The General Relief Society Presidency seems very focused on what they are telling us.  After rereading their talks, I would like to point out some things that struck me as important.  Whatever any of us get out of it, it’s clear that we are being asked to make a clear choice and stand up against the world and its devices.

Starting with Sis. Thompson’s talk on Visiting Teaching, there can be no more excuses.  If we are to truly love our fellow sister, we need to reach out and visit her.  She quoted Jude, in the New Testament, who said, “And of some compassion, making a difference”.  When we visit one another, we can make a difference.

I bear you my witness that when you visit teach for the right reasons, you will gain as much as you offer.  Really listening to her, helping her, teaching and communicating with her will make a difference.  And as you walk out the door, you will feel light and love encircle you. 

Sis. Allred talked about being steadfast and immovable.  This was very much the message of General Conference.  We must pick our side, stand strong against the buffetings of Satan, and bring others along.  Every day we need to do something that bears that witness.

She gave an example of a family who traveled a very long distance to seal their family in the temple.  On the way back their two children got sick and died.  I almost couldn’t believe my ears when she said that.  But when she revealed that the mother was satisfied that they were safe as an eternal family, I could nod my head in agreement.  To be sealed as a family should make us fearless, because we understand where we are in The Plan, and we believe what will come in the end.

“Our Heavenly Father expects those who are strong to strengthen the weak, and your own faith will be strengthened as you strengthen and care for His children.”  I know that this is what we are to do today.

Sis. Beck reminds us once again that we are daughters of God and that he loves us.  Many of us seem to need to hear this over and over again, because the world would give us doubt.  But sisters, we need to move beyond this knowledge.  We are all busy, we all have good and bad days, we all are being tested, but more than anything else we need to be personally righteous, we need to strengthen our families and homes, and we need to serve others.  Sis. Beck keeps banging this into our heads.  Stop feeling sorry for yourself, have faith, and get to work.

I am thrilled that the history of LDS women, and the Relief Society, will be addressed.  I’m sorry she didn’t share some history with you in her talk, but you can find many stories in this blog.  But this is the message to remember.  The early sisters were great because they had faith, they taught their children, and they happily served the community, the Church, and one another. 

Everything we do on this earth will qualify us, or not, to live with our Heavenly Father.  If we want to know Him, we must sit in His temple.  So many temples are going up all over the world that it is possible to get there.  If a temple is too far away still, be worthy, and receive, a temple recommend.  That is the next best thing.  The early sisters understood the importance of temple worship.  By understanding their efforts, we can feel a collaboration with them into our day and purposes. 

Now, Pres. Monson spoke on something that should shake every one of us to the very core.  He told us to leave our judgments at the door, and never let them enter in and do irreparable damage.

How many of us have ever been offended?  By someone you thought knew better?  And it made you feel so sick inside you struck out at someone else? And the cycle continues over and over and over again.

He told a story about the day he was called as the newest apostle.  His wife couldn’t find a seat, until someone kindly let her sit in the “special” chairs.  Grumbles immediately began pointing fingers desiring to exclude her.  Until they learned that she was now married to someone “special”.   Have you ever excluded someone intentionally, made them feel outcast in any way?  Have you ever judged someone merely by the words of someone else?  Do you make excuses to not visit that sister you don’t know very well, or who doesn’t run in your circle of friends?  Do you enjoy a little too much the casual discussion of fellow ward members?  Or are you tolerant, lenient, kind, and ever loving?

As usual, our leaders have spoken words to make us move.  We cannot stand idly by anymore.  And as Pres. Monson said, “May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.”