I heard about a Relief Society recently, where many of the sisters were active in various activities.  They had a book club, an exercise group, a scrapbooking group, many groups where sisters happily congregated together sharing interests.  I’m glad to hear sisters are involved with one another, because I feel that has been lost to a certain extent, but I think something is missing.

In the March 2012 Visiting Teaching message, we were encouraged to defend the Doctrine of the Family.  Do we assume this means individually ONLY? or can we interpret this in a collaborative effort?  Examples are given on how we may accomplish this.  All of us being at different stages, we may want to read and study the Proclamation to the Family, remember and discuss our role as covenant women and mothers.  Our own homes can exemplify a “happy home”, as it were.  We are encouraged to create a safe place for our children, to create pride and enthusiasm for the cause of family life, strength, and precept.

Elder Robert S. Wood said these simple words:  “We need to be vigorously engaged in the world.”  In other words…do something.
Too many of our Relief Societies have EMPTY activities.  We are indeed Women of Covenant with a mission set before us to defend and protect eternal properties.  Where are the activities that will make a difference?  Elder Wood continued, “If our schools are inadequate or destructive of moral values, we must work with fellow members of the community to bring about change.  If our neighborhoods are unsafe or unhealthy, we must join with the civic-minded to devise solutions.  We have the responsibility to be a blessing to others, to our nation, to the world”(“On the Responsible Self,” Ensign, Mar. 2002).

Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “In today’s world, where Satan’s aggression against the family is so prevalent, parents must do ALL THEY CAN to fortify and defend their families.”  May I just ask, Who supports better than anyone when there is a cause?  WOMEN (“What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest,” Ensign, Nov. 2005).

Sis. Beck said it best.  “And as a covenant-keeping Latter-day Saint woman, you know that raising your voice in defense of the doctrine of the family is CRITICAL to the strength of families the world over” (“What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable,” Ensign, Nov. 2007).

I believe in group brainstorming.  Some people are better at certain areas than others, but I believe everyone can find an area they are good at, and can contribute.  All sisters, old and young, can find their niche, in the cause of the family, or any important element of the doctrines we declare in this church.

Relief Society Activities are no small thing.  They are a means to make a difference.  Let your activities make a difference in someone’s life unto Salvation.