To My Daughters: Be Empowered!

This is a letter to all the daughters: specifically those of the LDS church, but also to anyone else who may come across it.

The world tells us that we're oppressed. They say that our church is sexist, because women don't hold the priesthood. They say that we're kept living in the past, barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. They say that we're subject to our husband's rule, that we're second-class citizens in our marriages. They laugh when we say we're living in abstinence until we get married. They mock when we don't drink alcohol, smoke, or even drink coffee. They feel sorry for us that we're not "allowed" to go out on Sundays. And they think all of this is because we're beaten-down, brainwashed, and oppressed.

They could not be more wrong.

We aren't oppressed. We are empowered. 

We make our own decisions, and we have the strength and the courage to stick to those decisions, even in the face of the world's mockery. Where so many in the world give in to temptation, or cave to peer pressure, we have the fortitude to say, "No. I am better than that."

Our religion teaches us that we are equals to men. This does not mean that men and women are exactly the same. It means that we have the same value in God's eyes, and in one another's.

There's a reason why women are constantly under attack. Satan is doing everything in his power to destroy womanhood, and the beauty that comes with it. He's telling us that we're only worth something if we're a size two. He's telling us that raising kids is a weak choice, that we're locking ourselves into a life of drudgery, screaming children, and feeling unfulfilled. He's telling us that the men in our lives won't appreciate us unless we have careers. He's trying to make us more coarse, more foulmouthed, less gentle and ladylike. He's trying to make us more selfish and vain. He's trying to make us believe that we need to be rough and maybe even a little manly in order to make an impression on this world. He's trying to take away all of the unique, beautiful things that make us women - and he's getting so many of us to throw it all away of our own free will.

The reason Satan spends so much of his time attacking women is this: women have the power to change the world.

I'm not talking about going out and making lots of money in a lucrative career. I'm not talking about becoming famous and being vocal about politics. I'm talking about the quiet, usually under-appreciated work that goes on in our homes. I'm talking about raising the next generation.

In our church magazine (the Ensign) for April, there's an article about how men and women should be equals in a marriage. Marriage is a partnership. No one person is more important, more valued, or more necessary than the other. Both spouses have responsibilities, and while they're different, they're equally important.

Men have the priesthood. They provide for and protect their families, and help their families follow Christ in a general way. They give blessings when their loved ones are sick or discouraged. They lead the family in Home Evening and prayers. They strive to follow Christ, and to set an example for their children.

The women have the task of nurturing and teaching their children on a personal, individual level. Our job is to comfort fears, wipe away tears, rejoice in successes, and build understanding and testimonies of Jesus Christ. Our job is to help shape our children into their very best selves.

Satan works very hard to tell us that this is an empty job. He tries to tell us that it's a chore given to us by our overbearing husbands. But think about this: the family is central to God's plan. Strong mothers who love, guide, teach, and raise their children with love and faith have the power to literally change the world. We're given the job of raising the next generation. If we do our jobs well, that next generation will grow up to be kind, intelligent, charitable, and faithful. The world will be a better place because of our efforts.

Can you imagine how the world would be different if every mother realized the value of raising her children with such love and devotion? If every mother put her children first, and made them the priority over careers, ambitions, or other distractions, the world would literally become a better place. Mothers have that power!

I'm not saying that we shouldn't have dreams or ambitions outside of raising our kids. We should. It's important to take time for yourself and live your life with no regrets. I know plenty of mothers who pursued careers after their kids were in school. I know women who find the time to participate in local government, or theater, or other activities. I know many women who have continued their educations, whether formally through a college, or by learning new skills and developing new talents. And of course, women in our church have callings. We teach the children, young women, or adult ladies on Sundays. We speak in our Sunday services. We do service. We learn and teach music. We comfort the sick and help those in need.

There is plenty of life to live within our faith, while still raising healthy, confident, faithful children. Honestly, if a man were to try and do everything we do, he would probably fall apart at the seams. But we're women! We are strong! We don't need to become more like men - we are more than incredible just the way we are!

So as you're growing up, my dear daughters, I want you to feel empowered. You are a daughter of God, and He loves you more than you can possibly imagine. Satan will try to erode your self-worth and tell you that you're nothing. But you know better than that. You know that you are everything to your Heavenly Father.

"Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

"God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him." (- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "You Matter to Him" October 2011 general conference)

That, my sweet girls, should make you feel so loved. So worthwhile. So valued. So empowered.

So, the next time someone offers you a drink or a smoke, you tell yourself "I am worth more than that." Be empowered to say no.

The next time a cute boy pressures you into doing something you're not comfortable with, or laughs at you for being chaste, remind yourself that you are a daughter of God. No man is good enough to get that gift from you but the man that you marry. You are worth more than that. Be empowered!

The next time somebody thinks you're weird for dressing modestly or using clean language, tell them that you are a lady, and a daughter of God. You are worth more than that. You are empowered to dress and behave in a way that reflects your divine nature. You are empowered to feel confident in your own skin.

The next time somebody tries to tear you down, for whatever reason, remember that God knows you, and loves you. He made you the way you are, and He doesn't make mistakes. You are a beautiful, talented, amazing creature. Your value is beyond infinite worth. Know that, and feel empowered by it.

The next time someone tries to tell you that women in your church are oppressed, remember that God has entrusted you with something that is more precious to Him than anything else - the souls of His children. He is trusting you to raise them in love and righteousness. He's trusting you to help them meet their full potential. He's trusting you to teach them, and guide them the way He would do it if He were here. There is no more important job. Feel empowered. You literally have the power to change the world!

Womanhood is not a curse. It is one of God's greatest gifts. Be empowered by your womanhood. Embrace it. Be proud of it. You are a divine creature. God loves you more than you will ever understand, and He's counting on you.

Make us proud!