4 Comments

1.  chronicler :: 24 Jul 2007 @ 9:27 am ::

   Kathy I read your post at T&S earlier this morning. I am glad Segullah exists for the very reasons you mention. Years ago I attended Women’s Conference at BYU. I enjoyed attending the women’s writings winners section each year. It gave voice to women unlike anywhere I had ever been at church. One presenter stood out like a brightly lit bulb in a dark room. Her winning poem was entitled Envying Ruth. She was a young, newly married, convert living in Utah while her husband attended school. Her poem said so much between the lines. I looked forward to reading it again and again in the published volume of the Women’s Conference book published. When I purchased it, it was missing from the book. I called the committee and they simply stated the essays wouldn’t be printed in the books any longer. I was disappointed. Her voice was small but strong, other women needed to read her words. I sighed and moved on.

   Segullah has become those texts. Those quiet voices of women of faith throughout the church aching for as way to express their commitment, worries, struggles and victories. A lighted candle shining forth to lead a way for others on the journey. We are not the same woman, but we tread a common ground.

   That is my main reason for loving this journal. Voices. When the days are short, and time is precious, remember you are all doing a worthy work at Segullah.

2.  Kathryn Soper :: 24 Jul 2007 @ 9:44 am ::

   Chronicler, thank you. The days are indeed short, and we sometimes wonder if this effort is worthwhile. Thank you for reminding us that it is.

   I miss the early years of Women’s Conference, when the focus was on women’s stories, rather than self-improvement.

3.  martha :: 27 Jul 2007 @ 12:42 pm ::

   Kathryn, your post was beautiful.
   I got a tattoo in my youth. While serving a mission I hated it b/c if it was seen, so much was assumed and I fielded questions that a missionary is supposed to avoid.
   When I returned from my mission a doctor offered to remove it for free by burning it off with liquid nitrogen. He ended up giving me a full thickness burn that corroded a large vein and killed all the skin on and around my tattoo. I ended up having a skin graft. I now carry a fairly large scar on my ankle and am asked frequently about the scar. My husband hates the scar. I actually love it. I feel it is a badge of sorts. It is a constant reminder of where I came from and the rebirth I underwent preparatory to serving a mission. When I talk of it or look at it I am reminded of what the Savior has made me, and of His mercy.
   I love what you wrote in one of your comments about the mother that would teach more repentance and forgiveness. I know some think it is ugly, but I see my ankle as a beautiful reminder/story of repentance and forgiveness.

4.  Kathryn Soper :: 27 Jul 2007 @ 1:17 pm ::

   Martha, thank you! I love your story. Amen, and amen!

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