Latter-day Saint women hear motherhood described as their highest, holiest calling from the time they are young girls. But not all girls grow up to be mothers. Some don’t get the opportunity to have children, and some don’t choose to. Is there a place in our doctrine, our teachings, or our culture for women to just be…women? Whole, complete, fulfilled, and enough, with no specific role spelled out for them but the one they choose to create for themselves? Cristall Harper joins us to reflect on moving from shame to self-acceptance, without children in a church that assumes—even insists—women desire motherhood.

You Are Not Forgotten, Cristall Harper, 36″ x 54″, oil on panel, 2017

Notes:
Instagram @cristallharper and website www.cristallharper.com