Not too long ago, I thought there was a stereotype Mormon woman. Funny too, because Brigham Young (prophet from 1844 to 1877) was totally against stereotype Mormons. I know, we have commandments to follow that set us apart, but we also have this idea of personal revelation — that it’s our job to receive inspiration and follow it.
We believe in following the guidance we receive from the prophet, the scriptures and individually from the Lord. They shouldn’t conflict, true. But this still allows for individual paths. And, individual trials.
President Monson has advised us to be more inclusive, so that all women feel important and faithful. If we as women can embrace this as well, and look for the good in each of us and realize that our paths are not identical, we will be better women. We are daughters of God who want to be faithful and we all have incredible journeys.
It’s not only OK that another sister is not doing it just like you, it’s the way it’s supposed to be. As Brigham Young said “Away with stereotyped Mormons.”
“For Brigham Young, conformity is the danger signal: “I am not a stereotyped Latter-day Saint,” he said, “and do not believe in the doctrine. . . . Away with stereotyped ‘Mormons’!”107 When, as a boy, he was asked by his father to sign a temperance pledge, he resolutely refused.108 Youth rebelling against respectability? No, honesty resisting social pressure and hypocrisy.” Approaching Zion, transcript – Hugh Nibley. In the 1870s, Brigham Young called women to go back east and attend medical school and then return to become the medical doctors in Utah. (ref) (I guess this is where polygamy helped out.) Women had different paths and yet were still considered faithful Latter-Day Saints.
