General Women's Session

[rodheadlee]

Hey did anybody go to or watch Women's General Session? I thought there would be some posts on it. We had to work on our ark.

[Ginger Snaps]

Yep, thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought Uchtdorf's choosing to share most of his talk in the form of a story was especially nice to draw in the Primary-age girls. I also liked the focus on the plan of salvation and the role womanhood/motherhood plays. Not new themes, by any stretch, but it seemed like they took them to a deeper level this round.

[bluebell]

I struggled with the primary voices, but also had lightbulb moments with each talk.

I liked the videos.

And I loved Uchtdorf's talk and that it was a parable.

[juliann]

Pres. Uchtdorf's talk had to be the first ever talk entirely about the fulfilling life of a single woman. There are always a few firsts from this conference. I liked the acknowledgment that young women need a cause.  And going beyond knowing we are a "child of God" to what that means, i.e., divine nature. The more inclusive emphasis on being a disciple rather than the usual mother/wife talk is wonderful...I've noticed that as a new theme for women.

 

I remain disappointed that we now have talks geared toward eight year olds. But if Pres. Uchtdorf remains the final speaker or a woman is considered necessary to the men's session,  I will no longer be complain that a man is gives the last and longest talk at a woman's conference.

[BlueDreams]

I liked it, but was a little distracted. My cousin's baby was fairly active during it. I had only one prevalent mixed emotion about it, but think that had to do with some clients I had the other day....messages about being sweet gentle women were just not a good fit because of what I'd dealt with the day before. Really liked Uchtdorf's talk....of course I also have a pretty big bias toward him (he's one of my favorites). 

 

Mostly I enjoyed it though. 

with luv,

BD

[rodheadlee]

Thanks ladies. When the text comes out I'll print them for my wife.

[KevinG]

I remain disappointed that we now have talks geared toward eight year olds. 

 

If women want the Women's General Session to be taken as seriously as the Priesthood session then you have to sit through talks geared towards primary, just as we men have to sit through talks geared towards boys about to become Deacons.  Again, and again, and again...

[bluebell]

If women want the Women's General Session to be taken as seriously as the Priesthood session then you have to sit through talks geared towards primary, just as we men have to sit through talks geared towards boys about to become Deacons.  Again, and again, and again...

 

At least your talks are geared toward 12 year olds and not 8  year olds.  

[KevinG]

At least your talks are geared toward 12 year olds and not 8  year olds.  

 

11 Year old boys and 8 year old girls.  A distinction without a difference.  

[The Nehor]

If women want the Women's General Session to be taken as seriously as the Priesthood session then you have to sit through talks geared towards primary, just as we men have to sit through talks geared towards boys about to become Deacons.  Again, and again, and again...

"I'd like to address the young men tonight." -over 50% of the Priesthood Session talks

Sometimes I wonder why they want me there. I can only remember once where a speaker in Priesthood specifically wanted to address the adults in the congregation and that was President Hinckley giving his "get your houses in order" counsel.

[bluebell]

11 Year old boys and 8 year old girls.  A distinction without a difference.  

 

I didn't realize 11 year old boys were invited to the Priesthood session.  I thought it was only for 12 and up.

[KevinG]

I didn't realize 11 year old boys were invited to the Priesthood session.  I thought it was only for 12 and up.

 

Oops... 12.

[bsjkki]

I read the talk summaries and am trying motivate myself to watch the full conference but it sounded so ... sappy.  Sometimes I think their must be something wrong with me because I don't like sappy videos and don't need to hear about my "divine nature" or prepare to be a wife and a mother.  I am a wife and a mother.  I stay home and look after my kids.  I love my husband and am generally happy and have taught my daughters about their divine nature.  I also encourage them to have an education and career.  I have one daughter who will not get married.  She is autistic and unless she makes drastic changes, will not ever desire that kind of relationship.  I have one who may not be able to have kids due to medical reasons. Most of the women in my ward have to work for economic reasons.  I sat next to a woman in relief society who quietly cried throughout the whole meeting on Sunday.  Her heart was so heavy because her husband is struggling with the church and she has to keep it all together for the whole family and they have financial problems.  I just had a new member visiting teacher companion leave the church because of questions of church history and feeling like the members weren't all accepting her.  I know I need to just watch it and form a "true" opinion but I'm get tired of people saying how wonderful something was when I don't feel "it."  I generally love conference but not women's conference.

[bluebell]

I read the talk summaries and am trying motivate myself to watch the full conference but it sounded so ... sappy.  Sometimes I think their must be something wrong with me because I don't like sappy videos and don't need to hear about my "divine nature" or prepare to be a wife and a mother.  I am a wife and a mother.  I stay home and look after my kids.  I love my husband and am generally happy and have taught my daughters about their divine nature.  I also encourage them to have an education and career.  I have one daughter who will not get married.  She is autistic and unless she makes drastic changes, will not ever desire that kind of relationship.  I have one who may not be able to have kids due to medical reasons. Most of the women in my ward have to work for economic reasons.  I sat next to a woman in relief society who quietly cried throughout the whole meeting on Sunday.  Her heart was so heavy because her husband is struggling with the church and she has to keep it all together for the whole family and they have financial problems.  I just had a new member visiting teacher companion leave the church because of questions of church history and feeling like the members weren't all accepting her.  I know I need to just watch it and form a "true" opinion but I'm get tired of people saying how wonderful something was when I don't feel "it."  I generally love conference but not women's conference.

 

I think it would be a good idea to get away from all the sappy as well.  I would like to get more doctrine that is applicable  and usable to solve problems with rather than hearing 'you're a child of God who's divine birthright is to be a wife and a mother' over and over again.  I feel like, as important as that is, we've covered it and it's time to move forward.

 

And i don't mind having a talk focused more on the kids in the crowd-but there has to be something of real substance for the grown women as well.  For most of us, every day is a battle in some form or another.  I feel like we need more battle plans.

[Scott Lloyd]

I didn't realize 11 year old boys were invited to the Priesthood session.  I thought it was only for 12 and up.

 

 

Oops... 12.

And, by definition, the priesthood session would not include talks geared toward boys "about to become deacons," as such boys in theory would not be in attendance.

 

But I get what you're saying. If it's a session for women and girls, there must be some messages for the latter.

[bluebell]

 

But I get what you're saying. If it's a session for women and girls, there must be some messages for the latter.

 

I think a lot of women are just wondering why they made it a meeting for women and girls.  Does it serve either group very well, and if it does, then why aren't 8-11 year old boys eligible for the same benefits?  

[Scott Lloyd]

I think a lot of women are just wondering why they made it a meeting for women and girls.  Does it serve either group very well, ....

I suppose that's a question best answered by the women and girls of the Church.

 

But on Saturday evening, my wife and 10-year-old daughter were in the upstairs bedroom watching the session together. Occasionally my daughter would comment on this or that statement, making sure her mother had been paying attention. I have to think there is something wholesome and ultimately edifying about that scene.

Edited September 30, 2015 by Scott Lloyd

[bluebell]

 

But on Saturday evening, my wife and 10-year-old daughter were in the upstairs bedroom watching the session together. Occasionally my daughter would comment on this or that statement, making sure her mother had been paying attention. I have to think there is something wholesome and ultimately edifying about that scene.

 

Oh definitely.  It would be equally wholesome and edifying for that scene to play out between men and their 10 year old sons as well.

[juliann]

"I'd like to address the young men tonight." -over 50% of the Priesthood Session talks

Sometimes I wonder why they want me there. I can only remember once where a speaker in Priesthood specifically wanted to address the adults in the congregation and that was President Hinckley giving his "get your houses in order" counsel.

 

When is the last time you were told to "put on your shiny" or heard about make-up or how you look? Meanwhile, boys are told they have keys to the ministering of angels. Compare talks! Seriously, find two talks on a similar topic and look at how differently they are addressed.

 

Talks to girls are generally passive, it is about how you look to others in dress and behavior, thinking the right thoughts and above all else, being "nice" to prepare for marriage and temple. Service, scripture reading and prayer are supposed to get them to this point. But it never gets anymore specific than that.  That is why it is so striking that it was acknowledged that young women need a cause this time. 

[The Nehor]

When is the last time you were told to "put on your shiny" or heard about make-up or how you look? Meanwhile, boys are told they have keys to the ministering of angels. Compare talks! Seriously, find two talks on a similar topic and look at how differently they are addressed.

 

Talks to girls are generally passive, it is about how you look to others in dress and behavior, thinking the right thoughts and above all else, being "nice" to prepare for marriage and temple. Service, scripture reading and prayer are supposed to get them to this point. But it never gets anymore specific than that.  That is why it is so striking that it was acknowledged that young women need a cause this time.

Would not debate that. Just pointing out that appealing (or attempting to be appealing) to the youth over adults is normal in Priesthood Session. I admit to some jealousy in the past that Relief Society was ostensibly an adult meeting.

I have been told more then once not be slovenly in appearance in Priesthood. Women do it get more. I really should dig out my copies of the old Millenial Star I found in an ancient missionary house while I was on my mission. It had a special women's section. The funniest article title was: "You could be Lovelier" followed by basic grooming tips......and I mean basic. If I as a 19 year old guy knew these female beauty tips..........either the women of England needed a lot of help in the 70s or they were being very talked down to or possibly a little of both.

[Tacenda]

When is the last time you were told to "put on your shiny" or heard about make-up or how you look? Meanwhile, boys are told they have keys to the ministering of angels. Compare talks! Seriously, find two talks on a similar topic and look at how differently they are addressed.

 

Talks to girls are generally passive, it is about how you look to others in dress and behavior, thinking the right thoughts and above all else, being "nice" to prepare for marriage and temple. Service, scripture reading and prayer are supposed to get them to this point. But it never gets anymore specific than that.  That is why it is so striking that it was acknowledged that young women need a cause this time. 

Wish I could give you a rep point. 

[Ginger Snaps]

I read the talk summaries and am trying motivate myself to watch the full conference but it sounded so ... sappy.  Sometimes I think their must be something wrong with me because I don't like sappy videos and don't need to hear about my "divine nature" or prepare to be a wife and a mother.  I am a wife and a mother.  I stay home and look after my kids.  I love my husband and am generally happy and have taught my daughters about their divine nature.  I also encourage them to have an education and career.  I have one daughter who will not get married.  She is autistic and unless she makes drastic changes, will not ever desire that kind of relationship.  I have one who may not be able to have kids due to medical reasons. Most of the women in my ward have to work for economic reasons.  I sat next to a woman in relief society who quietly cried throughout the whole meeting on Sunday.  Her heart was so heavy because her husband is struggling with the church and she has to keep it all together for the whole family and they have financial problems.  I just had a new member visiting teacher companion leave the church because of questions of church history and feeling like the members weren't all accepting her.  I know I need to just watch it and form a "true" opinion but I'm get tired of people saying how wonderful something was when I don't feel "it."  I generally love conference but not women's conference.

I hear you on this, and I would just say give it a whirl.  I felt like there was more sensitivity than usual towards those who don't fit within the narrow margins of the typical Mormon box.

I liked BCCs write-up of President Uchtdorf's talk:

http://bycommonconsent.com/2015/09/29/uchtdorf-at-the-womens-session-something-for-everyone-ldsconf/

[Jeanne]

I read the talk summaries and am trying motivate myself to watch the full conference but it sounded so ... sappy.  Sometimes I think their must be something wrong with me because I don't like sappy videos and don't need to hear about my "divine nature" or prepare to be a wife and a mother.  I am a wife and a mother.  I stay home and look after my kids.  I love my husband and am generally happy and have taught my daughters about their divine nature.  I also encourage them to have an education and career.  I have one daughter who will not get married.  She is autistic and unless she makes drastic changes, will not ever desire that kind of relationship.  I have one who may not be able to have kids due to medical reasons. Most of the women in my ward have to work for economic reasons.  I sat next to a woman in relief society who quietly cried throughout the whole meeting on Sunday.  Her heart was so heavy because her husband is struggling with the church and she has to keep it all together for the whole family and they have financial problems.  I just had a new member visiting teacher companion leave the church because of questions of church history and feeling like the members weren't all accepting her.  I know I need to just watch it and form a "true" opinion but I'm get tired of people saying how wonderful something was when I don't feel "it."  I generally love conference but not women's conference.

I so love your honesty!

[Rain]

I loved the line that went something like, "she never felt like she needed to get to know someone before she loved them" in one of the videos. I've had that in mind a lot the last couple of days.

There was much at the conference that seemed to be aimed just at my daughter who had a rough weekend.

I'll be honest and say I don't remember a lot of the talks. I remember really trying to listen, but once the line I quoted was said I just didn't hear much. It has just sunk deep inside and I've had a lot of self reflection about how much if at all others have felt this way about me and how others will be able to know I love them in the future.

[Rain]

When is the last time you were told to "put on your shiny" or heard about make-up or how you look? Meanwhile, boys are told they have keys to the ministering of angels. Compare talks! Seriously, find two talks on a similar topic and look at how differently they are addressed.

 

Talks to girls are generally passive, it is about how you look to others in dress and behavior, thinking the right thoughts and above all else, being "nice" to prepare for marriage and temple. Service, scripture reading and prayer are supposed to get them to this point. But it never gets anymore specific than that.  That is why it is so striking that it was acknowledged that young women need a cause this time. 

 

OK, please know I am not trying to be argumentative. I'm curious.  I like numbers.  I like to analyze.   I decided to sort of take up your challenge.  I started looking at last springs priesthood and women's sessions.

 

I started wondering if it would be more noticeable if I looked at past years?  So I started looking at those too.  

 

I was expecting to see more of what you were talking about.  There was definitely an emphasis on home last spring for the women, but then I remember also noticing the "family" theme was all through conference (for the general population as well) so maybe that conference time wasn't a good one for comparing for this kind of thing.  So that's one of the reasons I started looking in past years.  And yes, much more of an emphasis on home and family for the women than the men.

 

One talk was about being full of light so I thought - "there's the passive that Juliann was talking about"!  But then I found it (the passive) running through the men's talks as well. One difference I found was that power was talked about twice (probably more, but I didn't look farther at this yet), but it was power through the priesthood for the men and power through the home for the women.  Both talked about gaining spiritual knowledge to gain that power.  

 

I'm finding that the active part is more woven in through the passive part for the women.  It wasn't till I was actively looking for it that I saw it hidden in there.  It's more nuanced than it is for the men.  I was just about to press submit, but then decided to read the "cause" talk. It wasn't ringing a bell with me.  Now I'm sticking it in the middle of what I have written. Why?  Because I found again that much of the active part of the talk is hidden in the passive part.  It starts out strong with "cause" (and I think the voice of Sister McConkie helps) and then it reads like many of the other talks I have been reading tonight.  I think the word helps point out that there are active roles we should take where as in other talks there is not much to point out the hidden "active".

 

So the question becomes - are most women picking the "active" part up up?  

 

And why is the nuance there?  Is it because as a group we haven't shown a readiness for it yet?  Despite the fact that the talk was about motherhood and the title of the talk belies it, "Mothers Who Know" was quite an active talk and it had boatloads of controversy over it.  I'm not talking about the working mother controversy.  I'm talking about the "I'm overwhelmed and you are telling me I'm not doing enough?" controversy except that many who heard the action words took it as a judgment.  

 

So is this why the action words are hidden or is there some other reason?  Perhaps some of it it just tradition? If we are not ready how can we help each other to be ready for clear as a bell active talks?