I enjoy being a girl. . .

Womanhood has been on my mind a lot lately. I heard a sad story about a woman who felt like God did not love her as much, just because she is a woman. I couldn't believe how foreign this was to me, and I wanted to document how lucky I feel because of that. So here are some random thoughts on being a woman.

- I have always known that I am a daughter of God and that He loves and cherishes me so much. Never have I felt like I was not as respected or revered because I am a woman. My mother taught me young that men have their place in the church, and so do women. Both share equally important responsibilities.
- I have never been offended by a man opening the door for me. I see this as a sign of respect and I truly believe that this is the way Heavenly Father would have His sons treat His cherished daughters.
- I have always loved the idea that Heavenly Father does not mention Heavenly Mother because He cherishes her so much that He does not want her subject to the disrespect He knew He and His son would receive. (That was a lot of pronouns. . . .)
- Ever since I was young I have been excited to be a wife and mother, with all it's cliches. I imagine myself being the "cool" mom that makes snacks for her teenage boy and his friends when they come over. I want to be a soccer mom. I want to do my kids' laundry and be home for them whenever they need me. I will feel so blessed if this is possible for our family.
- I love being unique, special and having "womanly" abilities and instincts. I love being able to multi-task!
- I have always felt an awe and respect for the women of the church from it's leaders.
- I know with all of my heart that God respects and trusts me so much because He is willing to let me raise His children. What else could illustrate this so thoroughly? I also recognize that this ability/responsibility is very comparable to holding the priesthood, and never once in my life have I wanted to hold that priesthood because I see motherhood as my role to fulfill.
- I am totally guilty of asking for help from a man when I could probably do it myself, but I love being the woman and allowing the man to be the man. Have you seen the look on their face when you let them lift something heavy for you? It's adorable.
- I don't know if I'm just really lucky, or if I view the world through different eyes than some women, but I have never felt disrespected or looked down upon because I am a woman. Don't get me wrong, I have definitely felt those things, and more, but I haven't felt that it is a direct result of being female.

I feel truly blessed to be a woman in this day and age and hope to become the powerful woman that God would have me be. Not person, but woman. I have unique abilities because I am a woman, and I know that God expects me to use those to rise to my full potential.
I scanned through a few talks from the general authorities on womanhood, and felt such love from them and my Heavenly Father, and this quote solidified everything I have ever felt about the power of women:

“Without the devotion and absolute testimony of the living God in the hearts of our mothers, this Church would die.” - Heber J. Grant