I felt President Uchtdorf’s talk on “You are my hands” was geared directly toward the Relief Society. If we neglect, or are too busy, to act upon the two great commandments, “we are missing the point.” As sisters in the Relief Society, we cannot afford to miss the point.
He spotlighted many examples of Jesus Christ demonstrating his most important commandments. “And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation. That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart.”
We just came back from St. Louis, Missouri where we attended church. I observed a ward fulfilling this very commandment of our Savior’s. The ward has adopted this nice African-American young man who has a very disabling disease and uses a walker to get around. This young man (perhaps 14 years of age) was given the privilege of passing the sacrament with the help of an older man who would hold the tray for him, and help him move on to each aisle; a tedious process. This young man is the only member in his family, but the ward has taken him in, accepted his difficulty, and loved him. It was beautiful to see.
President Uchtdorf says, “Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father.” Because we believe this, we need to act differently. Being busy can’t be our excuse. “We are commanded ‘to mourn with those that mourn’ and ‘comfort those that stand in need of comfort.’” As sisters, we need to reach out, connect, follow our impressions, and listen more.
All of us have struggles and trials that we bear. Often they are borne alone. Sometimes a dependable friend is there to lean on. It breaks my heart to hear that the Relief Society sisters are sometimes not there. I talk to many sisters about the Relief Society and I ask specifically, Has the Relief Society been there for you? It is rare that the answer is—Yes. I don’t have an answer for this breakdown in compassionate service toward one another.
Mormon women are great when it comes to bringing in meals; they are great when they are asked to do something, or given an assignment. What we don’t do, is take the time to check up on one another—just because.
I recently heard of sisters in a ward taking care of another ward sister, because the RS President was in the middle of her own crisis. They knew someone needed help, so they took matters into their own hands and covered all the necessary bases; including helping the president. That’s our sisterhood in action; acting before the call.
Sometimes the president just can’t get to everyone, every time. What’s to prevent a Compassionate Service Leader to step in and check up on sisters who haven’t been seen in a while, or look sad, or are struggling? What’s to prevent any of us from stepping in and performing compassionate service to one another? Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Sometimes we spend too much time helping those sisters who are perpetually weak and struggling, and ignore the strong sisters who have a setback. We can’t afford to overlook our Core membership (look for my post: Organize, Teach, and Inspire). Everyone needs love.
My mother spent her life as a Social Worker. She was used to listening to people, making herself available to women who just needed to talk. When she retired, she couldn’t shake this habit and began making a list of sisters she observed on Sunday, who maybe looked a little down. During the week she would call them and listen to them. Every ward needs at least one person willing to listen.
When we go visiting, do we have to have cookies to give? Do we use that as an excuse that we can’t possibly visit with empty hands? When you need someone to listen to you, do you care if they’ve brought goodies? No. You are just grateful someone thought of you.
He concludes, “As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.” As a sisterhood, we need to find more ways to connect with one another. We are not alone. By serving one another, we strengthen ourselves as well. Our unity makes us stronger still. It is this strength that will become the spiritual influence throughout the world. Our destiny, as Women of God, lies in helping each other one at a time, personally, and with genuine Christlike love.