“Just What I Needed”
My years with Exponent II and the women I met and loved while working on the paper were just what I needed for that time and for my future. My heart is filled with the support and love that I feel from those women, for all those who contributed their work, and for all the readers who supported our ongoing efforts.
As I look back, I know that together we addressed issues that were important to all of us; however, as it turns out, many of those were issues that I had to or would have to face head-on myself. Some of the many that come to mind: emotional abuse and violence in Mormon homes, the position and acceptance of women in the Church structure and culture, building and supporting the self-esteem of women, feminism as a positive force for Mormon women and men, allowing and strengthening women’s voices within the Church structure and culture . . .
Helping to produce Exponent II, I realized that — for the first time — I felt safe to explore my own thinking and instincts and to trust myself. So, when I moved to Ireland, away from this close-knit supportive group of spiritual thinkers, I found myself spiritually, emotionally, and physically stronger than I knew and more than able to take on the challenges of my new life. Which is what I did. I have been able to create dreams I hadn’t known I had with spiritual and physical strengths I didn’t know I had!
So, I am thankful to those incredible women whose idea it was to begin this adventure for other Mormon women and to all of those who have kept it going for 50 years. I will be eternally grateful.
Sue was actively involved over time as a staff member, board member, and editor from 1979 to 1998, when she moved to Ireland to open Anam Cara Writer’s and Artist’s Retreat and continued online support of Exponent II’s efforts, including offering a week’s retreat to the annual essay contest winner.
Eyeries, Ireland
Categories: Shout Outs
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