Hi, I'm Amber.  I have opinions.  Sometimes I share those opinions with way too many people on this cute little thing called Facebook.  (And here, but I feel like less people see this than my Facebook posts.)  I realize when I do this, not everyone has my same opinion, and that's cool.  Most people even comment or respond in a manner that is pretty respectful, even though they disagree.  However, sometimes I just view things so differently and care enough that I still take it personally.  Yeah, that's my bad.  I know it's not always how it is intended, but that's okay.  I'll work on it, 'kay?

So, let's talk about Ordain Women, shall we?  I've been to the site and looked around a little.  Not enough to write a real post on the matter, but, as I said, this blog doesn't see much traffic, so I don't really care.  I'm not trying to refute or persuade anyone here, I'm just looking for a "safe" place to express my opinion.

I'm good without "holding" the priesthood.

There, I said it.  Personally, I don't get why some women want even more responsibility and things added to their plates.  Aren't we all busy enough with what we have to do now?

I get that the church isn't equal - something about being run by imperfect humans..... and for some people, that's just too much.  Maybe it's a faith/testimony thing.  Maybe it's something else.  From my personal experiences, it would be a testimony thing.  I am now to a point where I just let God do His thing.  I live in a pretty good ward, and have for most of my life.  Being in the Primary Presidency, I know some of how things are handled in our ward regarding outreach and organization, callings and such.  I know we have a ward council who meets together to discuss the needs of our congregation, and those living in our boundaries who are either inactive or not members.  This council is made up of the leaders of all of the auxiliaries - including the women ones.  The men in my ward don't look down on them, but value them, their insights, and talents.  We work together, as a ward family, for the betterment of our brothers and sisters in our boundaries.

I don't need to hold the priesthood to have an influence.  I feel like some of the Ordain Women position just wants to go above the chain of command.  Maybe officially (and maybe even the majority of the individuals), that isn't the case.  After all, I think they just are asking everyone to pray about it, especially the leaders of our church.  Maybe they already are or have been.  

I admit, I was a little too happy during the Priesthood Session of Conference listening to Elder Oaks' talk. It was judgmental of me.  Again, my sin.  I'll work on that.  But the fact remains that his talk is current policy and doctrine.  If or when the Lord decides that needs changing, He'll do that.  Because it is His church.

Here is an article that I really enjoyed (and learned some about our history from).  Here.  Here is another one (here).  This one is a bit rougher around the edges, but I really jived with the last part - especially the part where she mentions Equal doesn't mean Same.  I've been arguing that point in my head (and in my house) for a long time.  Yeah, she's not as kind in how she comes across, but again, imperfect people.

You know what else is annoying? Being made to feel like I'm a terrible person or a hypocrite for trying to stand up for my beliefs in a manner that isn't judgy.  Really, when I put something on the Facebook, I try to not point fingers or be all, "HA! I told you!"  Really, I try.  But guess what, I still have my beliefs that are different from yours.  I'm going to act on those beliefs, whether it is voting for and promoting traditional marriage or posting about women not being ordained to the priesthood.  These are touchy, personal subjects for everyone.  I appreciate others' points of view when they, also, try to share their beliefs in non-judgy, not forcing it down your throat manner.  I especially appreciate when I try to do the same, they maintain that non-judgy response.

So, some quotes from this April's General Conference (which was entirely awesome and y'all should go read all of the talks again!):

"These are your days -- to stand strong as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ." (no matter how hard or inconvenient it may be) ~ Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them." ~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Because "the world will not glide calmly toward the Second Coming of the Savior." ~ Elder Neil L. Andersen