Attention ladies: are we all aware of the General Relief Society Presidency's most recent project? See image below:
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| New website for the recent publication of "Daughters in my Kingdom: The history and work of Relief Society". |
I've already started reading and just from the preface I can tell it's going to be great. Many of you might be like me and have wondered at one time or other why the Relief Society has been putting so much focus on their history. Yes, I understand we can learn from the past and better the future. But what about change, innovation and new ideas? Sure, the past can be helpful, but can't we come up with our own way of thinking and progressing this society?
After this year and after reading parts of "Daughters in my Kingdom," I'm realizing how sorely mistaken I've been. Knowing the history of RS is crucial because it teaches us today how women in the past implemented the great work God intended for women to participate in. If you look past the frilly-nilly design and pastel pallet, you'll learn quickly that this book contains content rich with insight, inspiration and intellect. You learn the Savior's view of women and what unique purposes He has for them. You also get an idea of how you, as an individual woman, fit in to the gestalt of God's daughters across the world. And in the right spirit, you realize that we don't need to feel threatened by our similarities or differences. We don't have to worry about getting lost in the sea of faces because, in truth, we are
all involved in a great work. We all have a divine purpose. And all those millions of individual purposes combine to create a spiritual force that (as the RS aims to do) increases
your faith and commitment to the gospel, strengthens
your family and home and helps
you provide service and relief to those in need of the kind of love only a sister in the gospel can give. (Is anyone else noticing a theme here? This consistent idea that as you invest in Relief Society
you benefit the most? Hmm...let's hop on that sisters).
My testimony of Relief Society has grown gradually over the past four years. To be honest, it's taken time and a gradual rubbing away of my arrogance for me to appreciate the sisters in my wards. As an 18-year-old I didn't understand (or want to understand) what a powerful facet Relief Society would be in my life. When I moved up to BYU I softened a little (being on your own does that sometimes), but still resisted some of the outreach of the program. Fortunately, God gives us lots of chances to open our hearts. I had persistent leaders who ever-so-lovingly nudged me to "give it a try"; I had good roommates who helped me see the value of being involved in my callings; I had outstanding examples of older students who picked me out and motivated me to be better; I had cousins and family members who challenged me to see life and the church from an eternal perspective; and I had friends with strong testimonies rubbing off on me left and right. I recall very clearly the visiting teaching experiences responsible for shaping my developing love and tender feelings for the organization. Of course, not all my experiences were peachy and meaningful. I've had plenty of awkward visits and conversations with woman in and out of the church. But the rare occasions I've had when I felt the spirit as a result of my efforts and the sisters around me make my continuous investment in RS worth every spiritual, emotional and physical penny.
I wish I could share all the salient experience I've had because of RS, but just know that I have a testimony of it. I know my conviction will only grow in my lifetime, and I am grateful our RS leaders are constantly helping me in my quest. Because ultimately, RS is about helping women (and men) reach their potential and return to Heavenly Father. It's not about the baskets of goodies or the weekly RS lessons and meetings. Those are certainly nice things to do, but RS has a much greater reward. It's about the love and spirit each sister (and member of the church) feels when a sister in the gospel has identified a need and run to the rescue, just as the Savior would have done. In 1842 that need was to sew quilts and cook food for low-income families who had men working day in and day out on the Nauvoo temple. In 2011, that service might be a half hour visit simply listening to a sister who needs to talk to someone she can confide in.
Like I said, the book is great. I look forward to reading it this semester. If you are interested in taking a gander, you can download the PDF version
here. (Just scroll down the page and you'll see a picture of the book where is says, "Download").
In closing I simply want to thank every woman who has come in and out of my life and who continues to influence me. Many of you are probably unaware of how much I appreciate your individuality and the way it's served me. Just know that a twenty-something-year-old in Provo is aware of you and your awesomeness :-)
