Live Up to Our Privileges: Women, Power, and Priesthood

by Wendy Ulrich

More and more, women find themselves asking how they can be full and active participants and leaders in the work of building the kingdom—particularly when it comes to priesthood work. After all, the scriptures tell us, "Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter . . . consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood" (D&C 128:11). Especially in recent years, prophets and apostles have assured that women as well as men can serve in the Church, the temple, and the family with priesthood authority and priesthood power. How can women more fully exercise that holy authority in their daily service and work?

Best-selling author and acclaimed psychologist Wendy Ulrich explains how, following the Savior's examples, women can act within priesthood authority and covenants to fulfill their individual missions, help save the human family, and empower rising generations. By qualifying for the gifts of the Holy Ghost and the temple endowment, women can nourish, teach, serve, pray, lead, heal, parent, prophesy, minister, and testify with priesthood power.

This book will help you grow in power in the priesthood as you better understand the priesthood authority women have been given, learn to clarify and live your deepest values, and hone the skill of discerning and acting on the promptings of the Holy Ghost—ultimately growing toward your highest spiritual potential.

The very promises made by oath and covenant to those who bear the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods were extended by Joseph Smith to the Relief Society sisters. He organized them "after the pattern of the priesthood" and promised: "If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates. . . .[You] can come in the presence of God." These promises and privileges belong to all who wish to claim them.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Church, Inspirational, Spirituality, Faith

203 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2019

About the author

Wendy Ulrich, Ph.D., was a psychologist in private practice for over fifteen years in Michigan before joining her husband to serve when he was called as president of the Canada Montreal Mission in 2002. They now live in Alpine, Utah, where she founded Sixteen Stones Center for Growth, LLC, offering seminar retreats on forgiveness, abundant life, loss, spirituality, and personal growth (visit www.sixteenstones.net). She is the mother of three adult children, a former ward and stake Relief Society president, and a former president of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists. She is the author of Forgiving Ourselves and Weakness Is Not Sin.


from http://deseretbook.com/auth/18560/Wen...

Reviews

[Kevin R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect to learn as much as I did from this book. The author does a fantastic job explaining how men and women both work together under Priesthood authority to accomplish God's work. What I enjoyed the most about this book is how the author goes through each Priesthood office, from Deacon to Apostle and details the responsibilities of each office. She gives examples of how the Savior performed those responsibilities during His ministry, and how women participate in these responsibilities today. I learned a lot from these chapters!

For example, part of the responsibilities of a deacon is to distribute food. The author teaches about the seven men called in the early church to "wait on tables" for the fatherless and widows. The word used in Greek in these verses is "diakonos." During the Savior's mortal ministry, we have several examples of Him distributing food (does the story of the 5,000 ring a bell?) But the author reminds us a poignant moment AFTER the resurrection, when the Lord meets his apostles on the shores of Galilee and serves them dinner. Even today, the primary responsibilities of deacons are to pass the Sacrament to the congregation and to collect fast offerings--money used to help and feed the poor. So when a sister in Relief Society serves a meal to a family in need, she is working in partnership with this office of the Aaronic Priesthood, and doing something we have many examples of the Savior Himself doing while on the earth.

The author explains it so much better than I do, and she does this for every Priesthood office. Like I said, I learned so much!

I probably wasn't the target audience for this book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! I think a lot of people could benefit from reading this. I know I did!

[Rebecca Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never had a problem with woman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints not being able to “hold the priesthood”. The way the author explains how I do, in fact, have the power of the priesthood and am authorized to use the priesthood in different circumstances and capacities is empowering. I’ve read this through once very quickly and have now gone back through at a slower pace to pick up more details. To any woman that thinks our church places you “under” the men because they hold priesthood keys, needs to read this book. The Lord and leaders of the church honor and revere women, as evidenced by the quotes and references from talks and scriptures. Absolutely wonderful read.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY a book about the priesthood that is legitimately and practically relatable to women!!!! This is the SEVENTH book I've picked up regarding this issue and we are finally getting somewhere. There aren't many speculations or justifications in this book - instead Ulrich shows clear ways that women have and use priesthood power and authority through every calling/level of the priesthood that men use it. I especially loved the chapters about deacons and patriarchs.

This is the closest I've ever come to feeling like men and women are balanced in the church instead of women lacking. Not all of my issues are magically resolved, but a major question I've harbored for months was addressed in chapter 2. Can't wait to buy my own copy and annotate it!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much more than I expected. This is my second book by Wendy Ulrich and I have loved them both. I am not a person who has been very upset about not having an office in the priesthood, but I am sensitive to ways in which I feel the structure and people in the Church can tend to sideline, underestimate and even patronize women and our perspectives, opinions and ideas. Ulrich's approach to priesthood, power, and what women actually do and can do really resonated with me. I love the fuller picture of how there are certain goals that the priesthood, and each office in the priesthood, is supposed to accomplish and how, in reality, women fill in and color and accomplish these goals, also, in ways that are both using priesthood power and our own gifts and strengths. Beautiful and meaningful for me.

[Marj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholarly, insightful, and inspiring. I could not put this book down.

Ulrich's scholarship, knowledge of the scriptures, and personal testimony combined to give me an experience, unlike anything I've read up to this point in my life. Written by a woman FOR women, is a must-read for anyone in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who desires a better understanding of women and the priesthood.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an insightful book. I have not felt “less than” as a woman in the church who does not bear the priesthood, but with increasing discussion about the priesthood and women, and President Nelson’s encouragement to learn more in the last general conference, I picked up this book.
I really liked the way she discussed each office of the priesthood - how men serve in them now, how Christ did similar service in his life and how women also do these things in their service to others today in our times. It was empowering to recognize the ways we are blessed with priesthood power through the covenants we have made to help, teach, comfort and lift those around us.
This is a book I’ll go back to again and again.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and expounding read. My heart is full.

[Makenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never wondered why women don’t have the priesthood, maybe it’s a gift. I love Wendy Ulrich, that is why I chose this book! I am so glad I did! I learned more than I thought I would have! I see my my Savior and those around me in a much brighter light because of this book!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

There were some really great insights in this book. The author goes through each office of the priesthood and demonstrates the ways in which women perform the same responsibilities. The idea, I think, is for us to discover holiness in the tasks of our everyday lives and realize that we qualify for priesthood power all the time. Definitely a fresh perspective.

I would also recommend this book to men. I think her perspective would expand the view of those who already function in priesthood offices to be more creative in how they accomplish their responsibilities.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wendy Ulrich is a great writer and has amazing insights into gospel living for everyone. Her framework in this book is going through the offices of the priesthood, the duties assigned to them in the Doctrine and Covenants, and expounding the ways in which women can and do participate in carrying out those responsibilities in the church, home, and the world. I feel like the message of this book is that we can all work side-by-side to further the work of the Lord, that it is a privilege, and that we can do it better.

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Wendy's work. There are many reasons I loved this book. I appreciate her in depth research to matters of the heart and mind and spirit. She helps articulately explain so many things about priesthood power that have often times been confusing to me. The more I learn, the more I realize the less I know. I could have highlighted almost every page. Here is one of my favorite quotes: “Healing is a different process from cure. Healing involves a spiritual and emotional reweaving of our life story to incorporate, not merely revoke, our injuries. It involves growth and personal change, maturation into a new state of deeper trust in God despite, not in the absence of, suffering. It includes acceptance of our lost innocence, while reaching toward greater wisdom. Healing does not mean going back to Eden but going forward through the wounding world of mortality to a wholeness that transcends rather than excludes evil. While we cannot expect the temple to cure all our mortal ills, returning us to what we were before, it can help us heal from all our ills as God comforts, redeems, and changes us into something we have never been. The temple helps us regain momentum and direction when we become paralyzed. It offers relief and calm when our hearts race amid life’s challenges. It teaches us of God’s most powerful healing promises: forgiveness, sanctification, resurrection, and redemption. We can begin to access these healing promises today, even if cure must wait for tomorrow”.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband received a copy of this book from our stake president. He has asked all the leaders of our stake to read it with the intent to teach what they've learned. I like that he respects and honors women and our power and role in God's family.

There is nothing here I hadn't already learned on my own. I have long felt that priesthood is Heavenly Father's power to bless all humanity, not just something for men. Men are not "the priesthood." Ulrich does a good job of expressing thoughts and feelings.

It's easier to understand how the priesthood works for women who are regular temple attenders.

I feel sad for women who are so against patriarchy, though I don't judge them because I know there is a wide range of personal experience. I have been fortunate that most of the men in my life have respected and honored women.

I like how Ulrich goes through the different offices of the priesthood and how those responsibilities are relevant and applied to women. I like her scriptural and real-life examples. I like that she quotes from scriptures, modern-day revelation and prophets, as well as those from the past.

This book is worth reading.

[Alena Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're going to read just one book about the Priesthood power of women, this is the one to read. Wendy Ulrich spends time going through each office of the Priesthood given in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tells about its ancient usage and history, and then dives into how we can fulfill that priesthood office, or use that aspect of God's power, in our day as either a man or a woman, formally ordained to that priesthood office, or set apart by it, or not. It truly is a book about living up to our privileges and potentials when it comes to blessing the lives of those around us and feeling God's power in our lives. As women, we are essential to building up families, communities, churches, and kingdoms.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to study this topic more fully after the October 2019 General Conference. It’s not like this is a topic I have ever really struggled with but this book did give me some things to think about. It wasn’t really anything new to me but helped me think about the power of the Priesthood a little deeper.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. Ulrich intertwines women and priesthood powers in a tangible, appliable way. Awesome.

[Kim Rasband · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar! I enjoyed Sister Ulrich’s perspective and insights. Her writing style is conversational and engaging. Highly recommended - I listened to the audio. Loved it.

[Jen Nokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a great understanding of women’s role with the priesthood. Worth the listen/read.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book - I highly recommend. I listened to this on audio book but I am going to go out and buy the hard copy so I can review it again and mark it up. Much of the content was not new but the perspective was so good that it was very thought provoking and insightful.

[Jannifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 ⭐️s. Really fascinating book. I learned a lot and it gave me a new perspective on some scriptures and theological topics.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book informative and inspiring. I learned so much and felt so uplifted by the wonderful spirit the author brought to her words.

[Misha Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to go back to this one and take notes.

[Skye Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really incredible stuff here. Author Wendy Ulrich does an amazing job at compiling wonderful insights on the privileges we as women have here on earth. She also takes a deep look at the different offices of the priesthood and inspects how women can further participate, or glean from the roles each office holds. There were so many wonderful scriptures and quotes from prophets and apostles in this book that warmed my heart and inspired my mind. This is a truly excellent book that I’d recommend to all women, and men as well!

[Avid reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Ulrich is a lot like Sheri Dew: insightful, inspiring, and articulate. This is a great book for our day as women when we are trying to figure out the many ways that the power of the priesthood can be manifest in our lives.

[Maren Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will return to again and again. There was so much to learn and to think about, and the author really drew on the scriptures. I appreciated that. She is obviously a woman who has really grappled with these ideas. I felt like she really understood women's issues and questions. And she didn't claim to have all the answers, but she gave a very interesting perspective.

I loved the idea she presented that God's power is not about gaining power over other people. That's the worldly perspective. Instead, God's power seeks only to empower others--the purpose of it is to share it, not to hoard it. That is hugely important to remember when talking about the priesthood. She had a good definition of priesthood: " the power and authority given in different ways to men and women in God's Church to administer the affairs of His kingdom, teach His doctrine, and perform priesthood ordinances of salvation and exaltation as they 'act in the earth for the salvation of the human family' under the direction of those holding priesthood keys."

The author also clearly has a deep understanding of the atonement. I loved these quotes: "Our rebirth does not come from starting over, but from starting a new story about what it all has meant and can mean." "When we cling to the false hope of turning back the clock as the only thing that could really save us, we refuse the Savior's gift that brings our story to completion or wholeness rather than replacing it." "I have learned that I can trust God, trust Him completely--not because He will always keep me safe or always hold my hand, but because He will always come back to comfort, teach, and redeem me. I have also learned--and this lesson has been even harder won--that God can trust me. Certainly that does not mean He can trust me to always be right, or perfect, or even confident. But I have seen over the decades that I, too, keep coming back. He and I can trust me to continue to try again." And this was my favorite: "'If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well.' Perhaps more accurately, if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly while we learn to do it better, rather than not doing it at all."

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book that helped me to think in some new ways. Throughout the read, I kept thinking how much God loves his children. I gained new insights into the priesthood and ways I can more fully tap into those blessings and privileges. I was enlightened on ways I can more fully participate and contribute as a female member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lots of great quotes that I don’t want to forget and will list here.

“We see faithful women who understand the power inherent in their callings and in their endowment and other temple ordinances. These women know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen their husbands, their children, and others they love. They are spiritually strong women who lead, teach and minister fearlessly in their callings with the power and authority from God. How thankful I am for them.” -President Russell M. Nelson

“The people who rise to power in many settings generally do so because they are enthusiastic and bold, kind and appreciative, focused, articulate about the task at hand, calm during times of stress open to others’ perspectives, assertive but humble and focused on advancing the greater good.” -Dr. Keltner

Quotes by Wendy Ulrich:
Anxiety isn’t the end of the world. Increase your tolerance for anxiety. Don’t see it as something in your way.

Create redemption stories and share them.

Don’t take counsel from your fears.

We grow in spiritual power when we show up each day to eagerly ask God how to be in his service. When we consecrate our lives to do His work each day, he consecrates His vast resources to help us each day. There will be enough, and to spare.

When we prepare spiritually we can step up with both confidence and compassion. We can raise concerns, offer suggestions, build on others ideas, volunteer to help, represent the powerless, and invite the quiet to speak.

God’s power is a tree that bears fruit and the fruit always bears and the seeds always have the potential to sprout.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there were some great points made in this book about how to access spirituality and God's power, to say that it was a book about priesthood and women is really a misnomer. She should have just left women out of the equation and written about what church members do and how we can better access spiritual power. There are some pretty big gaps in how the LDS Church leaders and members talk about men and their responsibilities and opportunities with the priesthood and what women are allowed to do. This book doesn't bridge any of those. She seems to spend the entire book trying to make women feel good about being less than. Sure, you can't actually give blessings or perform ordinances, or be a leader over men at church but look you can prepare food and say prayers and teach lessons and that almost the same. Yeah, right.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been listening to this audiobook in small snatches of time over months because there is so much information and insight here. I was astonished at the connections I had never made! This is well-researched insight into the language and terminology of priesthood offices and ordinances.

I want to quote whole chapters and buy the book for everyone. Since I respect copyrights and also need to buy groceries, please get a copy to read for yourself as soon as possible. We might then discuss it over sandwiches and a zoom call.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised with all that I learned. I’ve never struggled with women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints not holding the priesthood. The author did an excellent job of describing and showing how we as women have an integral part.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I have never struggled with my role as a women in church and I appreciate an author who can put in to words the way I feel. She gives a beautiful and deep perspective and understanding to the sacred role of women. Very thought provoking and one I would read again.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enlightening. Will reread this many times.