A few months ago we were able to listen to Sisters Sheri Dew and Virginia Pearce, speak about a book they had written; The Beginning of Better Days Divine Instruction to Women. As part of a thank you gift we asked those who read the book to write down their thoughts and feelings to share with the authors. With her permission we would like to share one of these.
When we were first
given this assignment, I was a little dubious. Another thing to do in my
already infinite laundry list. But as I watched the sisters in Relief Society
begin to take hold of the book, I saw it wasn't just another assignment..It was
an opportunity.
I bought the book and began to read. Being born in the early fifties, I never really felt I had a role model to look up to that wasn't a man. Women just didn't count. So I patterned my teaching and other things in my life after men I admired. Women just were women. I kept this opinion very privately to myself amid all of the progress women have made over the years. Still I never felt I was very valuable or that women were valued.
Then I read the book. It was the first time I felt empowered as a woman. I felt I had a valued place in God's kingdom. I knew my Heavenly Father loved me and I love him, but I don't know if I felt like He trusted me to be part of this work, or valued my efforts. After all, I'm just well you know a girl. Thank you Virginia Pearce and Sherry Dew...for parting the curtains and helping me see the truth.
I bought the book and began to read. Being born in the early fifties, I never really felt I had a role model to look up to that wasn't a man. Women just didn't count. So I patterned my teaching and other things in my life after men I admired. Women just were women. I kept this opinion very privately to myself amid all of the progress women have made over the years. Still I never felt I was very valuable or that women were valued.
Then I read the book. It was the first time I felt empowered as a woman. I felt I had a valued place in God's kingdom. I knew my Heavenly Father loved me and I love him, but I don't know if I felt like He trusted me to be part of this work, or valued my efforts. After all, I'm just well you know a girl. Thank you Virginia Pearce and Sherry Dew...for parting the curtains and helping me see the truth.
Claire M (Regal Country ward)
