I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I am a woman.

I love being female.

My gender is eternal, beautiful, strong, amazing, capable, nurturing, and incredible.

This Thankful Thursday I want to share my gratitude for the privilege it is to be a woman, a disciple of Christ, and a member of the LDS Church.

Never EVER have I been told or made to feel that I am less than my brothers in the Church. Whenever I have been part of decision-making councils, my voice has always been heard and valued. Even as a teenager!

I have power. I have authority. I have worth. I am an equal partner.

Much has been said in recent months (years. decades. scores. generations.) I don't feel the need to repeat the good stuff or debate the wrong stuff. I would like to just add one point I feel is being missed as the conversation seems to pull over to dwelling on how "mistreated" both sides are.

The one side for being "oppressed," "silenced," and "second class."

And the other for feeling "misrepresented," betrayed," and "belittled."

Yes, we need to love each other. Yes, we need to show compassion. But we seem to have forgotten that sometimes love and compassion is saying, "You're wrong. Stop what your doing. Let me help you understand. But you need to stop because you're hurting yourself (and/or others)."

I don't deny that people have been hurt and some have made very poor choices on how they handle the situation. But being hurt doesn't mean you run screaming down Apostasy Lane. Being hurt doesn't mean it's okay to call OW supporters horrible people. Sometimes you have to tell someone you love that they're being an idiot! And sometimes being loved means you have to hear that you're being an idiot!

The OW movement is wrong and based in misunderstanding, false teachings, anger, and pride.

There. I said it.

I know.

Ouch.

I am not heartless. Empathy runs in my veins (put there by simple genetics and an awesome upbringing). I hurt for the people who have been hurt. And I hurt more that so many are ignoring the loving counsel of family and leaders and hurting themselves and others more. It's sad.

But sadness doesn't mean we ignore the truth and "hug out" the hurt with empty words on the internet.

I am thankful to be surrounded by people who love me. People who will encourage and support me through thick and thin. The same people who will be honest with me if I need to change course. Who won't coddle me. Who will push me to be a better Lindsey. THAT is love. THAT is acceptance. THAT is tolerance.

What are you thankful for today?