I have often wondered why the Relief Society has changed our meeting system, suggesting our meetings be less frequent, less structured, and less demanding. For the past several years I have seen wards either have too many “fun” activities to keep an imaginary quota, or drop all activities, because they don’t know what they want to do. I’m guessing some presidents need more structure than others to start a system of their own.
Well, I’m beginning to understand what is going on here. It’s all about Choice. Our world will not help us make time for the Lord, we have to make that choice for ourselves, and help each others make that choice.
Our leaders have opened the door for our individual Relief Societies to use agency. Do we rely on tradition, and continue having our monthly meetings? Do we get frustrated at the little cooperation we receive, and therefore, choose to have no activities? Do we try to have a variety of safe, likeable activities? Or are we taking this challenge to the Lord, and guiding our ward sisters to a more spiritual choice of activities; activities that the world cannot fulfill, activities that help us choose the Lord?
There are sisters who say they don’t “need” Relief Society. Sadly, these sisters are missing the whole point. We are here on earth to help one another. I don’t “need” Relief Society either, but I understand that Relief Society is one of the covenants I’ve made to bring Heavenly Father’s children back to Him.
If we truly understand that we are here “as a Relief Society” to fulfill our covenants, then we begin to think differently. One of my most favorite sayings is: “This isn’t a game we’re playing, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Relief Society isn’t a game, it is a means to do the work of the Lord. We can’t get sidetracked anymore.
Sis. Beck wants us to get inspired. There are no easy answers, nor should we be seeking them. All RS Presidents, Counselors, and “Helpers” should be praying, discussing with the Bishop, and talking to their sisters to discover what ward members need, to make a proper choice. By spiritually strengthening our sisters, we give sisters a better chance of choosing the Lord, as opposed to just following the world. The scriptures tell us if we are not choosing the Lord, and his righteous works, we are following Satan. Right now, Satan appears to have a stronghold on our lives. We live in his world, we play with his toys, our time is his time. There must be opposition in order to make a choice. Relief Society can offer that spirituality, so a proper choice can be made.
When you are spiritually fed, somehow you feel like turning over a new leaf, start reading your scriptures again, research family history, or plan a great FHE. What presidencies should strive to do is inspire their sisters to carry on the work that must be done.
Presidencies should take the initiative and provide for their sisters. But if that is not happening, an individual sister might want to suggest a spiritually strengthening idea to her president. Or volunteer to put together a group of sisters and meet regularly. An individual sister can set her own goals and gain spiritual strength directly from the Lord.
Whatever your circumstance, decide today to Choose the Lord.
Don’t let Satan steal away your time, your energy, your attitude, or your progress. And don’t expect the world to fulfill you in a deep, eternal way. Go to the source of our happiness. The Lord has a specific work for you to do on this earth. It will take your specific talents and your best self to team up with the Holy Ghost to accomplish the covenants that you have made. Relief Society needs you and you really do need Relief Society. And most certainly, the Lord needs you. You are his choice daughter. Choose Him.
Hello Sister
I love your posts, and I feel that you vocalize what many are thinking. I love this scripture because I believe that we are always growing, always moving forward:
Ecclesiastes 3: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
I remember sitting in conference last year listening to Sister Beck outline the goals for the Relief Society. When she stated the change in the name of our then “Enrichment” meetings, everyone re-acted. A few sisters cheered. I was happy about it, because the term enrichment was confusing to me. Later our then 2nd counselor stated in a Sunday meeting that she was a little confused at the name change and was worried about how to move on. She was later released from her calling at her own request. After that our RS President seemed quite lost. She is the type of person who doesn’t necessarily delegate, but she leans heavily on “stronger” personalities and allows them to take the ball and run with it. So our RS was without a 2nd Counselor for almost 2-3 months. The former 2nd C. agreed to help out if necessary. Because of this we all floundered. I was still struggling with what my role was. I was called as the “Assistant” Secretary because the “real” Secretary had gone inactive and the President thought that if she “held” her calling she would come back. She did, but she was released, and I suppose that now I am the Secretary. We called a new 2nd C and she was immediately thrown into planning for the RS birthday Meeting. I think this is where we all came to a turning point. We were able to put together a program that really blessed everyone. After that we all had to confront our President individually and work out the rules of engagement.
The 2nd Counselor and I have become comrades in arms. We have found common ground with each other and have endeavored to work together, even become friends to a degree. I have prayed for understanding of the methods of the President. My answer was to do all things in meekness and love and to make myself available as a “counselor” also; and to help in any area and look at the big picture. Because of our “re-structuring process”, I feel that the sisters in our ward have hung in there with us. We listen to suggestions,and accept help and advice because this society is for all of us. We have been able to help our teachers and in turn they are striving to become better teachers. Our lessons are more interactive and current and stimulating. We have smaller meetings on a bimonthly basis. We do service projects on a local level, make care packages for servicemen, clothing exchanges, fitness classes for everyone to learn to de-stress.I suppose that this is what everyone is doing? We are trying to reach our sisters at a more personal level and we are learning along the way.
We have a 1st Counselor but she has had some personal trials and we have mourned with her and we are praying for her return.
This is where we are, we are re-structuring. We have lost a few, and we also have those who stand outside the door and throw rocks. But we believe in what we are doing and I can see results and blessings.
Thank you.
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