Happy Birthday, Relief Society! Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on March 17, 1842. In the first meeting, Emma Smith said: "We are going to do something extraordinary." Through the years, we have. "The purpose of Relief Society is to help prepare women for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need." (lds.org) I love being a member of this great organization and I love my sisters in Relief Society! That's what I shared on facebook today.
For the month of March, our family home evenings have been centered on Relief Society. In preparation for this, I asked Karen, Rachel and mom to answer some questions about their experience with Relief Society. Below is what they sent me. I love it. When I asked them, I didn't realize at the time that I was getting the perspective of different age groups, too. A young mom, a mom raising kids and a grandma. I shared this with the girls last week and they enjoyed the stories from the RS sisters they know and love and have fun with.
Rachel Hunter wrote:
Share a memorable VT experience. I don't know if the girls remember or not but I was not active in the church when Derek and I were first married. We were living in Grandma and Grandpa's house and a lady from the ward started to contact me. Her name was Bev JoHansen and she was my visiting teacher. At first she would just drop off nice things; aka treats. As I got to know her a little bit better, she started to come in and visit. She would ask me if I wanted a lesson or if I just wanted to talk. I always wanted to "just talk". As time went on, she never forgot to visit. Sometimes I tried to avoid her calls but she always seemed to make some sort of contact. Well when Derek and I started thinking about going back to church, I was nervous. I didn't really know anyone in the ward. I knew Bev! When she come to visit I asked her about when church started and if I could sit with her. She of course was more than delighted. I sat with her the first Sunday and that was that. We made friends quickly in the ward! She wasn't the only reason that we started back to church but her kindness and example certainly made an impact on me.
Share a memory from your earlier years in RS. I was DREADING going to RS when I was 18. I didn't want to be with all the "old ladies." I stopped going to church stortly after my 18th b-day so I don't have too many memories...sorry.
what's your favorite thing about RS? When you go to RS each week, there is such a sweet spirit there that you don't feel in any other meeting. I was in primary for so long that finally getting to go back has been great. Such a strength!
What's a life skill you have learned in RS? I feel like I've learned a lot of empathy being in RS. You are all there struggling together, trying to do what's right, and it doesn't matter what stage of life you're in.
finally, anything else you might want to share. I know RS is really overwhelming from the outside but once you get in there you realize that you are all equals! No matter the visual age differences, you are all just woman trying to do what's right, and a lot of times failing, but you are there together learning, laughing, and loving together!
Granny Annie wrote:
Brief is the operative word here which is very difficult for me, the Queen of 'to make a short story long'. But I'll give it my best shot:
Share a memorable VT experience.When Gpa was the Bishop [sometime between 1974 and 1984] life was very busy for me, but I was handling it well. I had a visiting teacher who was a new convert...so enthusiastic and eager to learn. One day her partner couldn't come, so she visited me alone. I'll never forget her sitting on the couch next to me, looking me straight in the eye and asking, "So, Ann, how are YOU doing?" I burst into tears. Here I was, totally active, no huge problems, but I guess I needed to know that someone really was interested in me. Through the years in my RS callings, I've tried to remember that seemingly active, 'put together' sisters also need personal attention even if they don't realize it.
Share a memory from your earlier years in RS. When we lived in Chicago [I was in my mid twenties] I remember being called to teach 'Spiritual Living'. At that time we were studying the Doctrine and Covenants. I knew next to nothing about it..had never read it. We met at night in those days. I look back on that and think about how ill-prepared, young and inexperienced I was to be teaching sisters who were well-founded in the Gospel. BUT they never made me feel inadequate. I'm glad I didn't turn down the calling because I learned that scripture study was important and also that my fellow RS sisters were kind and non-judgemental.
what's your favorite thing about RS? The sisterhood I have always felt no matter what ward I have been in.
What's a life skill you have learned in RS? I have learned to try new things that are out of my comfort zone. [Especially in leadership roles.]
finally, anything else you might want to share. Don't underestimate the power of visiting teaching. I LOVE it and know that a visiting teacher can change a life. Take it seriously and the Lord will help you find a way to be a great visiting teacher. When Carolyn was inactive, she had the same visiting teacher for 5 years. Every single month that woman wrote her a note, giving her an inspirational message, telling her about her family, what was going on in the ward, expressing some thoughts, etc. Carolyn never met her, as she would not let her visit, but she read all of the notes. Years later, when Carolyn became active and was the RS president she remembered the dedication of that woman that gave her something uplifting to think about every month! THE GOSPEL'S TRUE!
Karen Crockett wrote:
Share a memorable VT experience. One day when Sam was about 2 1/2 yrs old and Chase was about 2 months old I had a 19 year old girl that visit taught me. She LOVED kids-She was like Shauna- Tall but kids were not intimidated by her-they loved her. Well, anyway. I was tired with two small kids. Mom and dad were in Sweden and I was house sitting. Kelly had gone on her mission again so I was alone. I was tired. She asked if she and Sam could walk to Charlie’s and get an Ice Cream. It made my day. She came when I needed someone to give me a break. I think what I learn most about this is that it is the small and simple things that let us know The Lord hears and answers our prayers or knows what we need when we may not even know what we need. It is also by a sister willing to listen to the spirit and ACT. I do not know if this 19 year old girl thought it would be weird to go and ask if she could borrow my kid for an hour or if she was naïve and just wanted to get ice cream. The point is she ACTED.
Share a memory from your earlier years in RS. I had a sister come and clean my house and do my laundry after I had a baby. That was a true act of love and service. She came and did. Alan told her no, but she did not care she knew what I needed.
what's your favorite thing about RS? I love our Sunday Lessons and learn so much from the sisters sharing and commenting in each lesson. I really look forward to RS each week. Some people feel at home in primary or YW. I have always felt at home in RS.
What's a life skill you have learned in RS? I think I have tried things that I may not have tried otherwise by going to the monthly meeting. I have learned about cooking, exercise, sewing, Super Saturday Crafts, etc. I have learned that there are some crafty things I like and some I do not like. I have learned to laugh at my horrible creations and move on. I have learned to appreciate when people are willing to share their talents. I have learned that we are all unique and to embrace your uniqueness and not compare yourself to others.
finally, anything else you might want to share. I think a group is sisters can be so powerful when they work together. We can lighten heavy burdens others may be carrying and we can volunteer and serve like no other. I love to hear and see the good that comes from a group of sisters working together for good. I love it when we do service with other organizations in the community like Project Linus, Food Banks, Clean up Community Parks and open spaces. It is so nice to see that others want to do good too.
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