How I love Relief Society, our church’s organization for women! It is a divine institution whose purpose is to help women increase in faith and personal righteousness, provide relief to those in need, and strengthen the family. In September 2010 Julie B. Beck, General President of the Relief Society, spoke to the women of the church about the importance of learning the history of Relief Society. Some of the many reasons she gave were:
- Understanding the history of Relief Society strengthens the foundational identity and worth of faithful women.
- We study our history to learn who we are.
- The history of Relief Society elevates and validates the standing of women and demonstrates how they work in companionship with faithful priesthood leaders.
- We study our history to learn what we are to do.
- We study our history because it unites faithful women.
- We study our history because it helps us change.
It is through this lens that I approached my reading of The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women From the Prophet Joseph Smith . It is small {only 134 pages} but packed with power. It contains the minutes of six sermons given to the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo by the Prophet Joseph Smith. All of the Relief Society minutes are available to read online but having these particular sermons in one little book is very handy. They are the words of the Prophet directly addressed to women focusing on their specific gifts and blessings.
The minutes are preceded by two essays, one by Virginia Hinckley Pearce, the other by Sheri L. Dew. Both share their journeys of searching for answers to questions they have had, questions that every faithful woman has had at one point or another in their life. The same questions that are answered as we study the history of Relief Society as Sister Beck pointed out: Who am I? What am I to do and accomplish? What is my role in the work of the Lord? What is my connection to the priesthood? To the temple? How can I unit with my sisters in moving this work forward and building faith in others?
Sister Pearce’s essay is quite personal and personable. She shares the thought processes she has going through everyday life experiences and how epiphanies come in the most common of places. This is similar to my own experiences. Sister Pearce studies the history of Nauvoo in 1842 to better understand the context of the sermons given. The insight this gives is invaluable.
Though quite different in nature, Sister Dew’s essay is also powerful. She gets straight to the point asking ‘hard’ questions and how she has gone about finding the answers in her study using mostly scriptures and temple worship. She also sprinkles in a few personal experiences.
What the essays in this book show more than anything else, I think, is it is okay to have and ask questions. Asking, seeking, knocking with sincerity will yield results, especially when you go to original sources, look at the context and history behind them, study and search the scriptures, attend the temple, all the while continually going to the Source of all knowledge for answers to those questions. The process of personal revelation is enforced yet again.
Two books are being given away today courtesy of Deseret Book! To enter leave a comment telling something you have learned from Relief Society. Giveaway closes on Friday, August 10.
Relief Society is my family. I have been married for 13 years and have never lived less than 400 miles from the nearest relative. As we travel from pace to place, I look to RS for support and sisterhood and relief, and I always find it!
I like your comment about questions, that they are ok, but especially the part about the importance of where you look for answers. That is so important!
In our ward, we have a teacher who has been having us take five minutes at the end of the lesson for reflection and writing. This has helped me so much, and I am looking forward to applying this skill more in my life.
ally been active in the relief society hut I would love to win a copy of this book! I have been wanting to read it ever since it came out but since i have been strapped with wedding expenses it has had to wait. I have never really been active inbthe relief society due to other calling but they have been my support and home away from home. The compassion that is shown is just amazing.
Relief Society has taught me that age does not matter.
Relief Society becomes my sisterhood since I don’t live near family. These are the ladies I call on when I need someone to watch my kids or if I just need a friend. When I was little, I used to think that Relief Society was just old ladies getting together and I thought it would be super boring. I loved RS in a single student ward and quickly learned that it was FUN, especially when everyone is of similar age and you’re in much the same life situation. I’ve been able to take this positivity with me as we’ve moved on from student life to family wards and embrace the RS program even with the difference in ages.
I have learned that there are millions of different ways one can do good things that are pleasing to God.
Compassionate service most often benefits the giver as much or more than the receiver.
I have learned from Relief Society the importance of visiting teaching and looking out for each other. I am grateful for the time I get to spend time with a sister and really find out what need needs to be filled. Because, usually I have found that they fill my needs faster than I can fill theirs.
I have learned that no matter how old or how young you are, you belong in Relief Society and we can all draw from and learn from each other.
I have learned that we are all in this together and that God wants us to treat each other like sisters.
I have learned that even though I’m not in Relief Society, having a mother who is in the presidency really changes the atmosphere of the home, making it more happy and loving.
I am so grateful for RS! I have always felt so good in the midst of my fellow RS sisters. One thing I have learned is that our differences enhance our similar beliefs; there are so many perspectives to learn from. I am gratfeul for the sharing that can happen when we reach out to each other in fellowship.
I have learned that God loves His daughters so very much. I have learned that we need to be instruments in His hands to answer the prayers of others. I have been taught and strengthened by the examples of other women.
I have learned the power and influence that women have as they partner with the Lord and join in His ministry. I have felt His love for the sisters individually as I have served them in our unit. We are His. He has bought us each with a price and I love Him and our Father in Heaven for it.
Love, service, charity, are just a few of the things Relief Society has taught me.
I have gained a strong testimony of visiting teaching. It truly is the heart of RS.
After attending Relief Society for the past 40 years and faithfully attended every meeting that I could, I have learned an array of things from haircutting, baking, aerobics, journal writing and most importantly, grown closer to my Father in Heaven. The sisterhood of Relief Society is unparallelled in the world. It has blessed my marriage and my family and my own personal life.
I have learned so much about loving as the Savior does!
Today we learned that comparing ourselves to others is a distraction from living a Christ-centered life. I think I needed to hear that one!
Today I learned that it is the spirit of Visiting Teaching, and not always the technical side of it. I am very good at having a lesson ready and prepared to give it, but I have neglected to really look around to see the needs of my sisters. My visits will be more heartfelt and I will take the time to see what they need even when they are not speaking it.
I have learned from Relief Society that we are never alone on this journey on earth. No matter where we live, we have a ward family and there are sisters who care and understand. Visiting Teaching is such an amazing program where we can give and receive way more in return.
I love Relief Society. It has helped me to learn my divine potential. I can take my weaknesses and turn them into strengths with the help of my Relief Society sisters. I am naturally quiet and introverted. But, in Relief Society I have opportunities to open up and share and learn and not keep things inside, the good things, like testimony that need to be shared. We all learn and grow together in Relief Society.
I learned yesterday that the organization used to be for only a select group of women who met certain standards but now it is for all women- love learning about the history of our church!
Relief Society has taught me that people at all stages in life have similar experiences and I can support, empathize and love them no matter where I am in my life.
I have learned a lot about compassion and service. If you need anything there will always be someone there to listen or help. We are also responsible to be the one to be there for someone in need.
In RS I have learned so many things, one that has benefitted my family & me most is the importance of women scriptorians (Brigham Young).
Relief Society has taught me that no matter where I am I have sisters surrounding me, and no matter what my trial or difficulty there is always a sister who understands and can support me if I will look for her. There is never a reason to feel lonely when we belong to the Relief Society.
Relief Society has taught me so much! I love being surrounded by other women who I can ask questions of and to watch as examples! When I first joined the Church in college, Relief Society is where I felt at home the most.
I joined the church in June of 2008, my oldest child was almost 1. Over the last four years I have learned just how strong women of the church have been in the past, and how they are now. I have found a place where my commitment to stay-at-home with my children is not only valued but encouraged. I have learned how amazing it is to have friends who are as excited as you are at the anticipated arrival of a new baby. 🙂
Among countless other things, Relief Society has taught me the amazing power and comfort that can be found in a group of united sisters. It has taught me that I am a precious daughter of God and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I am not a member of the LDS church but I grew up in area where the church was strong. I learned from a young age that when you needed something done with compassion and grace you would call on Relief Society.
I learned of the power of many joined together in a good cause can do anything. Also no matter the age or experience I have learned something good from each member of Relief Society.
A sisterhood without bloodlines. Compassion, Service, Unity, Nurturrse, and Love
I saw this book at the Temple bookstore on Sat and almost got it…well truth be told I almost got about a million things but that was at the top of the list! 🙂 From Relief Society I have learned that even if you sister lives thousands of miles away you still have sisters close by in Relief Society that are there for you when you need them. I learned that no matter how many times we sing “As Sisters in Zion” I feel the Spirit because as women we have the power to change the world and when we come together we do.
I have learned that there is always someone else who I can help that I otherwise would be oblivious to.
When a sister is having a hard time facing a trial, she has a built in physical and spiritual support system. I know God loves us because of what I see in the RS.
Relief Society has taught me the value of womanhood and the nobility of motherhood. That my talents may be few but so vital to those I serve.
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I have learned that no matter where I am, or where I go, there are instant sisters who love and care for me.
I’ve learned that it is easy to feel God’s love through the inspired service my Relief Society sisters give to me, and I’ve learned that I am blessed a ton for any small service I give to others.
I used to think Relief Society was a bunch of old ladies chatting away at the deep truths of the gospel that I would never understand. I know now that I was utterly and completely wrong! Relief Society is family away from family. It’s women coming together to build and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood, a ward family and the community. It’s women teaching and guiding each other through the thick and thin of life. Relief Society is charity.
I’ve listened to insightful ideas regarding motherhood, and have mostly learnt by example.
I have learned that every woman that walks into Relief Society is important. Everyone is loved and supported and we laugh together, we cry together, we serve together. It’s an amazing thing to know that there are Sisters who will be ready to serve at a moments notice no matter what! 😀
I’ve learned that the Spirit is available to help me in my roles and responsibilities in marriage and motherhood.
I love Relief Society! It has taught me that sisterhood knows no bounds! I have also learned how the Spirit teaches each of us individually the things we need if we will but listen.
Living so far away from home, and moving a few times, I love knowing that anywhere I go, the relief society will be there to provide me with friends and social opportunities.
I have recently just been learning anew the power and significance of women. I have been learning about Eve, as one example, and it gives me a whole new perspective when I see those sisters sitting around me. I’m reminded that I can learn from each one of them.
I do not know where I found your blog but it sounded as delicious as it is to read. Thanks!
RS…. where we are all sisters learning and helping each other! I love RS!!!!
Relief Society has taught me so much. Sewing, decorating cakes, homemade gifts, family history, scripture study, sisterhood, service, the list can go on and on.
Relief Society has taught me that no one really “fits in” but God expects us all to get along anyway.
Relief Society (and all the wonderful sisters who are members) has taught me to try to be as kind to myself as I try to be to others.
Relief Society has been my anchor through the years. No matter what struggles I’ve gone through, I’ve had sisterhood and the gospel to keep me where the Lord wants me.
Relief Society has taught me that as women we play a vital role in administering to the needs and hearts of His children. That we are needed, important and valued.