Why I wore pants to church on Sunday

Some Mormon feminists encouraged Mormon women to wear pants to church last Sunday in support of the Mormon feminist movement. After much reflection, I decided to wear my nicest slacks instead of a skirt to church. I didn't do it because I want women to be ordained to the Priesthood. I also don't feel unequal to men in the church. I don't have an inferiority complex and I do fully sustain my church leaders and have a strong testimony of the gospel. Wearing slacks goes against Mormon culture, but not Mormon doctrine, plus, I love my slacks!

There were two main reasons that I chose to wear slacks instead of a skirt:

1) I support people being different, especially those who are different in a Mormon culture that too often emphasizes uniformity. I believe there is lots of room for all sorts of people, especially in the church. Liberals, conservatives, gays, democrats, republicans, homeschoolers, working moms, stay-at-home moms, people with mental disabilities, the poor, the rich, women who wear pants to church and those who choose to wear a skirt. Which leads to...

2) We should not be as judgmental as we sometimes are. We are all at different places in our progression, and that is okay, in fact, it is to be expected. I hope that all who come to our church feel welcome, whatever their manner of dress. It so happened that there were 3 women investigators who attended our ward in pants, and I was glad that they weren't the only ones not wearing a skirt.

Will I wear slacks go church again? Probably not. I think I can show the most respect and draw the least amount of attention to myself in a nice skirt. But I will definitely think twice before judging others because of the choices that they make, whatever they may be.

Ballet

Today Elise had her two performances of "The Nutcracker". Oh my. It was incredible! And she did so well! I'll have to let her tell more about it, and post pictures when I get them.

Tonight my story is about the wonderful community at Elise's ballet studio. Last June I suggested to Elise that she pray with her class members before they performed, and after the performance I asked her if she had done it. She said she didn't get the chance, because one of the older girls invited her to pray with them.

Again this evening I asked her if she had the chance to pray before she performed, and she had--with her onstage family (in the party scene), by suggestion of her "mother", who truly is a wonderful mother. I love that prayer and faith and kindness are such important parts of the atmosphere at our studio. I hope we can find another such studio when we move!