Christy's Lesson from 4/29/12

Posted by Christy (old Relief Society picture added by Sally):

Sally asked me to share my lesson from last week so here goes with a lead-in from today...

With the change in our Stake Presidency today I was struck by all of the talks, the smooth transition of changing leadership and the overwhelming humility that the mantle brings. I particularly loved Sister Stagg’s talk. She expressed her guarded feelings on discussing the family in which she grew up. How she has at times felt like she was an “illegitimate child of God” because her parents were not exemplary in their discipleship (her father won’t pray and her mother is not active and Sister Stagg referenced some anti-Mormon sentiments). She then told of having the Spirit tell her that there are no “illegitimate” children of God and that we are all so loved regardless of our situations. I love that thought. The gospel is broad enough for all of us!

And then in Elder Piper’s talk he said that “women never think they are adequate. Women are naturally humble.” He referenced the recent publication Daughters in My Kingdom. He also told the youth to “listen to the Lord and you’ll hear what you are supposed to do.” I think this invitation to listen to the Lord is good for all of us!

On those two thoughts I proceed with a recap of my last week’s lesson that I took from Daughters in My Kingdom Chapter 2, “Something Better”, pages 11-25:

We--you and me, are part of an amazing women’s organization! Relief Society is “not just another group of women trying to do good in the world”. It is “‘something better’ because is was organized under priesthood authority” (p16). That means that we are organized under the power of God. 

Do you know how this organization originated? Sarah M. Kimball and Margaret Cook were discussing ways that they could help on the subject of providing “clothing, bedding and general supplies for the workmen (of the Navoo temple) and their families” (p11). Miss Cook said that she would like to contribute needlework and so a sewing society was organized. Eliza R. Snow wrote down the constitution and bylaws of the society, a popular practice in the day, and though they were good, the Lord intended ‘something better!’ (p11-12). Relief Society was organized March 17, 1842 in a “divinely inspired and authorized manner” by the prophet Joseph Smith. At that time, women had to petition to belong to this society based on their goodness and virtue. Today, membership is automatic for every woman in our church! I personally find humor in the idea of writing a resume of my virtues and good deeds as was done in the early days of Relief Society but we probably do need to think on our own positive qualities because the fact is that “each of us is important to the entire church” (p18). And as members we now automatically have a right to tap into the key of enjoying “knowledge and intelligence” that flows down because we were and are organized under the power of God (p14).

In those early Relief Society days Joseph Smith taught the sisters that they had “a solemn obligation to seek their own salvation.” On this subject of testimony Joseph Smith said “all must do it for themselves--none can do it for another” (p17). There are a lot of things that we can do for each other but we must take charge of our own testimonies. Testimonies ebb and flow with our life experiences but is our own testimony on an upward curve? What are you/we doing to nurture it? We need to be a holy people and prepare for temple ordinances-- and this is directly motivated by our love for the Lord, our Savior and our families-- be they ideal or somewhat lacking. 

The “early Relief Society sisters were involved in their communities and ready to serve their neighbors (but) they never lost sight of their responsibilities toward their own families and homes. They were true to their innate gifts as mothers and nurturers.” (p18). I am so thankful for friendships that I have formed over the years with women of all ages, various nationalities, diverse interests and and walks of life. These friendships have blessed my life and helped me ultimately be a better person and mother. Many of these relationships were formed as a result of Relief Society. When we get to know a sister’s spiritual thoughts there is already something there of depth. These relationships can strengthen ourselves and our homes and families. I want us to share strong bonds of friendship and sisterhood in our ward family. May we all seek strong friendships and sisterhood so that even when our roads part in this life (jobs change, people move, etc.) we can enjoy a sociality that is deep and worthy of a reunion-- like in Doctrine and Covenants 130:2. Lucy Mack Smith addressed this saying, “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together” (p25). There is much practical in the ways that we can serve each other. Be it through friendship and/or charitable deeds. 

Relief Society should also relieve us. Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described this foundational purpose of Relief Society, “Relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance-- relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of women. What a magnificent commission.” (p 25). Indeed! What a magnificent commission we have in Relief Society. Its all there-- physical relief in relief of poverty and illness; emotional and mental relief in relief of doubt and relief of ignorance; and spiritual relief as we get rid of all that hinders joy and our progress! I’m all about health--I’ve experienced some real challenges in this area. And I do seek after it and have found that my physical, emotional and spiritual health are all interconnected. How blessed we are to have Relief Society-- it can address our whole mind and bodily health and help us provide relief to ourselves and others! 

I acknowledge that we all have challenges. No one escapes them. But we have tools to help us. I have a testimony that the gospel of Jesus Christ is balm to our souls and that His atonement is big enough for all of us. And I know that we can each tap into the resource of personal revelation for ourselves and for helping others as we participate in this wonderful organization called Relief Society. I’m excited to be called your friend and sister. May we nurture bonds of friendship and love.