Okrahomer Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 Eva Witesman has published an Op-ed in today's Deseret News which (judging from the comments) is generating some intense reaction. Dr. Witesman's writing rings clear and true to me. Even though I'm only a man, I too stay because of "yes." "Why do strong women stay in the church? I cannot answer this question for anyone else. But I can answer it for myself. I stay because of yes. Because when I keep my covenants, I have the power of knowing — seeing — in a way I cannot achieve without my Father in Heaven. No man or woman can; we are all equally reliant on the God who fills the empty vessels of our humanity with His love and His power." "I stay because I know — have always known — that there is greatness in me. And through the gift of the Holy Ghost, through yes, I have learned what that greatness is." 3 Link to comment
Tacenda Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 (edited) "I stay because I know — have always known — that there is greatness in me. And through the gift of the Holy Ghost, through yes, I have learned what that greatness is." I don't know why, but this rubs my wrong. I hope that I'm allowed to have this opinion on this board. What is greatness? great·ness ˈɡrātnəs/ noun the quality of being great, distinguished, or eminent. "Elgar's greatness as a composer" synonyms:eminence, distinction, illustriousness, repute, high standing; More Doesn't feel like it's that great to have greatness. But glad she's strong. All women deserve that. ETA: I do like this sentiment though, (hopefully I'm not being too critical above): "Because when I keep my covenants, I have the power of knowing — seeing — in a way I cannot achieve without my Father in Heaven. No man or woman can; we are all equally reliant on the God who fills the empty vessels of our humanity with His love and His power." Edited August 11, 2017 by Tacenda Link to comment
Okrahomer Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 (edited) 9 minutes ago, Tacenda said: "I stay because I know — have always known — that there is greatness in me. And through the gift of the Holy Ghost, through yes, I have learned what that greatness is." I don't know why, but this rubs my wrong. I hope that I'm allowed to have this opinion on this board. What is greatness? great·ness ˈɡrātnəs/ noun the quality of being great, distinguished, or eminent. "Elgar's greatness as a composer" synonyms:eminence, distinction, illustriousness, repute, high standing; More Doesn't feel like it's that great to have greatness. But glad she's strong. All women deserve that. When she uses the word "greatness", she's referring to her own divine potential. "I was born knowing — knowing — that there was divinity in me. In the words of Sheri Dew, I was born for glory. We all were. I saw it in my mother, my grandmother, my sister. I think this is at the core of every strong woman: This knowing. This fire. This sense of eternal destiny. This greatness. Can you help me understand why that rubs you the wrong way? Edited August 11, 2017 by Okrahomer 4 Link to comment
Popular Post ksfisher Posted August 11, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted August 11, 2017 15 minutes ago, Okrahomer said: Eva Witesman has published an Op-ed in today's Deseret News which (judging from the comments) is generating some intense reaction. The comments sections on newspaper sites are always interesting in the same way that car wrecks are interesting. 9 Link to comment
Okrahomer Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 Just now, ksfisher said: The comments sections on newspaper sites are always interesting in the same way that car wrecks are interesting. Amen! Link to comment
Tacenda Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 3 minutes ago, Okrahomer said: When she uses the word "greatness", she's referring to her own divine potential. "I was born knowing — knowing — that there was divinity in me. In the words of Sheri Dew, I was born for glory. We all were. I saw it in my mother, my grandmother, my sister. I think this is at the core of every strong woman: This knowing. This fire. This sense of eternal destiny. This greatness. Can you help me understand why that rubs you the wrong way? I edited my comments, notice? The part you reference above is not a problem. Just the greatness part. But that's all I got to say about that. Link to comment
Robert F. Smith Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 That is what every child needs -- a great mother. We always knew who we could trust to handle any and every thing which came up, who had the answers we needed, and the comfort in time of trial or fear. I sure do miss her. 4 Link to comment
Okrahomer Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 22 minutes ago, Tacenda said: I edited my comments, notice? The part you reference above is not a problem. Just the greatness part. But that's all I got to say about that. Oh, I must have been responding when you posted your edit. Sorry about that. Link to comment
Popular Post Guest Posted August 11, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted August 11, 2017 I stay, because early on I received a witness of the Book of Mormon, and of the Gospel. I stay, because despite the many articles and comments that flood the net, my soul is at stake. I have also had many Spiritual experiences that I cannot deny, healings, revelations, the healing of others through the Priesthood. The light that fills my soul and repels darkness, and allows me to read and understand the "truth of all things". It is this "truth", and this "knowledge", that gives me safe passage through the storms of error, be it real or contrived. While so many spend their time and lives, "quote mining", I try to spend my time, mining for the truth found in the word of God. It is an activity that has made me rich in testimony, and able to view things in a perfect light. 5 Link to comment
Tacenda Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 2 hours ago, Okrahomer said: Oh, I must have been responding when you posted your edit. Sorry about that. You are just fine, I'm glad you posted the subject, I like to see what keeps people in the church and I don't discredit this woman, just the comment about greatness rubbed me wrong. And sorry that I was channeling Forrest Gump on that post. Link to comment
The Nehor Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 4 hours ago, ksfisher said: The comments sections on newspaper sites are always interesting in the same way that car wrecks are interesting. I think one of the biggest mistakes the internet ever made is (possibly accidentally) suggesting that the opinions of morons matter. 4 Link to comment
ksfisher Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 2 minutes ago, The Nehor said: I think one of the biggest mistakes the internet ever made is (possibly accidentally) suggesting that the opinions of morons matter. And cat videos. Link to comment
Calm Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 Some cat videos are life changing. 3 Link to comment
The Nehor Posted August 11, 2017 Share Posted August 11, 2017 10 minutes ago, ksfisher said: And cat videos. Cat videos can be amazing though. Plus: 4 Link to comment
Okrahomer Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 1 hour ago, Tacenda said: You are just fine, I'm glad you posted the subject, I like to see what keeps people in the church and I don't discredit this woman, just the comment about greatness rubbed me wrong. And sorry that I was channeling Forrest Gump on that post. Speaking of "greatness" and "Forest Gump": I loved that movie! I have even taken to heart some of the ideas it expresses in terms of allowing myself to be "led"--even into situations that are uncomfortable--and not to agonize over things I cannot control. I think the Lord uses these situations to teach us and unlock our individual potential to be "great." Drawing on Dr. Witesman, it's an opportunity for Him to say "yes" to us. 1 Link to comment
Okrahomer Posted August 11, 2017 Author Share Posted August 11, 2017 17 minutes ago, Calm said: Some cat videos are life changing. Oh, my!!!! This is hilarious!!! Link to comment
Guest Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 2 hours ago, The Nehor said: I think one of the biggest mistakes the internet ever made is (possibly accidentally) suggesting that the opinions of morons matter. Now wait, this moron matters. Me being the moron, or does that make me more a moron for pointing out that it is me? Link to comment
The Nehor Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 2 hours ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said: Now wait, this moron matters. Me being the moron, or does that make me more a moron for pointing out that it is me? Papa, I have a hard time seeing you as a moron so unless you can present some kind of documentation proving it I refuse to believe you are one. 4 Link to comment
Guest Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 12 hours ago, The Nehor said: Papa, I have a hard time seeing you as a moron so unless you can present some kind of documentation proving it I refuse to believe you are one. Sadly my parents are gone, and my brothers don't haunt these halls. So I have no one to say otherwise. Link to comment
Popular Post Garden Girl Posted August 12, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted August 12, 2017 I love being a strong Latter-Day Saint woman... I spent many years being inactive (from 20 years old to 55). But during these years I continued to pray, watch conference, and study the scriptures, and so I kept my testimony (distant though it was), and the Spirit would tug at me from time to time until one day I told my non-LDS husband I was really feeling the need to return to Church. He encouraged me... and I returned... starting all over at square one again... and my testimony came roaring back full force... my patriarchal blessing, those parts where possible, became in effect again, and I have experienced many blessings and spiritual experiences... like those mentioned in Pa Pa's post above. I'm now 76 years old and reactivated for 21 years... and my Spirit grows more tender as I go through these last years of my life... but I am content and confident. I am sealed in an eternal family with my parents/sister... and to my dear husband as eternal companions... I live in peace not fear... I try to exercise Christ-like charity wherever I can. I love the gospel and the Plan of Salvation, particularly since I've walked in both worlds... this is where I belong... GG 9 Link to comment
Garden Girl Posted August 12, 2017 Share Posted August 12, 2017 (edited) 23 hours ago, ksfisher said: And cat videos. I really like cat videos... my cat, Bob, is laugh out loud funny at times. I'm the proverbial old woman who lives with her cat... in a cottage by the sea. I got Bob from the shelter when he was about 2 years old... a big beautiful white with black patches, 20 lbs. I think his owner was an older woman like me, who probably became ill and her family couldn't take him so they put him in a carrier and dropped him off at the vets with two others. The vet made sure they were neutered and had all their shots then took them to the shelter, and that's where I found him. I've had him 7 1/2 years now. He should be in a video! From the beach... GG Edited August 12, 2017 by Garden Girl 2 Link to comment
Stargazer Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 9 hours ago, Garden Girl said: I really like cat videos... my cat, Bob, is laugh out loud funny at times. I'm the proverbial old woman who lives with her cat... in a cottage by the sea. I got Bob from the shelter when he was about 2 years old... a big beautiful white with black patches, 20 lbs. I think his owner was an older woman like me, who probably became ill and her family couldn't take him so they put him in a carrier and dropped him off at the vets with two others. The vet made sure they were neutered and had all their shots then took them to the shelter, and that's where I found him. I've had him 7 1/2 years now. He should be in a video! From the beach... GG My wife Wendy is also a cat lady. When I married her last year she had three, but two of them were quite elderly (over 20 years), and one passed away before I got a chance to meet her (the cat). Now she only has one, and he was a stray that got adopted. His name is Toffie. Wendy claims that when Toffie goes (he's at least 15 years old) she won't get another cat, but the way she reacts to cats in general, I think she will. It's a good thing I like cats, too. 2 Link to comment
Glenn101 Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 On 8/11/2017 at 6:16 PM, The Nehor said: I think one of the biggest mistakes the internet ever made is (possibly accidentally) suggesting that the opinions of morons matter. Where do I go to get my dunce cap? I just posted over there in response to a skeptical lady who opined that she could respect it more if Eva had not stated "I was born knowing — knowing — that there was divinity in me." I opined that it might be helpful if we do not take every word of the article literally. I have often heard a figure of speech "I was born ready" in response to a question and I do not believe that anyone would actually take such an answer literally. May we should just try to understand what she is trying to say. This is sort of like acting rather than reacting. Glenn, looking for his dunce cap. 4 Link to comment
Okrahomer Posted August 13, 2017 Author Share Posted August 13, 2017 (edited) 9 hours ago, Glenn101 said: Glenn, looking for his dunce cap. Sorry, Glenn. I found your cap several years ago all dusty from lack of use. I gave it a good scrubbing. I don't think I could give it back though, I need it far more often than you. Finders keepers. Edited August 13, 2017 by Okrahomer 2 Link to comment
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