Young Mormon Girls Who Know Who They Are - Know What They Want and Know How to Get It!
79LDS Girls Have High Standards that They are Committed to Living!
LDS Girls Who Know Who They Are... Ultimately Make Great Choices!
About LDS Girls - Who They Are - and Why That Matters?
LDS girls belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LDS is short for Latter-day Saint. LDS girls are also referred to as LDS Young Women, or even cute Mormon girls.
So there you have it.... all the ways in which LDS girls can be known. But to them, when referring to themselves, they are just average girls who also just happen to be LDS... girls.
Now, when I say that an LDS girl belongs to the the LDS Church, of course I am referring to her membership. I am not saying that she is either owned or controlled by the Mormons. In fact, contrary to popular belief, LDS girls are extremely independent young women.
I raised three girls who today - are active LDS Girls. I can assure you, that not one of my daughters has ever been nor ever would be controlled by another person, entity or philosophy. I am proud to say that I believe this independence was actually fostered because of the teachings of the Church -- whereas many who do not understand LDS teachings, would think it to be just the opposite.
An LDS girl who knows who she is - is synonymous with independence!
LDS Girls Have Learned the Importance of Choice and Accountablility
LDS Girls Know that Prayer Leads to Making Good Choices.
"There has come to you as your birthright something beautiful and sacred and divine. Never forget that. Your Eternal Father is the great Master of the universe. He rules over all, but He also will listen to your prayers as His daughter and hear you as you speak with Him. He will answer your prayers. He will not leave you alone."
Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stay on the High Road," Ensign, May 2004,
What Do LDS Girls Know - About What They Want?
One of the first things LDS parents teach their children, is the power of choice and accountability. From the earliest age possible these principle are at the very foundation of all other teachings in the LDS Church. By the time an LDS girl reaches the teen years she is more than well versed and experienced in understanding the power of the choices she is making in her own personal life.
Along side of teaching LDS youth the importance of them making their own choices in life, and being accountable for these choices - is a deep understanding of the benefits of making those good choices.
Really, this is basic math:
- When we make a good choice in life, the return from this good choice -- is that our potential for happiness immediately increase.
LDS girls know exactly what that means in terms of how to create a life that will bring happiness and joy to them, not only now - but for future happiness as well.
LDS girls have come to understand the value of focusing personally - in becoming the best person that they can be, and how when doing so will add to the quality of their lives, in every circumstance. LDS girls choose to follow Jesus Christ and His example of how they should live.
LDS Girls Have an Understanding of their Relationship with Jesus Christ.
LDS Girls Know That They are Loved by a Kind Heavenly Father.
LDS Girls are Firm and Steadfast in Striving to Live Righteous Lives.
LDS girls understand the value of keeping the commandments of God, in order to obtain the greatest happiness in life.
These young women, have been taught how to recognize the consequences of life, according to the choices that individuals have made. As these LDS young women have more and more opportunities themselves, to make important decisions, these positive results are re-inforced.
Are LDS girls perfect? LOL No way! In fact, LDS girls have a great challenge, in exercising faith in the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ each and every day. This is one of the things that I personally love most about LDS girls... their faithfulness.
LDS girls exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings - to find peace in life. The world is loud. The popular trends of the day are powerfully persuasive and most teenagers today - are swept away by the marketing of these trends and philosophies.
LDS girls are certainly not immune to falling prey to the popular trends of today in things like; fashion, music, t.v. programs, movies, dating, consumerism, etc... But, as they strive to maintain the values that are taught by parents and also within the LDS Church - of modesty and a modest lifestyle - they are continually monitoring themselves according to these high standards.
In this way - LDS girls utilize a strong moral compass by which their lives can be guided -- if they choose:-) So, we come back to choice and how this affects and directs individual lives. Choice implies more than one way to go... so LDS girls look to the Savior for that best way.
LDS Girls Have a Firm Foundation of Understanding Eternal Family.
LDS girls have come to understand, that how they live their lives here upon the earth, will have everything to do with their happiness not only now, but also after this life.
- Mormons teach that families are forever.
Developing strong relationships within the family, with this eternal perspective - helps LDS girls to maintain focus in their personal lives, as they make choices everyday. As these young women mature, they utilize this skill of making good choices - to ensure positive results now, and for their future happiness.
When referring to LDS girls, we can easily apply this term to LDS young women from the earliest teen years - up into their twenties and until the time they are married. However, my husband often refers to me as a "girl". Therefore, even I - like to consider myself an LDS girl - still. LOL
I note this age span, only to make the point that this learning process of becoming responsible for our choices, acting upon these choices and learning the power of choice -- for all LDS girls, is a process that they work on each day of their lives.
Family relationships, from an eternal perspective -- are what form the firm foundation of which all LDS girls and young women place an emphasis on maintaining and building. LDS girls know, that the choices that they make each day of who to associate with - will have a significant impact on most other decisions that come their way.
Choosing good friends, with similar values, during the teen years for all LDS teens, become one of the most important factors, in helping Mormon youth choose the right - and remaining focused on eternal goals.
LDS Girls --- Young Women Theme
President Thomas S. Monson - A Living Prophet of God.
LDS Girls Listen and Respect the Counsel of Living Prophets
Of great significance, is the fact that LDS girls follow the teachings of living prophets upon the earth today. As you can imagine, this sets these LDS young women distinctly apart from their peers. While most teenagers are looking to the world for direction -- LDS youth look to prophets of God to point the Way. From the perspective of Mormonism - this is a critical point.
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While the world is perpetuating a new trend that marriage is genderless -- and many are willing to buy into this so quickly -- prophets are upholding and continue to teach that marriage is between only a man and a woman and is ordained of God.
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Living prophets stress that marriage and family are at the heart of God's plan for raising and becoming an eternal family.
- As more girls are wearing less clothing -- prophets are teaching modesty and respect for the human body.
- When more and more children are either being aborted, or being born out of wedlock - prophets are teaching standards for proper dating and sexual purity before marriage.
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Prophets of God, encourage LDS young women to seek for higher education. LDS girls are taught that knowledge is power, therefore they understand the value of learning things both spiritual and secular.
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LDS girls are invited to seek the blessing of the Temple. LDS young women are girls who desire to make and keep sacred covenants. Above all other things, these beautiful girls, have come to know - that choosing home and family are at the center of God's plan for eternal happiness.
Who can argue that maintaining these standards and values, of which LDS girls are counseled and strive for - would not inevitably bring about consequences of less heartache and greater happiness?
Once again - this is math, and God is The great scientist.
LDS Girls Follow Jesus Christ.
LDS Girls Choose to Be Young Women of Christ.
Under the direction of a living prophet, LDS girls through their membership in the Church - are active in the Young Women Program for all Mormon girls ages 12-18. It is through the Young Women organization, that LDS standards and values are emphasized and encouraged, and LDS girls are invited to come unto Christ.
This is only the beginning to understanding LDS girls - that know who they are, what they want and how to get, exactly that! These are some of the core foundations to what I believe set LDS girls glaringly apart from many of their peers today. LDS girls are Christian and seek diligently to walk in the footsteps of the Savior.
LDS girls choose Jesus Christ.
LDS girls, join with other young women who are also Christian -- in choosing to boldly step away from the liberal mainstream teachings of the day, and walk a more sure way - that promises them an eternity of joy.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
LDS Girls - If The Savior Stood Beside Me - Would I Do The Things I Do?
LDS Girls Are Young Women Who Know Where They Are Going.
- LDS Living Magazine - Raising Confident Girls
Raising a confident LDS girl requires parents who themselves know exactly what this entails. Struggles associated with appearance, popularity, jealousy, and low self-esteem are all too common among girls and teaching confidence becomes one of the mos - The New Era
LDS youth magazine of the Mormon Church. Read what leaders in the Church have written for both LDS girls and guys, as well as general advice and activities, and what other youth around the world are doing. - For The Strength of Youth
LDS Youth receive counsel on values, etc... through living prophets, regarding standards for both LDS girls and guys. - Mormon Youth Are Doing Extraordinary Things That You Should Know About!
Mormon Teens are some of the coolest people on this planet and I want to introduce you to some of these LDS girls and guys. The awesome thing is - that youth who know better, are really choosing better than other teens today!
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Hi Doghouse -
I guess I am pretty prejudice when it comes to these LDS girls, but I must agree - LDS girls ROCK! lol
I have watched each of my three daughters go through the process of learning to take responsibility for the choices that they make. It is a joy to see them apply the teachings of Jesus Christ and His living prophets, to find happiness in their lives.
Like all teens, LDS girls must often find out, by the school of hard knocks in life - that choosing to follow the commandments really does change lives, for the good. I have one daughter in particular - who really had to exercise her independence and find out things for herself.
I really believe that because of the LDS teachings that she received growing up, that she could easily see the contrast in her choices, because of the clear consequences they brought about.
I have a concern for young women today, who do not have standards in which to measure their behavior. When life gets rough, where do these girls turn to find that peace and happiness?
Thanks for commenting.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
One of the basic rules of life is that for every action there will be a reaction. If we grow a garden, that is the action. When we reap the fruits of the garden, that is the reaction.If one smokes, that is the action. When one reaps the harvest of smoking - cancer, emphysema, early death, that is the reaction.One of the benefits of following the good teachings of those who have come before us is to avoid the bad reactions to actions others have taken before us. If we listen and learn from our elders, we can often avoid the bad reactions.I am not of the LDS faith, but I do believe that most Christian faiths have some good, solid and strong ideas that are the results of someone, somewhere, having acted in a "bad" way.I do not speak for other religions because I don't know that much about religious beliefs in non-Christian religions. However, I am certain that there, too, things which were learned centuries ago have come to be written down as things to do, or things to avoid doing.So, the advice my grandmother gave me was to play nice and play fair, and never take advantage of anyone. When I have followed those rules I have done well. When I "cheated" I eventually lost out - either I lost a friend, the trust of another person, or my conscious bothered me.
Nice hub, and I hope everyone who reads it takes a moment to thank God that there are people who are just nice, decent people out there.
Cheff Jeff -
I always love it when you stop by. Your comments are always so very sound. I agree with you completely.
When speaking about LDS girls in particular, I am impressed with this group of young women as a whole. Individuals themselves, usually will figure out for themselves - that choice results in consequences.
But, even many adults just don't get this simple basic math. So many are depressed and unhappy, etc... and they don't take personal responsibility for the "mess" they are in. Just choose better:-) Look ahead! Take charge!
For LDS girls as a group, I emphasize these strong foundational principles of choice and accountability, as a way of actually raising LDS children. I am convinced that these standards of morality, which are at the heart of Christianity and Mormonism - are those teachings - when lived, that make LDS girls very different from the majority of teenage girls today.
Perhaps because these values and standards that are taugth in the Mormon Church, are emphasized consistently from very young ages - and practiced - by the time LDS girls are teenagers, they are much more experienced in recognizing the consequences of their choices?
LDS girls tend to be making better choices than most of their peers today. LDS parents themselves, are encouraged to allow our children to make choices and learn from them as young as possible. When children are young - the consequences are much less devastating. So let them choose according to what they have been taught -- eventually they get it right. Just sooner than a lot of grown-ups. lol
From a Christian perspective - I credit the moral teachings of Jesus Christ, by which if lived, individuals will find increased happiness.
LDS girls are a wonderful example of following the teachings of Jesus Christ and exhibiting the positive results of those choices.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
You have given us the life of young mormon ladies.
I take my hat off to you. YOU HAVE DONE A MARVELOUS EXPOSITION OF YOUR FAITH THROUGH THE IDEAS AND MINDSETS OF YOUR TREASURED YOUNG LADIES.
THANK You A great Hub
MrM -
Thank you. I am so glad you feel this way.
I hope those who read this article about LDS girls, understand that I am not implying that these LDS girls are any better than other teenage girls and young women.
What I am saying is that because these LDS girls have set their heart on the things of God and are choosing accordingly - this is what makes them different than mainstream young women in general.
The principle is - choose well and be happy. I just believe that choosing well, means following the teachings of Jesus Christ. But hey - I am a Christian and these moral standards are quite tried and true...
I love that LDS girls are such wonderful evidence of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Scientist want proof -- well here you go =
Faith results in evidence of truth:-) Whoever said that faith is not concrete? lol
Always lovely to have you comment.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
Hi LdsNana-AskMormon,
I am always impressed with your way of teaching. This is a very powerful hub, and inspiring. This hub helps acquaint, those of us who may hold to a different denominational persuasion, with a better understanding of what some may have seen as being too rigid. I applaud you, and thank you for this insight.
Hi Whezo:-)
You are always too kind. I hope that you are right though... The way that LDS girls are almost skilled in good decision making, can appear to an "outsider" as coercive or even rigid control from parents and Church leaders.
Once you have endured a rebellious teenager, and attempted to coerce them - and it doesn't work, no matter what -- well then, you know you have taught agency well. lol
Helping young people understand their power, through the use of their own agency - can lead to some extraordinary parenting lessons.
Thank heavens, that when they have experienced negative results to making some poor choices, because of the clear connection between choice and consequences taught and practiced while growing up - most LDS girls who veer for a short time - will return to good choices that produce happiness. (back to the math:-)
Again, I love the faith of these LDS girls, who so often choose to trust in the Lord, and through observing other's and their good or poor choices - understand this power of choice that they have been blessed with.
Using this power, is the key to creating happiness and peace for all of us. LDS girls are just so cool to observe.
Great to have you comment.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
Thanks for the hub on LDS Girls. I couldn't agree with you more. I feel that the basic teachings of the LDS Church will carry us through the tough times and that those who stray a little will come through in the end. I've seen it happen time and time again. They truly come to know what real happiness is, but some need to try out the plan for themselves and pay the price for their actions. We can thank our Heavenly Father for this wonderful gift of CHOICE.
This is confusing to me. How is it that LDS girls have some significance. Did someone say something against LDS girls that they should be singled out. I did not see any good reason to call attention to them. I thought they were like all other girls, more or less.
I think that prejudice is often generated by calling attention to people. Personally, I think these are girls, not categorized girls.
viralprospector-
"Did someone say something against LDS girls that they should be singled out"?
Great question... As a matter of a fact, sorta:-)
One of my main reasons for writing about Mormonism here on hubpages, is to hopefully clarify and dispel many of the false teachings and myths, that are rampant on the Internet about Mormons.
http://hubpages.com/profile/LdsNana-AskMormon
One of the biggies, is that LDS girls and women are mindless followers, etc... As well, many people confuse us, with the RLDS/polygamist - who claim to a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. The media is very guilty of perpetuating this connection. This is a significant problem for the LDS Church, and it's members.
Recently the Church has made some very direct efforts to clarify on some of these issues...
http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary
Personally, one of the main points of why I do not like these associations - has much to do with the fact that many of these polygamist groups - marry off these young girls, before they have the opportunity to exercise their own choice in the matter of their own lives.
These innocent young women, are being brought up in an environment where they do not have the right to direct their lives,and ultimately become victims of and to a very unhealthy generational system.
Whereas, LDS girls and young women are significantly different. There is no comparison -- and yet, the same unfortunate ideas are being directed toward LDS girls and woman, of having what many may consider - no power.
Nothing could be further from the actual truth about LDS girls. If you are versed in Mormonism, even in the least - you may also, mistakenly, apply some of these same misguided understandings of LDS girls and young women?
It is my desire, as one who presents Mormonism to my audience - to do so in a credible and relevant style. I have made it clear, that I do not believe LDS girls to be better than any other girl.
However, what I am focusing on - about LDS girls, is that which I do believe sets them apart as a group, associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.
It is this relationship to the teachings of Mormonism, correctly taught - that I credit LDS girls for their skills and reasons for making more positive choices, in comparison to most of their peers - which result in happiness for themselves and into their futures... which affect a healthy family.
Do I believe that anyone is against these LDS girls? No. I do believe there is much misunderstandings about LDS girls, and therefore I have chosen to highlight an area, where clarifications can be made.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
Bocadike-
Choice and accountability, which is taught to these LDS girls from the time that they are very young - is truly one of the powerful principles that will most always draws these LDS girls back to the foundational teachings and lifestyle of Mormonism.
LDS girls, are as apt to making wrong choices as any other, but understanding why poor choices lead to negative results is the connection, that brings them back to consciously making better decisions.
I credit Mormon teachings of morality, choice, accountability and consequence - for this strong foundation, that LDS girls operate from...
Like you, I have seen this in action over and over again.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
I have always been impressed with Morman girls. Years ago, in Las Vegas, my best friends were Morman girls. I had just arrived from Ireland. I met a girl whose name was Megan. She was popular and pretty. I went to Morman dances every Friday night. Afterwards, we'd have TCT(toasted cheese tortillas) at a local Mexican restaurant. I only spent three years in Vegas, from 13 until 16, but I carry many memories, including my time spent with the Morman community. I named my first daughter Meaghan. As fate would have it, her best friend Nicole, is Morman. Their family is one of three in the town who are LDS members. Meaghan often attends the young women's activity nights. She is being brought up Catholic, but I hope that the LDS church brings as much positive influence into her life as it did in mine.
Callin -
I love that you had such positive experiences with LDS girls as a teenager, even those that bring back such positive memories. How interesting is fate?
How lovely that you would choose to name your own daughter after a friend of yours growing up, who just happened to be an LDS girl. Usually when we name our children "after" another person, it is because of what that person means to us, and stands for...
I love that your daughter who is Catholic, and her LDS girlfriend - have found a common bond through Christ. I would imagine that the common values that both of these young women share, are what has brought them together. Such a great support for both of these girls in the world today.
How grateful we are as parents, when our children choose friends that support positive decision making.
Thank you for sharing:-)
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
I enjoyed reading about LDS girls. It is so inspiring to see faith in action> When I was growing up my dad always said: cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs might make you high and mighty for a while, and maybe money, but church and virtue will make you happy. Choose. Well, I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs--and I am happy! You go ahead and keep writing. I will keep reading you.
Great job on this hub, you always provide so much content and great information. Growing up as a young women in the church with inactive parents, truly saved my life. I was headed down the wrong road a few times and thanks to a loving YW leader and good support from other YW, I never strayed too far and have found happiness and now I have a daughter who is going to be in YW in two years! Wonderful hub!
Kristendom-
Well your dad was absolutely right on! Make good choices and life will bring you that which is good. This is not to say that glitches will not come along and on occasion make us wonder about some of these so-called right choices. But, over time - we will eventually see that there are right choices.
LDS girls are a good example of young women who make good choices and as a body, have proven that making these good choices, have excellent results for obtaining happiness.
Thanks for commenting.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
ldsagent -
Isn't that interesting? I too was raised by two totally inactive LDS parents. In fact, I am the only active member of the Church in my family today. I also had some good extended family and influence on occasion from Y.W. leaders. I am confident that these teachings influenced me greatly at the age of 17 to become fully active in the Mormon Church.
This is still considered for me personally, to be the best choice I made as an LDS young woman. I have based every decision from that point on in my life - on the teachings taught in the LDS Church. I have such a testimony of Jesus Christ today.
LDS girls are truly given wonderful guidance for making the best choices possible in life. My life has not always been easy, but continuing in this path has always been the best choice for me, and ensured much joy.
Sounds like you are having a similar experience. I'm so excited for your daughter. LDS girls are so blessed to have the Young Women program to help support the teachings from good parents.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
tMDg
LdsNana-AskMormon
LDS girls sound so responsible and confident! You did an excellent job of explaining all this, I really had no idea of all the added support that was available to them.
Shirley -
I think that generally LDS girls are quite responsible. They have learned be responsible for the decisions that they make -- so they tend to think before acting -- most of the time.
Another contributor to this could also be that many come from larger families than most. In a large family, there is often many more opportunities to learn responsibility,which is good.
You brought up the amount of support that LDS girls receive, which supports them in their desire to make good choices.... This is so important. Thank you for pointing this out. It is really hard for young women today to even know the basics of right and wrong anymore. If they are looking to the media, for instance - oh heavens. lol
Thanks for commenting.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
I'm so glad I found this hub and stopped by to read today. It was very inspiring to learn about the LDS girls and the confidence they uphold because they know who they are. Beautifully written and a big thumbs up.
As i was looking for a picture to put on our wards bullition board for my Personal Progress project i came across this webstie and i think that this is amazing. I live in Illinios and i didnt know that there were this many websites about us young women. i think that its amazing that we stand so close together & i have a strong testimony in our Prophet and that our church is the true church. Thank you for making this website<3
Jessica Goode
Jessica -
I'm glad you found me, too. Have fun working within the Young Women's Program of the Church. It is the BEST!
tDMg
My hope is that someday LDS girls are encouraged to follow their dreams and be whatever they want to be, rather than being pushed into one mold (marriage and motherhood) whether it fits them or not. It breaks my heart that they aren't truly given choices for their lives, but instead told what choice is the only really acceptable one.
Denise -
I am truly sorry for your incorrect perception of LDS young women. I raised three daughters, who each are extremely independent women, today. Not to be disrespectful, but they would probably laugh if they read your comment. Two of my daughters are college graduates; one UCLA, and the other BYU. The reason most young LDS women ultimately choose marriage and motherhood over careers, when they are young - is that they understand the eternal importance of "the family" and desire to be a part of that, over what the world has to offer. There is plenty of time in life, to pursue many dreams. Perhaps you are confusing members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with some other sect that associate themselves with us -- which are not.
tDMg
I'm not confusing you with anyone. I was born and raised LDS. If things have changed since i was a young woman, great, but I have yet to see that they have. Where are the lessons for young women exploring career options? Where are they taught that it's okay not to get married and have children if that isn't what they want out of life? Feel free to refer me to that information. Girls are encouraged to get an education, but that's the end of it (and there's incredible social pressure to marry, whether or not you've graduated college. I saw this in my nieces' lives). Many women, like myself, are simply not suited for "the family," as in being a wifeandmother. Yet, no other options are really offered, much less encouraged. I've been there, and I know what I'm talking about.
Denise -
I pretty much figured that you are a Mormon, yourself. I'm very sorry that the messages that you received, while growing up as an LDS girl, were so confining for you. Actually, I do think things and messages have changed for young women today, and not only in the LDS Church. I grew up in the 70s and was not a member of the Church. The messages that I "heard" even then for girls, was that marriage was STILL the goal in life. Education for girls, even then - was NOT the main focus.
Let me just say, that as you most likely know already -- Mormonism does teach and model the importance of the "family", not only in this life, but into the next. It is a natural progression for both male and female members to then move toward the development of their own families -- as the main goal of this life. I have been an instructor for the youth of the LDS Church for years, and I can honestly say that marriage, education, self-reliance, etc... are all values taught and stressed to the youth.
The "Plan of Happiness" for us here and now, is about our stable and ongoing relationships with others, in our lives. This truth applies to all people, regardless of religion, race, gender, etc... When you claim that you are not "suited" for family -- "as in being a wife and mother" -- you must acknowledge that you are very much the exception. I don't think it has much to do with Mormonism, and what they teach.
Yes, within Mormon culture, there are many expectations that children will embrace. Why is this so? Well, it is because as faithful members of the Church - we too, have "been there" and know those things in life that bring happiness and those that most likely will not. Parents who give their children direction, by example - should encourage them to seek those same things. I am left to wonder, if that example was not there, for you.
I think the most important element in this entire conversation about "choice" not being available to LDS youth, is the question as to whether "they" or "you" believe that what the Church teaches is true or not. Most youth who develop testimonies that the Church IS true, are anxious to seek those things that are in keeping with gospel teachings. I believe, that ultimately it comes down to a persons individual testimony and willingness to do what they believe God would have them do; and how he counsels us to prioritize our lives.
I do appreciate your comments and honesty. However, as you have chosen to walk away from these teachings/lifestyle, I think you owe it to other LDS girls/women - to honor the use of their agency - in choosing to honor embrace them.
tDMg
My last comment, regarding this:
"Well, it is because as faithful members of the Church - we too, have "been there" and know those things in life that bring happiness and those that most likely will not. Parents who give their children direction, by example - should encourage them to seek those same things. I am left to wonder, if that example was not there, for you."
What I don't think you see here is that the traditional mormon woman's life of being a wife and mommy would absolutely NOT have brought me happiness. It would have made me incredibly miserable. I'm grateful every day that I didn't choose that lifestyle. I know I may be an exception, but I also know I am not the only one. I have met other former LDS women like me. There is not one sole path to happiness that fits every person, and this does have to do with Mormonism. Girls outside the church learn that they can aspire to be anything they want, while mormon girls are taught that marriage (only in the temple) and motherhood should be their ultimate goal, period. How do they have "agency," when they're told that god wants only one choice for them?
As for my parents, they thankfully preferred that I be happy than that I follow an example that was completely wrong for me.
I'm sorry that you don't want more for girls and women, but that's your right and I'll leave you to it.
Denise -
My point is simply this... that those who have a testimony that what the Mormon Church teach about eternal life, and the family do not feel forced into choosing these things. I'm so sorry that for you personally - you did not feel that you could exercise your moral agency and choose for you, what you felt was right.
Christianity, in general - is about submitting one's will, to that which God would have them do. Jesus Christ was the perfect example of this principle.
BTW, I personally believe that regardless of religious faith or personal belief -- the "traditional" family unit is where individuals are most likely to find the greatest happiness in this life.
tDMg
In your earlier replies to these comments I like how you clarify that LDS women have autonomy of thought ... and in the next paragraph you basically say, "See, the church says so."
Um, yeah.
It would be nice to see some original thinking coming from the Mormon blogosphere but we'll have to keep looking I guess.
FlyByCritic -
Regardless of what the Church teaches, LDS Young Women, still have the right to choose which path they will choose. Simply because guidance is given - and then taken, does NOT mean that a person has not exercise their own agency.
Seems to me, that the "original thinking" that you are looking for, needs to be oppositional to LDS Church teachings. Yup -- better keep looking...
tDMg
Thanks for going out of your rocking chair and starting to talk about how great the LDS are, for they truly are.
i am lds and i totally agree with evrything you guys because i am a girl
Hi lola -
Thanks. I really appreciate your speaking out. BTW, you rock!
tDMg
hi nana,
i am a single adult member fr.the phil.and im glad to see your hub so inpiring...your stories,ideas and how you set a good example to your children,i don't have a family yet but i totally want my children to be a part of the true church here on earth The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Simply -
Thank you. I wish you all my best for a blessed future.
tDMg
thanks so much i always love to drop by your hub and read the comments of others and your answers to their questions i myself is learning a lot from u as well...the church is in need for strong women...who will stay morally clean,who will shun pornography,and who can established a home that's a little bit of heaven and you are an example,i am proud to be a mormon
thank you so much Nana.not only is this hub great, but your responses are super great. I myself am a LDS young woman, from Australia, and you have truly inspired me to help the non-member world understand who we truly are, and what our values and morals are.
Thanks once again for your hubs
Jessica -
Thank YOU! That's great that you want to help others understand more about Mormonism. My best to you:)
tDMg
Cutest picture of LDS Young Women, um, EVER! Is that at tbe Bountiful Temple, by chance?
Thank you, JS. I believe the picture was taken somewhere on the BYU Campus:)
to be a good girl in the Lord is good even a person want to worship the Lord worship in truth
LDS Youth Gems for LDS Girls and Guys
- 1 Nephi 22:2
"By the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets." —1 Nephi 22:2, Book of Mormon Topics: Prophets - 2 months ago
- 2 Nephi 26:15
"The prayers of the faithful shall be heard." —2 Nephi 26:15, Book of Mormon Topics: Prayer - 2 months ago
- Alma 13:28
"Watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear." —Alma 13:28, Book of Mormon Topics: Prayer, Temptation - 2 months ago
- The Privilege of Prayer
"We must not only say our prayers; we must live them." —Elder J. Devn Cornish, "The Privilege of Prayer", Liahona, Nov. 2011 Topics: Prayer - 2 months ago
- 2 Nephi 4:35
"I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh." —2 Nephi 4:35, Book of Mormon Topics: Prayer - 2 months ago
- Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time, without Delay
"I have learned that there is great safety in following the prophets." —Elder Jose L. Alonso, "Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time, without Delay", General Conference, Oct. 2011 Topics: Obedience, Prophets - 2 months ago
- Why Do We Need Prophets?
"Prophets are inspired teachers and are always special witnesses of Jesus Christ." —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Why Do We Need Prophets?", Liahona, Mar. 2012 Topics: Prophets, Teaching, Jesus Christ - 2 months ago
- Exhort Them to Pray
"[God] offers us, through prayer in the name of His Son, the opportunity to commune with Him in this life as often as we choose." —President Henry B. Eyring, "Exhort Them to Pray", Liahona, Feb. 2012 Topics: Prayer - 2 months ago
In The Doghouse 3 years ago
Nana,
LDS Girls are truly an amazing group. They are different in "happy ways" from other girls around them. These LDS Young Women are taught from their youth about being daughters of God, and taught to strive to live to their potential as such. In our society today where chastity and modesty are hard to find, these LDS girls are trying to live up to standards and values that are part of their Mormon teachings. I think that LDS girls simply rock!