Katie Hill writes, "This is helpful in response to the inevitable question: Why do the men have the priesthood and women don't?

The following two quotes come from "Daughters In My Kingdom" pgs.127-28:

Sheri L Dew taught: “Sisters, some will try to persuade you that because you are not ordained to the priesthood, you have been shortchanged. They are simply wrong, and they do not understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. The blessings of the priesthood are available to every righteous man and woman. We may all receive the Holy Ghost, obtain personal revelation, and be endowed in the temple, from which we emerge ‘armed’ with power. The power of the priesthood heals, protects, and inoculates all of the righteous against the powers of darkness. Most significantly, the fulness of the priesthood contained in the highest ordinances of the house of the Lord can be received only by a man and woman together.” (pg 128)

Dallin H. Oaks taught: "While we sometimes refer to priesthood holders as 'the priesthood,' we must never forget that the priesthood is not owned by or embodied in those who hold it. It is held in a sacred trust to be used for the benefit of men, women, and children alike."  (pg 127)

Display a cup of water.  Ask the class if they could figure out why these quotes made me think of a cup of water. Let them think for a minute.

(These are some of the things we came up with...)

- The water represents the priesthood and the cup is the holder of the priesthood.
- Anyone can drink.
- The holder's job is to share it and the water benefits all, equally.
- If anyone is thirsting, or has a need, (for a blessing, for saving ordinances, etc) they can drink.
- The most important thing about the priesthood are the blessings that come from it, not if a man holds it.
- Also remember- men can't bless themselves, they have to ask for blessings too.

I also love what David A. Bednar said in his April 2012 General Conference address here.  "Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls...A priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance with God’s holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people."