I occasionally read through the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo Minute Book (I’m weird like that). It’s pretty inspiring what Joseph Smith is telling the women, but I’ve realized something.

Back in the 19^th century, women had nothing going for them. They had no rights, no voice, no way to be educated, no independent income, and it goes on. Their only choice was to marry someone who had money enough to make life interesting for them.

Joseph Smith gave them a lifeline into a brand-new life. He gave them the privilege to organize and act on their own; to fulfill their own dreams. Even better, he said that Jesus Christ was offering them the best dream of all, by allowing them to receive divine covenants in the temple that would ensure eternal life in a kingdom of kings and queens.

As I think about all of that, it sounds great, but….. we have all that in our day. So, what’s the big deal?

That’s just it. We have all that in our day; even more. So, what are we doing with it?

Women have a lot of privileges today. What are we doing with our rights, our voice, our education, our income, etc.? Are we being proactive? Are we using common sense? Are we even grateful, or are we insisting on more?

Not realizing these privileges, many of us are distracted, not aware, and some of us even have the gall to demand more.

Sisters, today is our day!

• We have temples that we are encouraged to attend often.
• Our prophet is very encouraging to women and expects much from us.
• Auxiliary presidents, which are female, travel all over the world and eradicate measles, offer needed food and supplies, defend the family at the UN, succor everyone they meet, and a whole host of other incredible acts of service.
• Church historians are working feverishly to give us records and diaries of women of great faith, who have lived lives worthy to be exemplified. They should be our true heroes, not the pseudo-artificials the world offers.
• Personal revelation is the magic ingredient to our lives, and all we have to do is ask for it through our obedience.

We actually have more privileges than those early sisters did, even after Joseph Smith revealed to them the mysteries of the kingdom.

It’s our destiny to use these privileges well. Angels will be our associates. The promises are on our shoulders and we have been called to serve.