in the habit of criticizing servants of the Lord.
I agree with you. She's a servant of the Lord and her message is important. Those people who were so critical just didn't understand.
I was surprised to see that many women didn't like the talk...I loved it! I felt like she was talking directly to me and felt the Spirit so strongly that I cried through most of it. I didn't come away with a "Well, I better go clean the kitchen" feeling, but a "I need to prioritize and organize better so that I spend more time teaching Megan about the gospel and spend the other time making our home a sacred place" feeling. I can't wait to hear from Sis. Beck again!
I have heard a lot of negative things about this talk, too, so I'm glad to read your post. I think that people can really choose to take offense where no offense is meant at all. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a call to do better. We can all do better. I feel bad for those who can't see the good in that talk.
Amen Rachael :)
In reading your comments and all of your friends comments--I couldn't be more proud of your generation! Sister Beck's comments were not her own ideas--and just like her talk says, "Women who Know"--will Know and act upon that truth which is Known.
I always love your passion!
Love you Sis!
Boo-YEAH!!!!! Are you serious? Did people actually "not appreciate" this talk? What the heck - do they have testimonies or not? Hmm anyway, I think you're an awesome homemaker and dedicated mother.
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