This General Conference Odyssey post covers the Women’s session of April 1982.

I have two crazy thoughts that are going to eventually merge into one, so bear with me.

1. Why do women suffer in childbearing and childrearing?
2. If women are so strong and capable and awesome, why are there women in the church who feel “pain” at inequality?

Doesn’t the strength from childbearing and childrearing give women the edge over inequality? And isn’t the real definition of this “pain” wanting something we can’t have right now?

Admittedly, I don’t understand the feminist viewpoint. It not only doesn’t make sense to me, it argues something that I think doesn’t really exist. Reading these talks somehow validates my thinking.

Sister Elaine Cannon titled her talk, Reach for Joy. In a world, such as ours where misery is everywhere, “the daily work of the Lord involves changing hopeless to hopeful.” In other words, living the gospel with purpose and definition gives us joy. So, why are so many women miserable? Is God a liar when He says, “Be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls” (D&C 54:10)? Women who hold onto this “pain” seem to not understand that Jesus Christ did, does, and will fulfill ALL things for them. Isn’t that something to celebrate, honor, and rejoice in?

We all struggle with various levels of pain, but some women hold onto pain like a drowning person being rescued. They drown everyone who is trying to save them, bringing everyone down.

Our single, most important job, as both male and female, is to work to build the kingdom of God. Using all of our gifts and talents, desires and attitudes, and innate male and female qualities. Women happen to be blessed with qualities of mothering and womanhood. What is wrong with that? I like those qualities about myself, and I don’t try to snuff them out because I would rather develop manly qualities.

Barbara B. Smith spoke on the joy of being so different from one another yet being “one body in Christ” (Romans 12:5). It’s good to have differences. Women coming together with many ideas and backgrounds makes life interesting. Adding male thought, which is usually so foreign to women, can actually be a good thing when men and women come together for Christ-centered purposes.

Now, stop what you’re doing and read Mark E. Petersen’s closing address in this session. He mentions all the instances and important roles women played in the New Testament. Women are never left out of anything. We each have vital parts to play. And especially, emphasis is placed on faithful women. It is reading about faithful women that causes our hearts to burn. It is that act of obedience, even when the odds may be against them, that fill our souls with joy and gratitude for their faith-filled examples.

With changes happening all around us, including in the temple, I’ve heard snatches of what some women are saying. “It’s about time!” “Finally, I might be able to go and not feel pain or insult anymore!” “There still needs to be more change!” “There’s too much change!”

Even though I personally have never questioned how the Lord runs His church, I see some of these changes as a great mercy, and proof that Jesus Christ loves women. He wants them to feel comfortable and loved, and more than anything else, to come unto Him gladly.

As for having answers for my initial questions, I testify that women have an important role to play in the Plan of Salvation that cannot be shirked or belittled. And women who feel “pain,” or slighted, in any way can release those feelings knowing Jesus Christ cares. What He offers us, in His own due time, will give us reason to rejoice.