Courage and vision

Some women I like :)

Day 3 of consecutive blog posts!

So, I have been thinking a lot lately about this quote from President Russell M. Nelson:

"We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve."

I have been thinking about that: women with courage and vision. Despite, or perhaps with a mind to, the unfortunate and jagged history of women finding their place in a world dominated by men (that world being government, religion, board rooms, group projects in school, or really anywhere), Pres Nelson didn't say, "We need women who have the humility and obedience of our Mother Eve." Or, "We need women who can fit in and know their place like Mother Eve." Because Eve was not actually known for any of those so-called virtues. Latter-day Saint theology, specifically as found in our temples and even more specifically as the temple ordinances have evolved in recent years, focuses pretty explicitly on the Biblical reading of Eve's actions being thoughtful and intentional--even prescient--rather than foolish or shortsighted, as many read it. (See also: the book of Genesis)

Eve and Adam both received the commandment (from God Himself, no less) not to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge. Then Eve gathered further information on her own (from Satan in disguise, no less), probably knowing her husband would disapprove, and decided to eat it anyway and not damn the consequences, but embrace the consequences as the right outcome all along. Am I patting myself on the back for the times I have spoken up at church, asked a pointed question or made an awkward remark, to the dismay or confusion of a nearby man (or woman)? Maybe. Mainly because generally, even if there is some dismay or confusion from someone, there may also be a glimmer of recognition, a glance of solidarity, and often even a supporting voice, from someone else. Man or woman. I have seen this happen dozens of times after I've spoken up. Yes I get an attack of social anxiety later, because I am who I am. But I still don't regret it. Nodding along with everyone in the room has nothing to do with courage or vision. (See also: When Women Don't Speak, BYU mag)

Anyway I'd like to come back to this another time but I am going to do a little bit more digging on the story of Eve. I'll let you know what I come up with. Just putting it on my list of 10,000 things to do in a pandemic.