Giving Relief

This morning I was pondering about community. The pioneers of the frontier relied on their communities when they were far from extended families, times were hard, and unforeseen struggles overwhelmed. Neighbors helped farmers build barns, women helped each other with sewing and quilting, and everyone worked together to bring in the crops.

In these days of busyness and running hither and yon, we don't often get to know our neighbors and those who are a part of our local communities. It makes me sad when I think that many-- especially those who don't have a church family to connect with-- feel alone and disconnected from those around them.

While the Internet has made it easy to connect with people we can relate to from around the world, it also can sometimes add to the alienation we feel from those we live close to physically.

As I was thinking about these things, a soft voice reminded me that I belong to a beautiful community that strengthens and inspires me every day.

I belong to The Relief Society, a beautiful sisterhood that is spread over all the earth. We sisters of Relief Society all have similar goals like raising righteous families, growing closer to the Savior, and reaching out to those in need. We all believe in Jesus Christ and in His great atoning sacrifice for us. We have amazing opportunities to help and lift each other as we visit one another's homes each month in friendship and love as Visiting Teachers, called by God to serve his daughters. Each Sunday, all over the entire world, we know that we will be uplifted by our sisters in the Gospel as we learn and share together. And each year, we will gather to hear the inspired words of our Relief Society leaders.

What a beautiful, wonderful community we have as as LDS women! There is no other organization of women in the world so large, so organized, and so dedicated to bringing the Gospel to the world-- beginning in the homes and families of those we visit teach.

In this year's Relief Society broadcast, Sister Julie B. Beck, our General Relief Society President reaffirmed these truths in her wonderful talk, "What I Hope My Granddaughters (and Grandsons) Will Understand about Relief Society."

Because of my pondering this morning, I watched it again today and felt inspired to share it with my readers here. I hope you enjoy hearing it as much as I did.:



Whether LDS or not, it is in the divine nature of ALL women to serve, help, and lift one another up. We can share a smile, a hug, a warm loaf of bread, or a kind word.

We can show by our love and deeds whether or not we are disciples of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

We can ALL give relief.

With love,