You are such a kind and gentle man and certainly
a worthy witness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reminding us that the Prophet is hearing our inquiries and seeking the will of the Lord.
Thank you for the analogy that the man opens the drapes to bring the light to warm the room but he does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings.
Thank you for reminding us that as we are worthy, the priesthood ordinances will enrich our lives on earth and prepare us for the magnificent promises ahead.
Thank you for teaching us that as we keep our covenants we receive increase priesthood power and blessings.
Thank you for showing us the pattern of the priesthood to Adam, on to Jesus and reminding us that Jesus called twelve apostles and conferred the priesthood on them and that because of this pattern we have no reason to think it should be any different. So beautifully worded.
Thank you for being so forthright and honest to remind us that there are many things we do know about the priesthood, yet seeing through the lens of mortality does not always give us a complete understanding of the workings of God. This encourages us to prepare ourselves to seek the mind and will of the Lord in our questions regarding the priesthood.
Here is where I think some women will get very confused about why you used the story of Sister Vonipa Hela (Please forgive the spelling).
Though her beautiful willingness to sacrifice for her sons is so very profound and the legacy she leaves is so precious to the kingdom of God, as a woman, one may ask:
What would have happened had she graciously declined her husband's request to stop attending church and found a way to continue going?
Why did she not feel that she could or should?
Was it cultural issue or was she inspired not to pressure him?
If she had daughters, wouldn't that promote a model of accepting oppression as the female in the relationship?
Why must she wait until she is a "single sister" to go through the temple for herself? This means that she missed the temple sealings of her sons.
Wasn't there anyone who could kindly help this brother understand the damage he was doing to himself with his attempt to control his wife?
This story triggers women who have been oppressed because of a domineering husband. These are the signs of the traditions of men that women are sickened by, that ignite feminists and make us wonder if the church is supportive of this behavior.
Perhaps she did pray and that was the counsel she was given. And perhaps the cultural pressure or the domination in the relationship was too intense for her to disobey her husbands selfish request, even until he died. The story does not tell. It is a beautiful story that in the end it all worked out and she was able to finally receive the priesthood ordinances and serve the Lord.
Perhaps if you would have reminded us that each of us has a unique opportunity to be a faithful priestess to our husband and that we have the privilege to call forth the Lord's will to receive the necessary wisdom that may at times contradict the counsel of our husband, especially if he is not living according to his covenants or who has been misled or deceived.
Perhaps if you would have reminded us that the Lord will counsel us individually how to guide, inspire, encourage and lift our husband. Help us realize that counsel will not be the same for every women because her situation is different.
I fear some women will assume that their only recourse is to just tough it out when her husband requests that she discontinue to worship. With deepest respect, I see how this story gives us an example of patience, faithfulness, and sacrifice, but I don't see how it helps us understand the priesthood.
I know this was not your intention. I could easily see beyond my criticisms of the story to pull out the beautiful truths you had come to share. You offered hope and clarity about the priesthood. Thank you dear brother. Of the many talks given to help bring more understanding about women and the priesthood, I felt yours touched the true concerns of women the deepest. It was as if you took the time to ask women what their concerns really were.
Most people won't even hear the mixed message I heard. The only reason I am sensitive to it, is because I am out in the battlefield and down in the bunkers with women who are still pained by the traditions of men, wondering how they can improve their situation without needing to wait until their spouse dies to be free of oppression.
My prayers are for Brother Hela. I hope he will listen on the other side. Though more difficult on the other side, I hope he will do what it takes to be worthy of his sweet wife. I hope he will see how the Savior has filled the void he left behind because Vonipa has proven to be worthy of every blessing of heaven and eternity. What would have opened your eyes Brother Hela, before your passing? Wait a minute! I am just assuming you are dead! Hmmmmmm.
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