Tuesday, July 24, 2012
God's Sense of Humor
Perhaps that post title seems strange, but let me explain how this came about. One of the oft-quoted scriptures in my life is, "we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23). I've been thinking a lot about grace, and and how to qualify for grace, and how to let God be God in my life. I think I have high expectations for myself--I mean, I'm smart and capable and determined, so I should be able to do lots of things, right? I feel like I should try my hardest--and then at that point, I can turn to God and ask for help, when I feel that I've done all that I possibly can...except, the problem for me tends to be that I always feel like there always is something more I should do, so it makes it hard for me to feel like I ever deserve grace. I've been realizing lately how wrong this is--yes, I do believe that God expects us to do our best, but He will also help us to do our best, and will grant us grace even as we're trying (and sometimes failing). Anyway, recognizing that I need to think differently about this, and essentially, let God love me instead of feeling like I have to do everything, I've been trying to think more about the character of God and what I know about Him through my personal experiences with Him--not just something that I've read or been but something that I know from my own interaction with Him. I started a list, where I could write down some ideas and experiences, and the very first thing that I had to write down was that He has a sense of humor. Maybe that seems weird, but I really think it's true. A couple examples:
Bright and early one Saturday morning, I wanted to go to the temple; the problem was that I was tired, and they seat you in these nice comfortable chairs, and I was afraid I'd fall asleep, which I didn't want to do. So, I prayed earnestly for help not to fall asleep, and when it came time to participate in an endowment session, I went with the group to the assigned room...and it turned out that there was one seat too few, so the temple workers pulled out a folding chair, set it in the aisle, and directed me to it. Let me assure you, I didn't fall asleep. The chair wasn't as comfy, but I was also afraid that if I did doze off, I'd end up falling off the chair and everyone would know! So, let me tell you, I was wide awake, and when I said a silent, "That's not quite what I meant," I felt a chuckle in response (which is not to say that I think God was laughing at me, but I really felt like He was in fact laughing and we shared a funny moment.)
Just a few days ago, I was thinking about our struggles with infertility and how they have dragged on and on and on...and on. Being that it was close to Pioneer Day (which is in fact, today), a day when the Latter-day Saints honor the early pioneers of the church who sacrificed so much to be members of the church, who were driven out of their homes multiple times and eventually settled in the Rocky Mountains to try to find safety, I had pioneers on the brain, I guess. The thought that I had was, "It didn't take the pioneers as long to cross the plains as it's taken us to be able to have children," (which is kind of a selfish thought, I know. I'm not particularly proud of it.),and immediately a very droll response came: "Some of them had to stay in Winter Quarters." I was instantly corrected--since many, many of the Saints did in fact have to stay in Winter Quarters, a settlement in Nebraska where they stayed when it became obvious they were not going to make it across the plains in one summer. And while it was a serious answer, the way that it came--this dry, one-sentence answer really did have a drollness to it that was both effective in conveying the correction but also not making me feel like a horrible person for having a whiny moment. I don't know, maybe it's one of those you-had-to-be-there moments, but I have had enough of those moments with God to really feel strongly that He has a sense of humor, and I like that about Him. :)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Prayers Are Answered in the Best Way
A couple of weeks ago, we need a last-minute substitute for one of our Primary classes, and the easiest solution was to have me teach, since it was my month to be the Presidency "rover." Well, I pulled up the lesson online and saw that it was titled "Prayers Are Answered in the Best Way" and the associated scripture story is about John the Baptist--or rather, how Zacharias and Elisabeth had wanted children and weren't blessed with them until they were pretty far past child-bearing age. My first reaction was, "Are You kidding me?"
As I've previously mentioned, my husband and I have been struggling with infertility, and while I admit the story of Hannah is comforting, the thought of waiting until I'm Elisabeth's age to have children is not. (I guess I don't for sure know Hannah's age, but I don't remember her being past normal child-bearing years, so I assumed she was much younger than Elisabeth when her prayer was answered.)
There were other stories to share as well--one where the prayer was answered with an immediate yes, one with a no--and then Elisabeth and Zacharias with a "wait until the time is right."
So, it took some extra effort on my part to be able to teach this lesson, since it was touching on a matter so close to my heart, but as I was teaching the children about the different types of answers we can get, I knew that the Lord was trying to teach me as well and to remind me that He truly answers in the way that is best...even when we can't understand why that's the best answer. While I do sometimes struggle to remember that, what I can say is that the Lord wants to help and sustain us. I don't think it was just a coincidence that I ended up teaching this particular lesson; I think He knew I needed a reminder that He knows what He's doing and that if I just hold on, things will work out how they should. I'm still hoping and praying hard that children will come sooner rather than later, but in the meantime, I'm grateful for a God who knows what our struggles are and sends us the faith-boosting messages that we need to carry on.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Living Christ
In April 2000, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued a statement called The Living Christ, which I'm going to put in here in its entirety. I don't want to add any commentary at this time, but I will mention that a year or two ago, I decided I wanted to memorize it, and while I can't recite the whole thing word for word now, there was something very special about the process of trying to memorize it. Reading through those words time and time again, reading them aloud, and trying to recite them gave the Holy Spirit the opportunity to testify to me time and again that these words are true. So, maybe you don't have time to memorize it--but maybe try reading it out loud a couple times and let the Spirit take the words from the page into your heart.
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
The First Presidency
The Quorum Of The Twelve
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
The First Presidency
The Quorum Of The Twelve
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Help Thou Mine Unbelief
It has been a difficult few days for us, as our sweet little Ruby Rabbit has been quite sick, along with the other trials we've been facing. I pulled out a copy of Elder Holland's classic talk, "However Long and Hard the Road," and as I read through it, I was struck by a part where he talked about the difficulties the early Latter-day Saints faced as they struggled to build the Salt Lake temple--an undertaking that took FORTY years. And in the midst of those struggles, they were called upon to build several other temples as well. Elder Holland quotes Brigham Young and his comments to the people:
"'Can you accomplish this work, you Latter-day Saints of these several counties?' he asked. And then in his own inimitable way he answered. 'Yes; that is a question I can answer readily. You are perfectly able to do it. The question is, have you the necessary faith? Have you sufficient of the Spirit of God in your hearts to say, yes, by the help of God our Father we will erect these buildings to His name? Go to now, with your might and with your means, and finish this Temple.”'
As I focused on his question--"Have you the necessary faith?"--I was reminded of the story in Mark 9:17-29, when a loving father brings his son to the Master to be healed after the apostles have tried and failed to rebuke the spirit that possesses the boy.
"And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
"And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
"He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
"And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
"And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
"And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
"When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
"And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
"But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose."
The father's response is so interesting--"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." How does he believe and yet not believe, all at once? He had faith enough to bring his son to the Lord, but did He have faith enough to believe that the Lord would heal his son?
I think that's something that I struggle with; I believe that the Lord can, but I don't necessarily believe that He will. I expect the answer to be "No." But sometimes, as in this case, the answer is "Yes." The Lord just told this father that if he believed, all things were possible, essentially, I think, telling him that if he believed, his son would be healed. And the father had to drum up the courage to believe that "yes", to believe not just that the Lord could but also that He would.
I think I really struggle with believing that the answer will ever be yes--despite the fact that the Lord HAS said "yes" in many instances in my life. Although it's a little too personal to share in this blog, I did, after pondering and reflecting on this story, sit down and make a list of some experiences when the Lord has said "yes." And while I probably will still be plagued by doubts sometimes, it definitely helped my unbelief--it helped me to see that not only can the Lord help me but He will.
"'Can you accomplish this work, you Latter-day Saints of these several counties?' he asked. And then in his own inimitable way he answered. 'Yes; that is a question I can answer readily. You are perfectly able to do it. The question is, have you the necessary faith? Have you sufficient of the Spirit of God in your hearts to say, yes, by the help of God our Father we will erect these buildings to His name? Go to now, with your might and with your means, and finish this Temple.”'
As I focused on his question--"Have you the necessary faith?"--I was reminded of the story in Mark 9:17-29, when a loving father brings his son to the Master to be healed after the apostles have tried and failed to rebuke the spirit that possesses the boy.
"And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
"And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
"He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
"And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
"And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
"And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
"And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
"When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
"And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
"But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose."
The father's response is so interesting--"Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." How does he believe and yet not believe, all at once? He had faith enough to bring his son to the Lord, but did He have faith enough to believe that the Lord would heal his son?
I think that's something that I struggle with; I believe that the Lord can, but I don't necessarily believe that He will. I expect the answer to be "No." But sometimes, as in this case, the answer is "Yes." The Lord just told this father that if he believed, all things were possible, essentially, I think, telling him that if he believed, his son would be healed. And the father had to drum up the courage to believe that "yes", to believe not just that the Lord could but also that He would.
I think I really struggle with believing that the answer will ever be yes--despite the fact that the Lord HAS said "yes" in many instances in my life. Although it's a little too personal to share in this blog, I did, after pondering and reflecting on this story, sit down and make a list of some experiences when the Lord has said "yes." And while I probably will still be plagued by doubts sometimes, it definitely helped my unbelief--it helped me to see that not only can the Lord help me but He will.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Jesus Christ Is the Son of God
I had to speak in church today (again...yeah, I don't know why they keep having me to do that), and as the newly-called Primary President in my ward, I was asked to speaking about the Sharing Time topics (Sharing Time=instruction that we do with children 3 to 7 years old and 8 to 11 years old). My two counselors and I each covered 4 of the monthly topics, and while I don't think anyone really wants to read through my entire talk, I just thought I'd post part of it. Our theme for this year is Choose the Right, and I spoke about some of the foundational principles that we need to understand if we're really going to make a lifetime of right choices.
Jesus Christ Is the Son of God.
Of all the messages we’re talking about in Sharing Time this year, I think this is the most important. Each of us, as a child of God of whatever age, needs to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God—and we need to know what that means for us.
I think that wrapped up in that short sentence, we have pretty much everything we need to know. I think it means that Jesus Christ is exactly who He said He was and He did everything He said He would do.
I want to quote from The Living Christ, since the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed, way better than I ever could, what it means to us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God:
“We offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
“He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth…He 'went about doing good,' yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
“He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth…
“We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world…
“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”
What it means for us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is that it’s all real, and eternal life and eternal families and happiness and all of the blessings of the Gospel are really possible. Because He is the Son of God and He did everything that He said He would do, the plan of salvation works and choosing the right will lead us back to the presence of our Father.
I testify that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God, and that because of that, eternal life is possible. I want to join my testimony with the words of our closing hymn [we sang I Believe in Christ]—I believe in Christ; I believe that He is the Son of God, that He came to earth and lived a perfect life, that He healed the sick, raised the dead, and marked the path for each of us. He did make it possible for each of us to be freed from Satan’s grasp, and we can have lives that are joyous and filled with love. He has made eternal life possible for all those who will follow Him. Jesus Christ lives, and He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. He is all that He said He is, and He is everything that we need.
Jesus Christ Is the Son of God.
Of all the messages we’re talking about in Sharing Time this year, I think this is the most important. Each of us, as a child of God of whatever age, needs to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God—and we need to know what that means for us.
I think that wrapped up in that short sentence, we have pretty much everything we need to know. I think it means that Jesus Christ is exactly who He said He was and He did everything He said He would do.
I want to quote from The Living Christ, since the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed, way better than I ever could, what it means to us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God:
“We offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
“He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth…He 'went about doing good,' yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
“He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth…
“We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world…
“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”
What it means for us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is that it’s all real, and eternal life and eternal families and happiness and all of the blessings of the Gospel are really possible. Because He is the Son of God and He did everything that He said He would do, the plan of salvation works and choosing the right will lead us back to the presence of our Father.
I testify that Jesus Christ really is the Son of God, and that because of that, eternal life is possible. I want to join my testimony with the words of our closing hymn [we sang I Believe in Christ]—I believe in Christ; I believe that He is the Son of God, that He came to earth and lived a perfect life, that He healed the sick, raised the dead, and marked the path for each of us. He did make it possible for each of us to be freed from Satan’s grasp, and we can have lives that are joyous and filled with love. He has made eternal life possible for all those who will follow Him. Jesus Christ lives, and He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world. He is all that He said He is, and He is everything that we need.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
And It Did
I've been thinking this week that surely of all times, now, during this Christmas season, it would be good to post a new message of Jesus, but I was also trying to figure out some eloquent message to share of Christ and I was struggling with that. Plus, this month has been kind of hard, for a few reasons. However, this morning, things sort of came together in my head, and I found the message I want to share, although it's a little jumbled, so I'm still not sure it will be eloquent. Nevertheless, here is the message of Christ that I want to share this Christmas.
As I said, this month has been kind of hard. As some of you might already know, my sweet Adam and I would very much like to be parents, but we haven't been able to get pregnant. It has been quite a struggle for us, with lots (and lots, and lots) of tears and frustration and sadness and disappointment as month after month after month, we've found that yet again, we weren't able to get pregnant. I was really hoping, even more than I've hoped every month, that this month would be the one. At the same time, the medicine I have to take to try to help us get pregnant has really been messing with my hormones and makes me depressed, and that only got worse when I realized that yet again, there still would be no baby for us, at least not yet.
However, I can confidently say that I have not been left alone in this struggle. There have been several times this month that I have felt and heard the Lord's messages to me, reminding me of scriptures and such to lift me and help me.
Earlier in the month, a five-year-old boy in our ward, Simeon, was assigned to give a talk in Primary. He spoke about the prophecies and signs that would help people to recognize the birth of the Savior of the world. After he told about the prophecies, Simeon also talked about their fulfillment and how they did happen. For example, Simeon spoke of Samuel the Lamanite's prophecy to the Nephites that new star would arise to herald the Savior's birth, and then said in his sweet little voice, "And it did!" That sweet little "And it did" is something that the Lord has been reminding me of this month--that just as Simeon said in his talk, each of the promises regarding Christ's birth truly did happen. Another thought that has popped into my head is a line from the not-often-sung fourth verse of I Am a Child of God: "I am a child of God. His promises are sure." Through these messages, and other that I've received this month as well, I have felt the assurance of the Savior that the promises made to me (which, through Priesthood blessings and such do indeed include children) will all come to pass and there will be a point in my life where I can say regarding parenthood, "And it did!"
While that blessing hasn't yet happened for us, I can look back at my life and see some many areas where I can say "And it did!" The Lord has kept His promises to me, and He has led me and guided me in so many ways to find the opportunities and path that bring happiness into my life. He has been with me, helping me, supporting me, loving me. And this Christmas season, as I reflect on how all of the prophecies of Him and His birth and then His life, atonement, death and resurrection were fulfilled every single whit, I know that in my life I will say "And it did"--because He did. He did every single thing He promised He would do; He didn't forget a single detail. He has overcome the world in all things, and because He did, all of us can rejoice in knowing that we will be able to say "And it did" in our lives.
And so, on this Christmas Eve, as I think of my Savior's birth and His life and atonement and death, I want to say, as did Jon Menzies Macfarlane,
"Lord, with the angels we too would rejoice,
Help us to sing with the heart and voice:
Glory to God, Glory to God,
Glory to God in the highest:
Peace on earth, goodwill to men;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!"
I know that Christ's birth and the sweet reminders I've had this month are each a "message of mercy from heaven above" (Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains; click here for an audio version). And so I say, glory to God; praise be to Him who has kept every promise, who "shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4). God is merciful and we can have hope that He will keep each promise to us, just as each promise regarding the birth of the Savior was kept.
As I said, this month has been kind of hard. As some of you might already know, my sweet Adam and I would very much like to be parents, but we haven't been able to get pregnant. It has been quite a struggle for us, with lots (and lots, and lots) of tears and frustration and sadness and disappointment as month after month after month, we've found that yet again, we weren't able to get pregnant. I was really hoping, even more than I've hoped every month, that this month would be the one. At the same time, the medicine I have to take to try to help us get pregnant has really been messing with my hormones and makes me depressed, and that only got worse when I realized that yet again, there still would be no baby for us, at least not yet.
However, I can confidently say that I have not been left alone in this struggle. There have been several times this month that I have felt and heard the Lord's messages to me, reminding me of scriptures and such to lift me and help me.
Earlier in the month, a five-year-old boy in our ward, Simeon, was assigned to give a talk in Primary. He spoke about the prophecies and signs that would help people to recognize the birth of the Savior of the world. After he told about the prophecies, Simeon also talked about their fulfillment and how they did happen. For example, Simeon spoke of Samuel the Lamanite's prophecy to the Nephites that new star would arise to herald the Savior's birth, and then said in his sweet little voice, "And it did!" That sweet little "And it did" is something that the Lord has been reminding me of this month--that just as Simeon said in his talk, each of the promises regarding Christ's birth truly did happen. Another thought that has popped into my head is a line from the not-often-sung fourth verse of I Am a Child of God: "I am a child of God. His promises are sure." Through these messages, and other that I've received this month as well, I have felt the assurance of the Savior that the promises made to me (which, through Priesthood blessings and such do indeed include children) will all come to pass and there will be a point in my life where I can say regarding parenthood, "And it did!"
While that blessing hasn't yet happened for us, I can look back at my life and see some many areas where I can say "And it did!" The Lord has kept His promises to me, and He has led me and guided me in so many ways to find the opportunities and path that bring happiness into my life. He has been with me, helping me, supporting me, loving me. And this Christmas season, as I reflect on how all of the prophecies of Him and His birth and then His life, atonement, death and resurrection were fulfilled every single whit, I know that in my life I will say "And it did"--because He did. He did every single thing He promised He would do; He didn't forget a single detail. He has overcome the world in all things, and because He did, all of us can rejoice in knowing that we will be able to say "And it did" in our lives.
And so, on this Christmas Eve, as I think of my Savior's birth and His life and atonement and death, I want to say, as did Jon Menzies Macfarlane,
"Lord, with the angels we too would rejoice,
Help us to sing with the heart and voice:
Glory to God, Glory to God,
Glory to God in the highest:
Peace on earth, goodwill to men;
Peace on earth, goodwill to men!"
I know that Christ's birth and the sweet reminders I've had this month are each a "message of mercy from heaven above" (Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains; click here for an audio version). And so I say, glory to God; praise be to Him who has kept every promise, who "shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4). God is merciful and we can have hope that He will keep each promise to us, just as each promise regarding the birth of the Savior was kept.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
On Relief Society
When the Relief Society Presidency first passed out our copies of Daughters in My Kingdom, the new book about the history of Relief Society, I thought it was nice that they remembered to pass them out the Primary teachers, but then I took it home and set it aside. I was busy with Primary lessons, my personal scripture study, rereading General Conference talks, and trying to keep up with the Sunday School and Relief Society lessons. I had plenty of other Church materials to keep me busy, and for me, Relief Society has always been the place I have to go when I can’t get the bishopric to give me a calling in Primary. So, I wasn’t really that interested. However, once I finally cracked the cover, I found that this slim blue book is a treasure trove of inspiration and it offered me a connection to Relief Society that I’ve never quite found before. I wanted to devour it in one sitting, but I also wanted to stretch it out day after day because I loved the feelings I got as I was reading it and wanted to be able to experience them each day. There have been so many lessons that the Spirit taught me as I read through the book, and I just want to share a few.
We Can All Be Extraordinary and Change the World
Daughters in My Kingdom begins, “In the first meeting of the Relief Society, Sister Emma Smith said, ‘We are going to do something extraordinary.’ She was right. The history of Relief Society is filled with examples of ordinary women who have accomplished extraordinary things as they have exercised faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ” (xi). This stood out to me, because I always want to be special in some way; I’m always longing for some sort of recognition that will show me that my efforts matter—that I matter. Reading this just helped me realize that I don’t have to try to prove that I’m special; I can be ordinary but as I have faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and use the talents endowed in me as a daughter of God, They will provide the “extraordinary.”
Later in the book, Elaine S. Jack tells about how in 1992, the 150th celebration of the Relief Society was an opportunity for service and all over the world, Relief Society groups went out and served. The R.S. presidency in one ward went to the city council and asked what they could do to help. Sister Jack recalled,
And the men said, ‘You mean 20,000 groups throughout this world are going to be doing this same thing?’ And she said yes. And [one of the council members] said, ‘You’ll change the world.’ And I think we did … for the better… [Sisters] made lap rugs in South Africa for those elderly in the home. … They planted flowers around [a] clock tower in Samoa. And they did so many things with homeless shelters or providing books for children or painting homes for unwed mothers, that sort of thing. We felt that throughout the world these community service projects were a great thing, both for the sisters and for the community (p. 95-96).
Being somewhat cynical, as I looked through that list of projects, I thought, But they didn’t change the world—because lap rugs and flowers don’t seem world-changing to me. However, the Spirit quickly corrected me to say that they did change the world. Did they solve world hunger? End warfare? Eliminate crime? No. Not on a large scale anyway. But they made people’s lives better, and that does change the world.
We All Have Something to Offer
In Nauvoo, the women of Relief Society decided to help the men who were building the temple; in the minutes from one of their meetings, they recorded what each woman volunteered to do or to give in order to help. Some said they’d solicit donations, or donate material for clothing, or give soup or milk, etc. (p.22). This list of their different offerings taught me that all of us have something that we can offer to meet the needs around us. It might not be the same as what someone else offers—and maybe we’re even a little embarrassed that we don’t have more to offer—but we can all contribute.
Be Obedient, Even If You Can’t See Why It Matters
I’ve long known the story of how the Relief Society sisters back in the late 1800 and early 1900s had stored lots of wheat and then sold it to the U.S. government during World War I. But Emmeline B. Wells’s comment on that experience was an eye-opening one for me; she said, “In all these years we have not had much need to use the grain stored away for the purpose it was designed, but with the dark cloud hovering over the world as it now does, we can see the prophetic wisdom of President Young in calling upon the sisters to save grain against a time of need” (p. 56)
Brigham Young gave the instructions and decades later—and four prophets later, since Joseph F. Smith was the prophet during WWI—they finally could see why the instruction was given, at least on a large scale. That means many of the sisters who had helped with the storage never even saw why it was needed, because they died before WWI. And many women weren’t alive when President Young gave the initial instructions. And yet, they were faithful to the words of the prophet, and the Lord was able to use them to bless countless lives. This story is a good reminder that even if we can’t see why the Lord has asked us to do something, He can—and we need to do it even if we never see why.
Developing a Positive Attitude Is a Skill of Self-Reliance
In the 1930s, the First Presidency, comprised of Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and J. Reuben Clark, Jr. offered this counsel: “We…urge, earnestly and always upon the people, the paramount necessity of living righteously; of avoiding extravagance; of cultivating the habits of thrift, economy, and industry; of living strictly within their incomes; and of laying aside something, however small the amount may be, for the times of greater stress that may come to us.” (p. 71). The words “habits of thrift, economy and industry” stood out to me; I thought living within our means and having savings were the habits of economy and thrift. So I started thinking of other habits we can develop, like learning to garden, preserve food, sew, knit, do car maintenance, and anything that allows us to help ourselves and others.
Then I read about Louise Y. Robison, the seventh Relief Society General President, and how she had “grown up in a humble log home in rural Scipio, Utah, where she had learned to farm, garden, sew, work hard, live on little, and be of good cheer.” (p.70-71). I didn’t think of being of good cheer as a habit of thrift, economy, and industry, but I came to realize that might actually be the best habit we can acquire in these areas. Earlier in the book, there was a sidebar about becoming self-reliant and the second item on the list is “acquire a spirit of self-sacrifice.” While we should be acquiring whatever skills we can, we need to remember that our attitude toward self-reliance is just as important as any other skill.
Relief Society Is Energizing
There were several instances as I was reading this book that I felt very inadequate. After reading President Spencer W. Kimball’s quotation, “The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task—it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves again and again” (p. 5), I was left worrying that I’m only a “seasonal worker” who gets “weary in well-doing” (D&C 64:33) because it seems like there’s always so much to do.
When I read that President Boyd K. Packer had taught, “It is as obligatory upon a woman to draw into her life the virtues that are fostered by the Relief Society as it is an obligation for the men to build into their lives the patterns of character fostered by the Priesthood” (p. 16), I was very worried because I’ve never taken Relief Society as seriously as the Priesthood.
Reading about visiting teaching was another hard area for me: “Through this system of watchcare [visiting teaching], each Latter-day Saint woman has the opportunity to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands” (p. 110). Visiting teaching has always been hard for me; I always feel inadequate to teach anyone. And I wondered how get to the point where I really, truly want to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands—to want Him to be involved in other people’s lives through me? That is one of the invitations of Relief Society, but I feel like I’m not a very good instrument.
So, I felt discouraged, but at the same time, I really wanted to become more than I am through Relief Society. I’ve been inviting the Spirit into my life more, and I’ve tried to act more like a Relief Society sister should. And I found that it’s not in the doing that I become weary. If I think about all the things a daughter of God should do (service, personal and family scripture study, visiting teaching, fulfill callings, temple and family history work, and on, and on, and on), that’s wearying. But as I actually get to work doing these things, I’m energized. I’m excited to be involved in the Gospel. And instead of feeling drained or overwhelmed or even sad about my inadequacies (which are still there and unfortunately didn’t magically disappear), I’ve found that the increased measure of the Spirit that came as I elevate my life really makes a difference. I’ve found that, “The Holy Ghost ‘satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that Spirit […] my soul is satisfied, and I can say in good earnest, that the trifling things of the day do not seem to stand in my way at all” (Eliza R. Snow, p. 46). I still get tired, of course, but I’m not weary in well-doing.
Relief Society Is about Getting Just As Much As It Is about Giving
Elder John A. Widstoe discussed the different areas of relief to be found in Relief Society: “Relief of poverty; relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of woman” (p. 25). I realized that we all need relief from something. I’ve always thought of Relief Society in terms of what we’re supposed to do for other people, but I’ve never really thought about what it should be for me. I’m not very poor, or ill, or doubtful, and I hope I’m not very ignorant. But there will always been things that can hinder our joy and progress, and each of us needs to know that Relief Society is not only a place where we give but also where we get relief from whatever is hindering our joy and progress.
President Packer said of Relief Society, “This great circle of sisters will be a protection for each of you and for your families. The Relief Society might be likened to a refuge—the place of safety and protection—the sanctuary of ancient times. You will be safe within it. It encircles each sister like a protecting wall (p. 81). What protection can we find in Relief Society—or could if we would let ourselves find it—and what protection we can help others find? A few of the things I thought of were:
• Protection against loneliness, in the form of friends
• Protection against spiritual danger, as we’re strengthened by the women around us and the doctrines taught.
• Protection against the economy, as we learn habits of thrift, economy, and industry
• Protection against ignorance and Satan’s temptations and lies as we learn knowledge.
I’m sure there are many more as well, but just this brief list helped me see that Relief Society has protected me and provided relief in ways that I overlooked before.
It’s Time to Step Up and Stand Out
President Spencer W. Kimball prophesied: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.” (p. 95)
I’m not really one for standing out; I’d rather blend in. I don’t want to attract very much attention, but here is a call from a prophet to be seen and to be heard—to be viewed doing good and being happy and to be articulate. God didn’t send me here to be a mouse hiding in a corner; He sent me here to be a woman who will point others to Him. It reminds me of a line from the Young Women anthem for 2011, Guardians of Virtue: “We are beacons of His love, pointing others to His light.” I think that this is what God is calling us to do. The world needs Relief Society, but the world won’t even know that we exist or what we are really here to do unless we are willing to stand up and show them.
President Kimball also said, “There is a power in this organization [of Relief Society] that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God—nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society.” (p. 142). I still have a long way to go before I fully catch the vision of Relief Society, but Daughters in My Kingdom has greatly expanded what I think about Relief Society. It’s time for me to stop thinking of Relief Society as that class I have to go to when I can’t go to Primary and instead, realize that it is the Lord’s institution for women and that I have a responsibility to Him and my sisters both in the Church and out to do my part, to really be a member of Relief Society and do the Lord’s work.
Relief Society Is for Me
In the last chapter of the book, there’s a story about a woman whose stepfather passed away as a teenager and the Relief Society sisters really helped her and her mother. She wanted to repay them but couldn’t really; years later, she “repaid” them by taking her “turn” to serve. This legacy of service was something that really mattered to her—she said, “That’s how I feel about Relief Society way down deep. And why” (p. 177-178). That stood out to me because I didn’t know what I felt about Relief Society deep down, probably because it didn’t go deep down for me. But through reading Daughters in My Kingdom, it has started to mean something to me—and for the first time in my life, I actually miss Relief Society, even though I love my calling in Primary. I do believe it was given by the Lord, through His prophets, to His daughters, and I want to give it a chance to mean more to me, way deep down. I want to learn to really belong to Relief Society and I want to be able to pass that onto my children as well. I’m grateful that the Lord cares about His daughters, that He gave us Relief Society, and that He inspired this beautiful book, which has helped me better understand both Relief Society and what it means to be His daughter.
We Can All Be Extraordinary and Change the World
Daughters in My Kingdom begins, “In the first meeting of the Relief Society, Sister Emma Smith said, ‘We are going to do something extraordinary.’ She was right. The history of Relief Society is filled with examples of ordinary women who have accomplished extraordinary things as they have exercised faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ” (xi). This stood out to me, because I always want to be special in some way; I’m always longing for some sort of recognition that will show me that my efforts matter—that I matter. Reading this just helped me realize that I don’t have to try to prove that I’m special; I can be ordinary but as I have faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and use the talents endowed in me as a daughter of God, They will provide the “extraordinary.”
Later in the book, Elaine S. Jack tells about how in 1992, the 150th celebration of the Relief Society was an opportunity for service and all over the world, Relief Society groups went out and served. The R.S. presidency in one ward went to the city council and asked what they could do to help. Sister Jack recalled,
And the men said, ‘You mean 20,000 groups throughout this world are going to be doing this same thing?’ And she said yes. And [one of the council members] said, ‘You’ll change the world.’ And I think we did … for the better… [Sisters] made lap rugs in South Africa for those elderly in the home. … They planted flowers around [a] clock tower in Samoa. And they did so many things with homeless shelters or providing books for children or painting homes for unwed mothers, that sort of thing. We felt that throughout the world these community service projects were a great thing, both for the sisters and for the community (p. 95-96).
Being somewhat cynical, as I looked through that list of projects, I thought, But they didn’t change the world—because lap rugs and flowers don’t seem world-changing to me. However, the Spirit quickly corrected me to say that they did change the world. Did they solve world hunger? End warfare? Eliminate crime? No. Not on a large scale anyway. But they made people’s lives better, and that does change the world.
We All Have Something to Offer
In Nauvoo, the women of Relief Society decided to help the men who were building the temple; in the minutes from one of their meetings, they recorded what each woman volunteered to do or to give in order to help. Some said they’d solicit donations, or donate material for clothing, or give soup or milk, etc. (p.22). This list of their different offerings taught me that all of us have something that we can offer to meet the needs around us. It might not be the same as what someone else offers—and maybe we’re even a little embarrassed that we don’t have more to offer—but we can all contribute.
Be Obedient, Even If You Can’t See Why It Matters
I’ve long known the story of how the Relief Society sisters back in the late 1800 and early 1900s had stored lots of wheat and then sold it to the U.S. government during World War I. But Emmeline B. Wells’s comment on that experience was an eye-opening one for me; she said, “In all these years we have not had much need to use the grain stored away for the purpose it was designed, but with the dark cloud hovering over the world as it now does, we can see the prophetic wisdom of President Young in calling upon the sisters to save grain against a time of need” (p. 56)
Brigham Young gave the instructions and decades later—and four prophets later, since Joseph F. Smith was the prophet during WWI—they finally could see why the instruction was given, at least on a large scale. That means many of the sisters who had helped with the storage never even saw why it was needed, because they died before WWI. And many women weren’t alive when President Young gave the initial instructions. And yet, they were faithful to the words of the prophet, and the Lord was able to use them to bless countless lives. This story is a good reminder that even if we can’t see why the Lord has asked us to do something, He can—and we need to do it even if we never see why.
Developing a Positive Attitude Is a Skill of Self-Reliance
In the 1930s, the First Presidency, comprised of Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and J. Reuben Clark, Jr. offered this counsel: “We…urge, earnestly and always upon the people, the paramount necessity of living righteously; of avoiding extravagance; of cultivating the habits of thrift, economy, and industry; of living strictly within their incomes; and of laying aside something, however small the amount may be, for the times of greater stress that may come to us.” (p. 71). The words “habits of thrift, economy and industry” stood out to me; I thought living within our means and having savings were the habits of economy and thrift. So I started thinking of other habits we can develop, like learning to garden, preserve food, sew, knit, do car maintenance, and anything that allows us to help ourselves and others.
Then I read about Louise Y. Robison, the seventh Relief Society General President, and how she had “grown up in a humble log home in rural Scipio, Utah, where she had learned to farm, garden, sew, work hard, live on little, and be of good cheer.” (p.70-71). I didn’t think of being of good cheer as a habit of thrift, economy, and industry, but I came to realize that might actually be the best habit we can acquire in these areas. Earlier in the book, there was a sidebar about becoming self-reliant and the second item on the list is “acquire a spirit of self-sacrifice.” While we should be acquiring whatever skills we can, we need to remember that our attitude toward self-reliance is just as important as any other skill.
Relief Society Is Energizing
There were several instances as I was reading this book that I felt very inadequate. After reading President Spencer W. Kimball’s quotation, “The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task—it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves again and again” (p. 5), I was left worrying that I’m only a “seasonal worker” who gets “weary in well-doing” (D&C 64:33) because it seems like there’s always so much to do.
When I read that President Boyd K. Packer had taught, “It is as obligatory upon a woman to draw into her life the virtues that are fostered by the Relief Society as it is an obligation for the men to build into their lives the patterns of character fostered by the Priesthood” (p. 16), I was very worried because I’ve never taken Relief Society as seriously as the Priesthood.
Reading about visiting teaching was another hard area for me: “Through this system of watchcare [visiting teaching], each Latter-day Saint woman has the opportunity to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands” (p. 110). Visiting teaching has always been hard for me; I always feel inadequate to teach anyone. And I wondered how get to the point where I really, truly want to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands—to want Him to be involved in other people’s lives through me? That is one of the invitations of Relief Society, but I feel like I’m not a very good instrument.
So, I felt discouraged, but at the same time, I really wanted to become more than I am through Relief Society. I’ve been inviting the Spirit into my life more, and I’ve tried to act more like a Relief Society sister should. And I found that it’s not in the doing that I become weary. If I think about all the things a daughter of God should do (service, personal and family scripture study, visiting teaching, fulfill callings, temple and family history work, and on, and on, and on), that’s wearying. But as I actually get to work doing these things, I’m energized. I’m excited to be involved in the Gospel. And instead of feeling drained or overwhelmed or even sad about my inadequacies (which are still there and unfortunately didn’t magically disappear), I’ve found that the increased measure of the Spirit that came as I elevate my life really makes a difference. I’ve found that, “The Holy Ghost ‘satisfies and fills up every longing of the human heart and fills up every vacuum. When I am filled with that Spirit […] my soul is satisfied, and I can say in good earnest, that the trifling things of the day do not seem to stand in my way at all” (Eliza R. Snow, p. 46). I still get tired, of course, but I’m not weary in well-doing.
Relief Society Is about Getting Just As Much As It Is about Giving
Elder John A. Widstoe discussed the different areas of relief to be found in Relief Society: “Relief of poverty; relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of woman” (p. 25). I realized that we all need relief from something. I’ve always thought of Relief Society in terms of what we’re supposed to do for other people, but I’ve never really thought about what it should be for me. I’m not very poor, or ill, or doubtful, and I hope I’m not very ignorant. But there will always been things that can hinder our joy and progress, and each of us needs to know that Relief Society is not only a place where we give but also where we get relief from whatever is hindering our joy and progress.
President Packer said of Relief Society, “This great circle of sisters will be a protection for each of you and for your families. The Relief Society might be likened to a refuge—the place of safety and protection—the sanctuary of ancient times. You will be safe within it. It encircles each sister like a protecting wall (p. 81). What protection can we find in Relief Society—or could if we would let ourselves find it—and what protection we can help others find? A few of the things I thought of were:
• Protection against loneliness, in the form of friends
• Protection against spiritual danger, as we’re strengthened by the women around us and the doctrines taught.
• Protection against the economy, as we learn habits of thrift, economy, and industry
• Protection against ignorance and Satan’s temptations and lies as we learn knowledge.
I’m sure there are many more as well, but just this brief list helped me see that Relief Society has protected me and provided relief in ways that I overlooked before.
It’s Time to Step Up and Stand Out
President Spencer W. Kimball prophesied: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.” (p. 95)
I’m not really one for standing out; I’d rather blend in. I don’t want to attract very much attention, but here is a call from a prophet to be seen and to be heard—to be viewed doing good and being happy and to be articulate. God didn’t send me here to be a mouse hiding in a corner; He sent me here to be a woman who will point others to Him. It reminds me of a line from the Young Women anthem for 2011, Guardians of Virtue: “We are beacons of His love, pointing others to His light.” I think that this is what God is calling us to do. The world needs Relief Society, but the world won’t even know that we exist or what we are really here to do unless we are willing to stand up and show them.
President Kimball also said, “There is a power in this organization [of Relief Society] that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God—nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society.” (p. 142). I still have a long way to go before I fully catch the vision of Relief Society, but Daughters in My Kingdom has greatly expanded what I think about Relief Society. It’s time for me to stop thinking of Relief Society as that class I have to go to when I can’t go to Primary and instead, realize that it is the Lord’s institution for women and that I have a responsibility to Him and my sisters both in the Church and out to do my part, to really be a member of Relief Society and do the Lord’s work.
Relief Society Is for Me
In the last chapter of the book, there’s a story about a woman whose stepfather passed away as a teenager and the Relief Society sisters really helped her and her mother. She wanted to repay them but couldn’t really; years later, she “repaid” them by taking her “turn” to serve. This legacy of service was something that really mattered to her—she said, “That’s how I feel about Relief Society way down deep. And why” (p. 177-178). That stood out to me because I didn’t know what I felt about Relief Society deep down, probably because it didn’t go deep down for me. But through reading Daughters in My Kingdom, it has started to mean something to me—and for the first time in my life, I actually miss Relief Society, even though I love my calling in Primary. I do believe it was given by the Lord, through His prophets, to His daughters, and I want to give it a chance to mean more to me, way deep down. I want to learn to really belong to Relief Society and I want to be able to pass that onto my children as well. I’m grateful that the Lord cares about His daughters, that He gave us Relief Society, and that He inspired this beautiful book, which has helped me better understand both Relief Society and what it means to be His daughter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)