Your General Relief Society President, Julie B. Beck:
Posted by Matt W. on April 4th, 2007Feeling prompted by a recent thread on BCC, I thought it may be valuable to disseminate some information regarding our new General Relief society President.
Julie Bangerter Beck lives in Alpine, Utah with her husband Ramon. They are the parents of three children and have eight grandchildren. As a child she learned to speak Portuguese when she lived in Brazil with her parents and 10 brothers and sisters, while her father served as mission president. She is a graduate of Dixie College and Brigham Young University. She feels that her education has been a blessing to her family, and has helped her in her service in the Church and in her community.
Prior to her call as first counselor in the General Young Women presidency, Beck was a full-time homemaker. In the Church she has served on the Young Women General board, as ward Young Women and Primary president, as counselor in a stake Relief Society presidency and at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. [1]
Sister Beck has spoken in General Conference 7 times in the past, five times in the YW sessions, and twice in other sessions.[2] She has done several workshops for the Young Women, has participated in a world wide leadership meeting, has published articles in the Ensign, and has spoken at women’s conference. [3]
Here are some select quotes:
As members of the Church, we are equal before the Lord as we partake of the sacrament. Through our faith in Jesus Christ and the power of His Atonement made possible because of that ordinance, we can all repent and become better. Each of us is equally entitled to a priesthood blessing when we are sick or need added support from the Lord in our lives. A young woman who desires a patriarchal blessing is equally entitled to know her lineage and potential as a young man her same age. The blessings that come to each of them through Abraham are powerful and important.
Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come, and “where [her] treasure is, there will [her] heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). By developing a mother heart, each girl and woman prepares for her divine, eternal mission of motherhood. “Whatever principle of intelligence [she] attain[s] unto in this life, it will rise with [her] in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through [her] diligence and obedience than another, [she] will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (D&C 130:18–19). In my experience I have seen that some of the truest mother hearts beat in the breasts of women who will not rear their own children in this life, but they know that “all things must come to pass in their time” and that they “are laying the foundation of a great work” (D&C 64:32–33). As they keep their covenants, they are investing in a grand, prestigious future because they know that “they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever” (Abraham 3:26).
As a young mother I did not fully understand my power as a nurturer. Though we were a busy family, I considered everyone’s presence at dinnertime nonnegotiable. It was our most consistent gathering time, and everyone planned to eat together before going on to other activities. I learned of the influence of my nurturing when our youngest daughter wrote in a college paper: “Dinner in our home was not just an eating ritual, but a special time for the family to communicate and to share our thoughts and stories of the day. … We often sat together for over an hour as we savored the conversation as much as the food.†I thought I was just cooking casseroles and soup. But I had created the venue, the reason to gather. Because I prepared a meal to share with my family, something special happened. It was a simple process, and our style changed with the ages of our children. When they were young we could discuss a picture from the Gospel Art Picture Kit (item no. 34735) or memorize a scripture. When they were older we asked more questions and shared experiences. Over the years our children grew and matured, and we loved each other. Mothers, who are “primarily responsible for the nurture of their children,†can be a powerful force for strengthening families when they use mealtimes to gather loved ones. They follow the example of the Savior to calm, teach, and help their families remember important things as they feed, cultivate, educate, and rear at the consecrated tables in their homes.
It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.When our best efforts are not quite enough, it is through His grace that we receive the strength to keep trying.The Lord says: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
When we seek the Lord’s help to change us, then we have this promise: “He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” The Lord does not give up on us. He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The joy and peace we receive when we know we have been forgiven is a divine blessing. That peace comes in the Lord’s time and in His way, but it does come.
NOTES:
[1] from here. for more on Sister Beck’s personal life, See Sister Parkin’s reference to it here. here
I think she will do a great job. Thanks for this post.
Comment # 1 left by Michelle on April 4th, 2007
I, too, was surprised to not hear that much information in the ‘nacle on the new RS President. She seems like a sharp, capable woman, and I look forward to seeing what she is able to accomplish (with the Lord’s help, of course).
Comment # 2 left by Connor on April 4th, 2007
I like her. She seems like she is really going to toe the line and her past discourses seem really good. I fear that some around the bloggernacle are bound to be disappointed in her, but I think she is great.
Comment # 3 left by Matt W. on April 4th, 2007
Michelle and Connor, thanks for answering the question: “Relief Society as it is today. Who cares?“
Comment # 4 left by Matt W. on April 6th, 2007
I’m sure President Beck will be just who the Lord had in mind to fill the presidency of the General Relief Society. It is by inspiration from that the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are chosen! We can know of this truth through prayer and humility.
Comment # 5 left by Betsy Edwards on April 17th, 2007
I believe that Betsy.
Comment # 6 left by Matt W. on April 17th, 2007
I knew Julie briefly at Dixie college (dated one of her room-mates). She has lived an exemplary life and will do well in her new calling.
Comment # 7 left by David Lee on May 3rd, 2007
As I listened to Sister Beck’s comments during conference I felt like I was doing everything wrong in my life. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all had the luxury to stay home and be full-time homemakers? Unfortunately, that is not the case for most women lds or non-members where I live. I, along with my husband am raising five children (2 special needs) while working full-time. I spend all my available time with my family. I drop my children off at seminary and try to be home at 3:15. I don’t think my children suffer so much, but my home does. My husband does do dishes and laundry on a daily basis and appreciates my help with finances as I make nearly as much as he does. We do not live lavishly. In fact, we’re barely holding our heads above water. It would be nice to have support for our current circumstances and not guilt for what cannot be at this time. I felt the talk was short-sighted and guilt-ridden.
Comment # 8 left by Jane Doe on October 7th, 2007
Jane Doe, take it all in context. Remember that we are also told elsewhere that it’s a process. Take the principles and see what the Spirit teaches you about what you can do to improve, if anything. We jump too quickly to guilt rather than allowing the Spirit to touch our hearts and help us figure out what the Lord would have us do now within our particular situations.
You DO have support for your circumstances. It is expressed over and over and over again. One talk simply cannot address all of our concerns, so don’t let it be something that discourages. Let us let these things build us.
I understand what you are feeling. I am prone to guilt myself. But if we are critical or dismiss what they say in despair, we might miss the chance to have the Spirit guide us. At least that is what I find, and what my husband helps me remember when I feel overwhelmed or discouraged by something I hear. It’s about heart, dear sister, not about checklisty things that we either do or don’t do. It’s a process. It’s all a process.
Comment # 9 left by Michelle on October 7th, 2007
Jane Doe, I too walked away from Julie Beck’s talk with my feelings hurt and like I was failing. I have one child and have been married for 6 years, my husband works long hours and I am currently in nursing school. I am not the typical LDS mold, we all have different circumstances, and Sis Beck didn’t address that. Even if every women was able to stay at home with her children, that’s not necessarily the best option for every women. I don’t think every women was put on this earth to stay at home and raise children. I am constantly telling myself to focus on the gospel and not the culture of the church. The gospel is perfect, and the people in it are not.
Keep doing what you’re doing, I admire your strength and willingness to do what is best for your family.
Comment # 10 left by Angie on October 7th, 2007
Often in life people take the truth to be hard and anger quickly at things that are not meant to be offensive. Nothing Sister Beck said was said without the perission of the first presidency. Her words and thoughts were as accurate as if the Prophet himself had said them. We must stop trying to be the exception and start trying to live the rule. I see many people in my ward living pay check to pay check, spending very little time with their children and turning down callings because they are too busy. They live in very large homes beautifully decorated and take long lavish vacations. In most cases we all can improve and need to prioritize.
Comment # 11 left by jojo on October 13th, 2007
Sister Beck’s talk killed me. I am doing everything she suggests: I just had a baby, stay at home and take care of her, cook and clean…and still it killed me. The reason it killed me was because the way she said it, if we “know” or if we are TRULY faithful than we will do it this way. If we truly believe our houses and food and lives will be perfect. I felt that we lost all ground in tone that the church has made in the past 20 years. The statements she said were find but they were declarative in their tone which made anyone who didn’t fall in the lines a sinner. And for those who do, like myself, I still felt guilty because as women we are all prone to think, we aren’t good enough. I think it really could have been said better.
Comment # 12 left by Jenny on October 14th, 2007
I would like to share a quote from President Harold B. Lee in the November 1970 General Conference:
“…We have some tight places to go before the Lord is through with this church and the world in this dispensation, which is the last dispensation, which shall usher in the coming of the Lord. The gospel was restored to prepare a people ready to receive him. The power of Satan will increase, we see it in evidence on every hand. There will be inroads within the church…we will see those who profess membership but secretly are plotting and trying to lead people not to follow the leadership that the Lord has set up to preside in this church.–Now the only safety we have as members of this church is to do exaclty what the Lord has said to the church in that day when the church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; as if from my own mouth in all patience and faith (D&C 21:4-5). There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the church. It may contradict your political view. It may contradict your social view. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you will listen to these things as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea and the Lord God will depserse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good and his names glory. (D&C 21:61)â€
Julie Beck is not a propeht, but she was called by one. That is enough for me.
Comment # 13 left by Tricia on October 14th, 2007
Please have the faith that even though we may not understand all things, our Father in Heaven does.
Comment # 14 left by Pat Allen on October 19th, 2007
Matt W, I have not read everything yet, but I am getting a little teary eyed. I really needed your information.
Comment # 15 left by Barb on October 19th, 2007
We are here to be tried and proven. Three Prophets in a row have ask the women of the church to come out of the work force and be mothers in the home in General Conferences and General Relief Society Meetings. If we are to raise a generation prepared to meet the Lord, like the son’s of Heleman, then it will be do to the women of this church following the words of Sister Beck. All of her words were already spoken by the Prophets starting President Lee.
Comment # 16 left by Dan on October 21st, 2007
I am baffled why sisters cannot just read a talk and adapt to their own situation without having to criticize. Guilt is not placed on one by another party. It is self-induced. Your work, your motives, your purpose, your actions are part of your own doings. Your judgement and relationship is with your Father in Heaven. Perfection is not expected but striving to do the best we can is expected. Circumstances regarding finances, children, genetics, predispositions, habits, spirituality etc. do not fit in one mold. That is why the Lord is the judge. So, stop the criticizing and and find something productive to do an say. With that said, just listen or read the talk and take what fits for you.
Comment # 17 left by Tom on October 25th, 2007
You know, I missed hearing conference almost a month ago due to work & some other engagements. My wife and I are inactive, and I am in the beginning stages of getting back myself. My wife, on the other hand, is still a little bitter against the church - and Julie Beck’s talk is one of the reasons why my wife refuses to go back right now. I understand the wisdom in ‘making decisions based on the doctrine of the gospel because it’s true, but not the people because they are fallible’… However, when such harsh words about the definition of a ‘mother in Zion’ comes from an individual selected by the prophet to lead the women of the church, it’s hard not to feel angry & disconnected.
It was said in the article in the SL Tribune that “Beck clearly knows the Mormon landscape, having chosen for her two counselors a woman who was born outside the U.S. and one who has never been married” (http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_7150554)…
But does Beck really understand the culture in the church? Women nowadays have more freedom & equality with men than they have had in the past. They have more freedom to get an education, to work, to influence the political & social institutions in this country. It’s that influence that keeps our nation balanced. We can’t expect this nation to be run in a balanced way if all we hear are men’s voices dictating what needs to be done, even if they come from opposite camps on the political spectrum. Difference in opinion based on gender is just as important as difference in opinion based on political belief.
It’s important for women to step up & get an education, go to work if they desire, & influence this nation. It took many years after African American men got the right to vote for women to get that right as well. It’s important for women to have the right to CHOOSE – if some feel like staying home & being “the best homemaker in the worldâ€, good for them. If some want to go out & join the workforce, then good for them as well – and more power to them.
I don’t know where I’d be without the influence of my mother. She did our laundry, helped me clean my room, got me ready for school, etc. But she also made sure I learned how to do it myself at a young age. I became self-sufficient – and I owe it to my mom for not coddling me. I know full well that if my mom had entered the workforce earlier in my life, it would not have made a difference because of the self-sufficiency she has taught us.
I also grew up learning to do chores, make dinner, & do the dishes right alongside my dad. My home growing up was lead by both of my parents in equal partnership – teaching me, guiding me, providing for me, etc. The fact that I saw my dad doing all of these things to me reinforced the wisdom that, as the Apostle Boyd K. Packer was quoted in the SL Tribune article mentioned earlier, “There is no task, however menial, connected with the care of babies, the nurturing of children, or with the maintenance of the home that is not the husband’s equal obligation. The tasks which come with parenthood, which many consider to be below other tasks, are simply above them.”
There are special things that a mother can provide their children with that a father cannot. Likewise, there are special things that a father can provide their children with that a mother cannot. But they do it together. In equal partnership. No one part taking the lead more than the other.
I believe that Julie Beck would be better off trying to empower women more for their roles in the church. She should be encouraging women to follow their heart – to get an education & work if they would like – to stay at home & homemake if they would like. The Relief Society would be better off with more empowered women – educated women strong in the gospel – to educate their fellow women & men in the church. When we go to church, we are taught by both men AND women. When we listen to conference, we hear the voices of both men AND women teaching us. It’s no surprise that the Lord instructed the prophets in the past to organize the Relief Society – because they have just as much to teach us as men do in the church.
I do not hate Julie Beck. But I dislike what she said. From what I gleaned from her bio, she has led a fairly comfy & luxurious life, compared to what many women in middle class America have, and compared to what most women in 3rd world countries have. And I think she should take people’s background & personal circumstances into consideration before she speaks about what a mother of Zion should be like.
Comment # 18 left by John S. on November 1st, 2007
Well it is really sad to see so many offended by a talk that was meant to encourage mothers. Mothers have the hardest 24 hrs a day job. One talk to encourage mothers that their job is very important shouldn’t make anyone mad. We all know that some mothers have to work and no one has condemned them but should that mean that we don’t try to council mothers to actually be mothers and stay home if they can. If the mothers of the Sons of Helamen and been out working instead of being home to teach their sons would they have all survived. NO!! So if you are working the guilt comes from knowing you should be home not because Sister Beck said you should. No one is critizing you so don’t be offended just try to better your circumstances so you can stay home. Or don’t let guilt over come you because if you are doing your best the lord doesn’t want you to feel guilty! Smile the lord loves you
Comment # 19 left by Jennifer on November 16th, 2007
We just had Stake Conference today. 2 hours prior to the general session we had a special welfare session with Bishop Edgley from the presiding bishopric. In it he emphasized that the emphasis of the church in regards to welfare is self-reliance. He even highlighted one case were a womans husband had died unexpectedly, leaving her with small children in the home and no means of support. She was encouraged to finish the nursing degree she had started before children came and given the help she needed to achieve this goal.
He also told of a case in which a man was unable to find work for some reason and the wife was a stay-at-home mother. The grandmother went to church leaders to plead for help. The children were hungry, their teeth needed attention to the point of pain, they were inadequately clothed etc. Bishop Edgley called this couple into his office. He asked them about the possibility of the wife finding work. She said ‘No way. The church teaches that the woman should be at home with the children.’ Bishop Edgley told them, ‘ This is not the church’s plan for children to suffer so the mother can stay in the home.’ She got a job and things were better for the family until the husband was able to work.
Bishop Edgley emphasised that the church understands the need for many women to work outside the home and that we should be understanding of this need. However, it is not the ideal. The Lord has a plan and when it can be implemented it should.
I think that the church has always held an understanding viewpoint of women who need to work. I am always saddened when I see people becoming offended because their circumstances require them to work and they feel judged for doing so. Some members do judge, I’m sure, but know that I don’t and I don’t believe the church leaders do either.
Comment # 20 left by Becky on November 18th, 2007
I am sorry that a lot of you went away feeling hurt by Sister Beck’s talk. I felt uplifted. I too have five children and we are struggling. My husband works hard and I am trying to go to college. It has not been easy at all. I do not feel she was calling anyone a sinner nor pointing a finger. I do feel she was warning us to be mindful of how important our families are. With satan openly attacking our homes and the meaning of being a Woman we do have to be so careful. The goal satan has Sisters is to destroy our homes and our families! We are the first line of defense of our children and our Homes. Without us they are open to so much. Please oh please go and pray and talk to Heavenly Father about your feelings. He will help you understand why your feeling this way. I am grateful for this True Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Without the knowledge that the Church of Jesus Christ is the true church here upon the earth today I was so lost. I need the counsel of all those that have been called of God by our beloved Prophet who I know was called from Jesus Christ Himself! They have to say things we might not like….. But remember the Lord chastens those he Loves! And I know God Loves us sooo much! Its not meant to hurt but to heal. Thank you for listening to me and I hope I have helped. If not I would love the chance to help in any way I can. I have been down a long hard road in my life as I am sure many of you have. You can live up to the potential that is expected when you align yourself with God! Because Christ is there to help you. Have courage Dear Sisters! Have Courage. In Jesus name Amen.
Comment # 21 left by Angela Thomassen on November 27th, 2007
I thought that this talk was wonderful. I do not have a family yet. My mother was not perfect. In fact, she never did like Mother’s Day sacrament meeting talks. She always felt discouraged after them. I never really noticed my mother’s shortcomings. I guarantee you that your kids think that you are the best. i said some very hurtful things to my parents as a teenager and even was inactive for a while. But it was my mother’s love and care for my that helped to bring me back. She is one of my greatest friends.
We struggled as a family to make things work. I know that this is a common experience with many LDS families. I remember kneeling several times as a family and praying for the ability to make it through the month. Mom even tried going back to school. In the end she worked while we were at school. It helped. There were 6 of us. She never had the nicest things. She budgeted and saved and saved.
You may feel like a defunct mother because you cannot provide everything that your child needs, thinks they need, or wants. That’s ok. Your children may decide to go inactive. So did Lehi’s. Your children may not always say thank you or i love you, but they do. Trust me.
you are great mothers. keep on trying. Sister Beck asked us to become the Parents (especially mothers) that our children need. My Mom often felt guilty but never strayed from her best. Because of that, I served a mission, and will be married in the temple soon. Her love for me pulled me through. She taught me all the principles of the Gospel in that one lesson of love.
Don’t get discouraged. Pray for the Spirit, read the talk again with an open mind and heart and you will know what your heavenly father wants you to know about yourself.
Comment # 22 left by Jesse on November 30th, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
First: I want to thank Sister Beck for being bold and stating the unpopular truth. Many other General Relief Society Presidents before her have done so and I hope that they will continue to do so.
Second: I was single for a long time. Being single in a “family focused” church is NOT an easy thing to be. However, it is an important thing to be. I say this because 43% of the church membership is single. Yet, they keep coming to church! That is the point!
Mother’s day was very difficult for me. That did not mean that I wanted to launch a full on protest of the day. It just meant that I needed to be thankful for the mothers in my life. I needed to turn outward instead of focusing on myself and how I felt.
John Bytheway helped me tremendously by teaching “Focus on what you can controll.” I soon understood that meant, focus on your own personal stewardship! Do the best that you can! Ask Heavenly Father for help and inspiration! Don’t quit! Don’t give up!
I am now a full time student and a stay at home step-mom. It has not been easy. Has it been worth it??? ABSOLUTELY YES!!!!
Sister Beck did not wish to offend anyone. She only wished to encourage. Here is the part that I think has been missed. No one seems to be picking on what her councelors said. They echoed her message and continued to praise women and encouraged them to be and do their best . President Monson’s remarks addressed the issue of women who are aquiring educations and he applauded that ideal.
Let us then be like the Prophet Joseph Smith when he was in Liberty Jail and “Cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assuurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” D&C 123:17
Let us go forward and be believing! The spirit of God is not the spirit of contention but the spirit of Love! May love and charity rest in your hearts and homes!
With love,
your sister
Comment # 23 left by Wendy S on December 18th, 2007
I appreciated what Sister Beck said during conference. I worked outside of the home until my oldest started Jr. High. I had no faith that we couldn’t make it without my income - which was very good. How wrong I was. The best test that I was given was to give up something good for something much, much better - raising my children myself with the help of my husband and with his income alone. It has not been easy (I think I’m a work junkie) but it has been so very worth the trade. I agree that women need an education and the opportunity to do what ever they can - however following the gospel and the prophet will always take priority for me so I can enjoy the blessings our Father in Heaven has for us versus what blessings the world has in store. I thank Sister Beck for having the courage to say the hard things that are best for us. I felt good after her talk and felt inspired to keep improving…..I still have a long way to go!
Comment # 24 left by Sue Hess on December 19th, 2007
I have been a memeber of the LDS church my entire life. My Dad was excommunicated when I was 7 and would and still does bring up anti-mormon doctorine. I married a seminary teacher from BYU who turned out to be homosexual. (since annuled and very happily remarried) In other words I do not have my head in the sand. I make almost as much money as my husband I work a full time job in part time hours and I have three children one of which has special needs. How in the world anyone can be offended by something this church has taught for years is beyond me. I found her talk just a reminder of the great things women are capable of. If you are offended or feel guilty, quit reading between the lines and get on your knees. The Lord loves you and what you are feeling is most likely an indication that something else is amiss.
Comment # 25 left by Melanie on December 23rd, 2007
Sister Beck’s talk is separating the wheat from the tares.
Comment # 26 left by Amber on December 28th, 2007
I’m sure Julie Beck would agree with Joseph Smith that “Self-Righteousness” is a terrible terrible sin. Let’s be careful.
Comment # 27 left by Matt W. on December 30th, 2007
Dear Amber,
I think you have confused talks. The discussion regards Julie Beck’s talk on her world of motherhood, not the one on grain production.
But seriously, when you read Sister Beck’s talk, you must remember that it is coming from a woman who has enjoyed a pampered existence from day one. She has never had to contemplate the need to financially support a family.
As for any divine nature of her calling to the R.S., she was a shoe-in. After all, her father is a general authority, and her uncle used to be the governor of Utah. In other words, the First Presidency probably saw her at all the secret Christmas parties. You can image the conversation preceding her call: “No way, it’s time to appoint another relief society president? Man, who are we going to get this time? Hey, what about Bill’s daughter, you know, that chick that’s always hanging around the punch bowl?”.
Comment # 28 left by Lith on January 6th, 2008
I am saddened by Lith’s comments. She obviously doesn’t believe that the General Authorities and auxiliary leaders are called of God by prophecy and revelation. How blessed we are that we can all have our own personal testimony of that, if we will ask God in faith.
I loved Sister Beck’s talk, even though I am a far from perfect mother. I did not feel that the tone was judgmental. It was encouraging and inspiring. But if I had been troubled by what she said, I know that means that I need to pray for guidance and understanding. She has been called to lead us; her words were well within the teachings of the prophets. We are not going to be able to raise a righteous generation on accident in this day and age. Vigilance is required. Sister Beck chose to shoot down many of the philosophies of men that are perpetuated today that make a mockery of the divine role of motherhood. It is God’s plan for us, and He will make us better than we can make ourselves if we strive to follow His plan.
Comment # 29 left by michal on January 12th, 2008
Jane Doe: Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your life. I heard the same talk and I work full time out of necessity and I felt no guilt from her talk. I found it inspiring and uplifting. I think people who find fault with the Lord’s chosen leaders need to seriously look at their own personal testimony. We live in the winding up scenes of this dispensation and things are only going to get tougher. Our leaders have a clearer vision of all that is in store for us and it is because they love us and want what is best for us that they lovingly try to prepare us to be ready when the Savior comes.
Comment # 30 left by Diane Paul on February 4th, 2008
To John S. and those who think Sis. Beck has had a “comfy” life~ If you think being in a General Presidency is comfy you have alot to learn! I have served as a Ward R.S. Pres. and Primary Pres. and as a Counselor in YW Pres. and do not even want to imagine what pressures and responsibilities they have in a General Presidency. Before we judge we should walk a mile in their shoes. I am sure Sis. Beck was not standing in judgment of any of the sisters she was addressing, only recognizing the hardships ahead and trying to ease their burdens. Unfortunately that same courtesy has not been reciprocated by all those so quick to judge her and her motives and lifestyle!
Comment # 31 left by Diane Paul on February 4th, 2008