My Thoughts on Today's News Conference.

As I was sitting in my apartment, watching the Press conference after President Nelson was named the 17th Church President, I found myself bothered by a particular question from a reporter.

She said this :

"Leadership is still white, male, and American. What will you do in your presidency to bring women, people of color, and international members into decision making for the Church?"

The second I heard this, I paused the tv and took myself for a little walk. I was SO BOTHERED by this question! As you can probably tell by my anger from her question, I ABSOLUTELY disagree. As I was walking around, I was coming up with different things I would say in response to this woman. After a few minutes of that, I came to the realization that I didn't even stay in the room to listen to the response from the Prophet!

So I got myself back upstairs into my apartment, and pressed play. Let me tell you, the leaders of this Church KNOW this Gospel, and they know how to reply to the world and their concerns with absolute truth, love, and compassion!

President Nelson said,

" We are white and we are American. But look at the 70 , and look at our leaders locally. Wherever we go, the Leadership of the Church, is from the local communities, and those are the real leaders! The 12 and the 70 are not a representative assembly of any kind. Somebody is gonna be left out, but the LORD IS IN CHARGE. We respond because we have been called upon by the LORD. God's ways are not the world's ways."

You guys, I cannot express to you all how incredibly diverse this Church is! Although you believe all you are seeing is " white, American, male " leaders, there is SO MUCH more than you think. If you are not a member of the Church, I encourage you to think about all of the incredible "I'm a Mormon" messages that were spread around the world a few years ago. I also encourage you to go onto LDS.org and learn more about the diversity this Church contains. Not only will you notice the diversity of races, nationalities, and backgrounds of our Priesthood leaders, but you will also come to a large understanding that there are PLENTY of influential women in this church! If you happen to be a Member of the Church, and still hold the opinion that this church is only white, male, and American, I have a challenge for you. Go to the Temple, attend and listen to General Conference, and lastly, say a Prayer. I promise, that if you do these things with a sincere heart, you will come to the real understanding and truth of this Gospel, and the love that the Savior and our Father in Heaven have for EVERYONE.

Now, as President Nelson was responding about the diversity of the Church, the reporter interrupted "But what about the women?!"

What did Nelson say? "We Love em!"

After everyone, including myself found humor in the sweet answer, I found myself overwhelmed with the Spirit. It's true! The Women of this Church are SO important, and SO loved!

President Nelson then spoke about women, and the importance that they really do have in this Gospel. He brought up the strength women carry as mothers and influences. He even said " We depend on their voices! ", expressing the love he and the Priesthood leaders of this church have for the participation from Women. He shared the many responsibilities that women of the Church carry. From being mothers, to being a part of the Councils, and to working in the House of the Lord (Temples).

President Eyring also shared the love that he carries for his wife. For the strong in faith children that she carried. His eyes filled up with tears as he shared the strength his four sons carry in the Gospel, all having been Bishops. He then said,

"It was their mother."

Eyring stated that the idea of "position or recognition" being a concern to the world makes sense. The world doesn't always see the Women of the Church receiving recognition. "But in terms of influence, the Lord has already given them." There is no greater influence in this world than the women of the Church!

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My name is Andie. I am a woman, and I am a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am not being treated differently nor am I being unrecognized. I know that the Priesthood is a very important and Holy role that men have. I know that is their specific responsibly and calling. I also know that as a woman, I have my own, specific, Holy, and important responsibilities on this Earth as well. I know that besides the Priesthood leaders of this Church, that there are thousands of female leaders who I look up in this Church. I try my best to be like them, and share the same loving example that they do. I understand that we all have a place, and are all loved equally, wanted equally, and prayed for equally by our Father in Heaven and by the Leadership of the Church.

I support and sustain our loving Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, and his Counselors, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring. I know that they love us, and they love God.

I love this Gospel, and I know that there is a place for everyone in it.