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Guest Post
Exponent II features the work of guest authors writing about issues related to Mormonism and feminism. Submit a guest post Write for Exponent II.

Guest Post: Growth and Grace

by Keely Richins

I thought I didn’t like action movies,

But then, I saw one with a female lead

I thought I didn’t like watching sports,

But then, I discovered Ilona Maher, Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles

I thought I wasn’t interested in politics,

But then, I listened to Sharon McMahon

I thought LGBTQ were confused

But then, I listened

I thought I needed to fear “the world”

But then, love conquered my fear

I thought I had to endure to the end, 

But then, I was freed by the present

I was told to use priesthood power,

But then, I guess I already did?

I thought my garments were to “cover my nakedness,”

But then, I realized I had nothing to hide

I thought I only needed to follow,

But then, I already knew my own way

I thought I knew Heavenly Father

But then, I lived the life of my Mother

I said, “That’s not my experience,”

But then, I lived it myself

I promised a lot of things forever,

But then, I didn’t have all the information

I thought I was fully grown with all the answers,

But then, I became a child with only questions

I thought I was grounded in knowledge,

But then, doubt taught me to fly

I thought I loved who I was,

But then, I still do

Keely is a reader, runner, proud Utah native, Idaho backpacker, nightgown wearing millennial, friend, and rabbit-owner. She loves to laugh, be outside, and push herself outside of her comfort zone. She lives a thrilling life with a CPA and three kids in a home with a red door.

Exponent II features the work of guest authors writing about issues related to Mormonism and feminism. Submit a guest post Write for Exponent II.

12 Responses

  1. I remember seeing Wonder Woman for the first time and thinking it was the best super hero movie I’d ever seen, by far. Men around me were like, “eh, it just seemed like a regular old sorry hero movie to me – nothing special.”

    I realized that of course, it was nothing special to them. They’d been watching super hero movies that looked like them for decades, but I never had.

    Same with sports! I still don’t care that much about them (to be honest), but I am a thousand times more interested in female athletes and their lives than I ever was men.

    This is a great poem, thank you!

  2. This is the best New Year’s reflection I’ve seen in years. Thank you for the time to think through so many dimensions of grace in our lives and how we change in so many ways. So validating! I Iove being on this type of a journey with women like you. Thanks so much!

  3. I felt the same as Abby watching Wonder Woman…. I was like, no wonder boys like Superman! I get it now!!

    I also thought I knew everything….and have become a child. So much I need to learn.

    Love you Keely

    1. ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks Missy!! The Wonder Woman movie is great! (I read the book too thanks to your daughter’s recommendation).

  4. I love this poem. I see it as an expression of joy in discovering a more authentic, autonomous, and adventurous self. I love it when rigid assumptions about ourselves crumble and we try new fun things. Your bio. made me smile.

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