Ladies in Very Deed

Sister Julie Beck, in this past General Conference, said, quoting Eliza R. Snow, "We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves, and whether few or many come forward and help to prosecute this great work, they will be those that will fill honorable positions in the Kingdom of God. . . . Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibility upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities."

There are so many gems in this quotation! First of all, who doesn't want to be a lady?? So Audrey Hepburn-esque. Next, "there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized." So, my first thought is that we need to look at the things we desire, and if they are in righteousness we need not have fear that our desires won't be realized! Last, Sister Snow tells us our greatest responsibility is to "refine and cultivate ourselves." To me this means always learning and progressing in both new and old things. For example, learning how to make bread last summer! For this summer, perhaps it will be learning how to change a tire on my car... as well as continuing my accounting education, I guess ;)