Meant for Greatness

Preface:

I have a strong, lasting testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is run daily by humans.

So, like - not perfect.

When I was growing up in the Church, the young women (ages 12-18) are part of an organization called, "Young Women's." 

I have no doubt that it has grown, matured, altered in the way it is run.

I am going to speak on MY experience for a moment.

So, don't come at me.

My experience in Young Women's was less than awesome.

That is not to say that I didn't have some very amazing moments.

I did.

I can vividly remember two activities that have stuck with me.

They were incredible spiritual experiences.

But, for the most part... it was not a good experience.

Overall.

There were several things that were constant, at least in my perspective:

We needed to get married.

Have children.

Be moms.

And housewives.

And happily married.

And serve.

Cook well.

Clean well.

Teach well.

Serve all the time with smiles on our faces.

NOW.

Imagine my horror when I wasn't married happily.

When my children and I were abused.

Then abused again.

Then again.

Imagine as I tried everything possible to get it right...

Addiction to validation.

I have never been able to be a stay-at-home mom.

I have always worked more than one job.

Housewife, I was not.

I feel that I've repeatedly been the one who has been served, rather than the other way around.

Horror.

Being in class after class after class that clearly were not geared toward single moms who suck at a lot of things.

Who can't go to the scheduled activities at 2 or 4 in the afternoon because I'm at WORK.

I didn't fit in with the ladies who did carpool and after-school park visits.

I was at WORK and my kids were at daycare.

So, I was not like them.

I hope that was is being taught in these classes now is this:

Self awareness

Self esteem

Self worth

Value

Goals

Problem solving

Financial literacy

Things don't always work out the way they do in the lived-happily-ever-after books

What to do when they don't

That we are ALL Meant for Greatness.

Every single one of us.