Deseret News | Reader comments: LDS women encouraged to see depth of their own potential

Reader comments
LDS women encouraged to see depth of their own potential

Shauna | 8:37 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I have to say that the Women's Meeting was great. Each one of the things that were said were true. It was positive and to the point. The spirit was at the meeting. It was worth the time and effort to attend and to listen to these great leaders.

Sean | 10:22 a.m. Sept. 28, 2008

This sounds like a great meeting. I am grateful for leaders that remind us of the seemingly small acts that contribute so much to the fabric of society as well as the innate ability each of us has to contribute something even more creative to the good of mankind. I suspect others might find the counsel to be trite but such voices of inspiration are exactly what we need in this day.

Cats | 12:43 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Thank you, President Uchtdorf. Your talk was wonderful. Thanks for all you do. Also, thanks to the General Relief Society Presidency. Your work and sacrifices are greatly appreciated.

Comments continue below

The Deuce | 1:44 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I may have missed something from the article but I did not see any mention of women seeking more education in their lives as I believe Pres. Hinckley had previously stressed. While all of the comments were extremely to the point and positive, I did not see where education was one thing that women should strive for. This seems to me to be one key issue that can help women through some difficult times if a spouse dies or financial times become rough. Was there any mention of this that someone can share with me?

Bert | 2:43 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

The women of the Mormon Church have accomplished much...

...all under the direction of and with the permission of middle aged white men.

DaviD O | 2:57 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Shouldn't you ladies be making sure your kids show up absolutely pristine and ironed for church instead of trying on the new fangled internet and using your thinking abilities? Hinckley was right, women should strive for educations.

To Bert | 4:07 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Buh-bye

Casper | 4:16 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

To 4:07

the truth hurts huh?

Yep.... | 4:42 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

It Looks like the usual group of old TROLLS are all hanging out on here. Don't guys ever get tired?

DaviD O | 5:08 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

"It Looks like the usual group of old TROLLS are all hanging out on here. Don't guys ever get tired?"

What? For agreeing with the guy that used to lead your church that actually advocated for women to get educated? Everyone should make their best effort to get the best education they can get. Some marriages don;t work out, some spouses get sick, some spouses get incapacitated or die. Get an education.

Ti | 5:29 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I agree it's time for Mormon woman to educated outside the home...go for it!

Ken Goddard | 5:32 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Hark! Verily I say unto you. Follow the guidance of the church and you are in for a dull, burdensome and miserable life. It will cost you your health, wealth and wisdom.

bert | 5:34 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

To: to bert,

"Buh-bye? Buh-bye?" That's it?

I would have thought something a little more well thought-out would be appropriate like maybe "what ever".

yep too... | 5:57 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

Don't know why these negative trolls have nothing better to do than hang out on these comment blogs and block the positive away.
Maybe you should work on getting an education so you can actually do something positive in the time you waste on these blogs. I am off to read another educational book...

What an article | 6:14 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

RE: The Deuce & DaviD O

Where you reading the same article as I was? It clearly states that we should learn new skills. This would probably require some minimal, if not extensive, education. I am a stay at home mother who has chosen to seek education. I am seeking my third degree. And yes, when for what ever reasons my husband is unable provide adequate financial substance, these "new skills and this education" come in quite handy. And by the way DaviD O all of my children go to church pristine, shirts ironed and hair curled and in bows. With, by the way, the help of my great husband who has chosen to broaden his mind and horizons as well and shoulder some of the responsibility of caring for someone and something besides himself, in a form of service and love. He feels that as much as I have supported him in his education and career choices, he supports me in mine, a stay at home mom.

DaviD O | 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I have a friend that did not finish her schooling. She supported her husband's efforts to become a doctor with money, time, support, child rearing. Now she has to finish school. The louse promised he would give her an eternal marriage via the Temple but he did not carry through on his promise. When he got done, he divorced her for another woman. Now she is starting from square one and trying to finish her education and trying to take care of kids. The divorce rate for this state is on par with the national average. LDS women, you are not exempt from this possibility. Make sure you get at least a 2 year degree.

Rushing to remarry for financial reasons can lead to disaster. It clouded the judgement of another person I know. The marriage lasted 9 months. I am not threatened by a home maker and neither am I threatened by an educated woman. Just know that things don't always turn out how we plan.

Leeann | 8:20 p.m. Sept. 28, 2008

I completely spaced the meeting (I'll need to read it as soon as it comes out), so I don't know everything that was said, but even if education wasn't mentioned, that does not mean our LDS leaders do not think it is important. If a leader gives a talk and does not mention prayer, does that mean we don't need to pray anymore?

I grew up in the 1970s and remember hearing from Young Women leaders, Bishops, Stake leaders, and general authority leaders about the importance of a good education for both men AND women.

Almost all of the women in my neighborhood, whether members or not, have a degree. I'm sorry for the bad experiences out there. Please remember that there are both decent people and idiots in and out of the LDS church.

Jenny | 3:50 a.m. Sept. 29, 2008

Why is it that the only negative comments on this board are from men (probably white middle-aged ones at that)? I think they're projecting. I'm a new mother with a Master's and have no problem with following our male leaders. If all you men have a problem with authority, that's fine, but stop acting like we should as well.

Anonymous | 6:27 a.m. Sept. 29, 2008

Well said Leeann.

Kit | 6:50 a.m. Sept. 29, 2008

They've already said get an education they don' thave to say it in every meeting. It inspired me for one I'm back in school with 3 kids and will graduate in May. Pres. Uchdorfs talk inspired me to work even hared at my education among many other immportant things in life. If you listen with the spirit you will hear exactly what you need to hear. Women are being encouraged to be all they can be, and not by middle ages white men...by God.

Anonymous | 12:20 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

I found it extremely boring, sprinkled with the same fluff and message as all other conferences. At least there weren't as many ladies going home to cry for feeling like bad mothers, like last year.

Dear Anonymus | 1:18 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

It will be a nice day when people go into meetings with enough humility to be taught by the Spirit. I find it fascinating that one person can be having a spectacular time learning from the Spirit while another is "bored." The talks were not given to "entertain" us, but to instruct, uplift and yes, educate. Is it possible that there are some among us who are "past feeling" and will only go in to find something to complain about? Or have we become so vain that we cannot learn anything new from anybody?... just wondering.

I personally found the meeting, especially Elder Uchtdorf's talk, amazing. I'm very glad I went.

PS I don't find it insulting to be organized under the Priesthood. That is not patronizing in any way. We all know that Relief Society kicks butt all the time anyway!!

Contented Woman | 2:15 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

I didn't hear this conference first hand, but it sounds very spiritual. I believe women need to do some inside work on themselves, and these "simple" ideas expressed at the conference make very deep exercise when consistently worked with.
By the way, no one needs a college degree to be "educated". It isn't even that important for most jobs these days. (job skills and experience are.) And a masters degree isn't going guarantee eternal progression after this life.
Many people are educated way beyond their intelligence anyway.
All your masters and doctorate degrees really say about you is that you are a successful conformist.
A spiritually well-developed woman who intelligently manages her home, guides and nurtures her children, has the maturity to meet her husbands' needs, and has sensitive and finely developed social skills coupled with genuine love for others is the REAL treasure.
AND EVERY WOMAN CAN BE THIS. WE HAVE THIS POTENTIAL. WE CAN LIVE SUCCESSFULLY ON A MUCH HIGHER SCALE THAN THE WORLD OFFERS.

Diane Oliver | 3:33 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

I watched this conference address on my little computer in England twice. On Saturday coming I will visit my Stake Centre with the other sisters in my stake to listen to it all again. I loved every minute of it. Such wise counsel is priceless, but only if we head it and live it. I have gained such a personal insight into how these talks can help me and the sisters I serve in Relief Society. All I can say is thankyou for a beautiful conference that was uplifting and bold. Well done.
Diane (from England GB)

Anonymous | 3:49 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

I found that the spirit was very strong and well worth the my time spent there. I'm in the twilight years of my life and the message was strong--that we must do our best in what ever age group we are in. Please keep up the wonderful work you are encouraging us to do. Thank-you! D Fletcher Canada
doris2434@hotmail.com

June | 4:20 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

We gathered at the stake center for the Broadcast, after a few minutes we were informed that our building could not get the connection, so we had a closing prayer and went home to watch it on TV or computer. I was able to get it on the computer through BYU but missed the first part. I loved every minute of what I heard and today I was able to listen to the rest of it. How blessed we are to be taught by our General Relief Society Presidency and a member of the First Presidency. As we humble ourselves and listen to the spirit, we can accomplish great things. It's all in our attitude!!

Education | 4:40 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

I have four daughters (no sons), serve in a stake presidency, and have encouraged each of our children to receive as much education as possible; my wife has a master's degree. They have all graduated with four-year degrees (a few with graduate degrees), are thriving as wives and mothers, and were married in the temple. Receiving an education and succeeding in the home are not mutually exclusive--I think all leaders and parents recognize the value of obtaining as much education as possible. Yes, that has been a focus in previous talks but another area was a focus at this broadcast.

Grateful | 5:16 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

I listened to the entire conference, and it was amazing and wonderful. I came away uplifted and very grateful for the testimony I have that Relief Society is an organization for women that is divinely inspired. Thank you to all those who spoke, sang, and prayed. I am grateful for every minute of it.

anonymous | 7:26 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

The women in the New York City region have responded very well to this talk because a lot of us are in the arts and are pursuing more creative fields for work. President Uchtdorf didn't say women should stay home and not pursue an education. He said, women need to see their own potential, be creative. My friend who is an award winning fashion designer came up to me after the broadcast and said, "now I feel like the church recognizes my work."
Thank You President Uchtdorf

Rebecca | 11:14 p.m. Sept. 29, 2008

I am very grateful to have seen the love our Father in Heaven has through His servants for us.
It strengthened my faith and testimony. Always motivates me to be a more committed in serving our Lord.
The Lord's counsel is the best education in the world if we decide to listen and obey it. We will be further ahead in the world to come from spiritual education not from worldly education. Take note, that I am all for education to make it easier here for us and our families. To be a stronger and better influence for good on all those around us.

setaf | 12:55 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

So very refreshing to read many positive comments here. At Council Meeting yesterday many good comments were made about the broadcast and this forum bears that out. Perhaps those who were supposedly bored will be inspired at some point to listen for those comments which might be directed towards them. I do not recall ever attending a conference session etc. where I didn't get at leasst a couple good bits of knowledge or helps out of the talks given.

Dianna | 1:38 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

President Uchtdorf was right we need to look at our accomplishments. We need to value our skills and not compare ourselves to others. I felt that his talk was very positive and I could feel his love for the sisters. Learning new skills is education. Not everyone has the opportunity for formal education, the informal things count also. The more we know the more we can share with others including our children and grandchildren or the children of others. I came away with a very good feeling, and with determination to try to serve others more. Thanks to President Uchtdorf, Sister Beck and her counselors.

Mary for Montana | 7:22 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Loved Women's conference! The words of encouragement and instruction are always so welcome. Just because education was not mentioned doesn't mean it isn't important and that we are not to seek it. I am 84 years young and have been studying and learning all of my life. We are never too old (or too young to learn). There is so much to learn and so many ways to learn it. The choice is ours. I am so grateful for the Relief Society and it inspired guidance. Thanks Sisters.

Lorelei | 11:10 a.m. Sept. 30, 2008

I was greatly blessed to be able to meet with some women from my home ward & view the Women's General Conference broadcast. It is a great blessing for me to know that I am a member of a great world-wide organization, which was organized by God's prophet here on the earth. We should all strive to be humble & follow the counsel of the First Presidency & leaders in the church, for they were all called of God & are doing their part in guiding us to become more like our Father in Heaven, so that we can have the opportunity to obtain exaltation & live with our Heavenly Parents again at the end of our mortal probation. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving me this great blessing in my life!!!

I am a woman | 1:06 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Who is not content to just follow men. I search out every issue and if a man is best qualified I follow them (when their advice at the time is good). If a woman is best qualified I follow her (if her advice at the time is good. I do not belong to any particular religion, but I consider myself a believer in a Higher Power. I do not consider that Higher Power either male or female and I know that although we are different in some areas, in most ways that matter we are the same.
I know that leaders of the LDS church (both male and female) have given good advice. I also know that leaders (mostly male since they make up the most leaders) have given bad advice. I determine which is best for my life and follow that.

Loved It | 2:08 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

President Uchdorft's talk lifted my spirits and spoke to me personally. I was feeling rather low up to his talk and I prayed that he would say something that would buoy me up. It was as if his talk was written just for me. So... if something was missing for any of you, it was my fault! What a blessing to have such wonderful leaders with such sensitive and caring hearts!

Educated woman | 4:15 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

For those who found this 'boring' or 'fluffy' I would appreciate you not bothering to comment again; I was working on Saturday and would have given anything to be able to attend with my neighbors. I'm sure the sisters around the world who don't have immedate access felt the same way. I found your comments insensitive and uneducated.

Amy | 5:21 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

Why wasn't Pesident Monson there? Was he sick? Doesn't the prophet usually speak at the Women's Conference?

Kellie from Australia | 5:28 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

When other people try to tell us we shouldn't listen to "middle aged white men" or whatever, they take away the priviledge & right we have to recieve personal revelation of our own. Whether or not Pres Uchtdorf's talk inspired you is up to you!! As women of the LDS faith we are entitled to EVERY blessing available to a worthy member. I personally feel blessed to be led by men and WOMEN who honour their intelligence and covenants and faithfully serve others.By understanding our own worth in the eyes of God we are better able to be ALL that we can be and help others along the way!! I love being a women in the LDS church!

PhD in AZ | 5:31 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

I've attained the highest academic degree possible, but that accomplishment, and all others, paled in comparison to the day I first attended the temple. We all have much to learn, as President Uchdorf suggested. In fact, that's why we're here. Some need an academic education, but others need educations of another sort. We all have skills to build, but it's small-minded to think that we're all academically uneducated. The nay-sayers need to take a look at the women who make up today's church--from stay at home mothers to doctors, we'll all benefit from heeding the counsel given.

Sarah | 6:08 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

President Monson was there, sitting in his usual seat. The First Presidency takes turns speaking at the Women's conference.

Thank you | 11:20 p.m. Sept. 30, 2008

I didn't yet get the privilage of attending/viewing the broadcast due to a family emergency, but I am so appriciative to those of you who did and took such a positive and proactive aproach to the negitive comments/points of view that have been expressed here. It takes a strong person to stand up for your beliefs without putting someone else down for theirs. Thank You to all of you who accomplished this respectfully.

For those of you who have a difference in opinion, that's okay. Everyone is welcome to have their own point of view, it just doesn't change the facts. So I repectfully suggest that you take some time to think about how you chose to express your points of view. Then treat others with the respect that you would request or expect in return.

We live in a society where because we don't have to speak face to face, we have lost all show of respect. We don't think we will have to answer for our actions under the cloak of modern devices. Remember that even though we don't know who you are, the Lord does. If for no one's sake but your own, be accountable.

SHERRY | 12:03 a.m. Oct. 1, 2008

THE NEGATIVE RESPONDENTS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR RECOGNIZE THE PERTINENT FACT PRESIDENT UCHTDORF WAS SPEAKING TO A WORLD-WIDE AUDIENCE OF WOMEN, MANY OF WHOM RESIDE IN UNDER-DEVELOPED NATIONS. HIS ADDRESS WAS ONE OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND LOVE TO ALL, WHATEVER THEIR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES MIGHT BE. IT WAS AN UPLIFTING MESSAGE WHICH ADVISED EACH WOMAN TO STRIVE TO BECOME THE VERY BEST SHE CAN BE -REGARDLESS OF WIDELY VARIED SITUATIONS, WHICH WILL ENABLE HER TO REACH HER FULL DIVINE POTENTIAL.

I might have been one | 8:00 p.m. Oct. 1, 2008

of the "negatives" (as you see it). I guess anything is negative in your mind if it doesn't agree with your religious teachings. I know he did a good job, but other comments and opinions are valid too. You are only a very small portion of the world (LDS people). Other people have much wisdom and knowledge to offer too.

Heidi | 11:49 a.m. Oct. 3, 2008

Just because they didn't mention education specifically in this one article doesn't mean it isn't stressed in the LDS Church for women to seek education. How many of you negative respondents actually WATCHED or READ the entire conference? These are QUOTES from the conference. Perhaps it's time we stop judging others and look within our own hearts to see what needs to be changed. This world would be a much better place if we could just stop judging everyone else around us and concentrate on improving ourselves and our families.

n.z | 5:48 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008

the reasons for these broadcast are for the sake of us as individuals. it is council and its up to each individual to follow or not. they are inspired from God to help us and edify us to make life enjoyable and there is nothing God wont do to help his children be happy, true happiness, natural society can only provide temporary happiness. God provides eternal happines and joy, no other power or means can do that. our leaders who speak to us love God and his children if anybody doesnt feel that than whats the point coming on here and rebuking the latter day saints. we are human to...we have feelings just like any1 else, we have our ups and downs our imperfections and its these broadcast that lifts us up and gives us hope that our lives can be better not perfect but better and 1 day we can live in peace. we do respect others and there beliefs. i just hope 1 day others can respect ours. what a glorious day that would be and i can say this now... that day will come...

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13 photos

Women sing a congregational hymn during the general Relief Society meeting during general Relief Society meeting for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City Saturday.

Gallery (13 photos)