I am my sister's keeper!

I might seem to be jumping around, but I'm just sort of browsing through my notes, trying to categorize thoughts and ideas. Since Sister Staples took questions, the topics did move around some, although she was very effective at pulling back to the core principles regarding the "job" of Relief Society, which is to "prepare the sisters for eternal life and strengthen their connection to Jesus Christ."

Annika, Eve and Esme - August 2009

She emphasized that it was the responsibility of the Stake Relief Society President to "minister, teach, and empower" the Ward Relief Society Presidents.

The way we do this is by (1) Learning our duty: "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence." D&C 107:99

(2) Being a light: "Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;" D&C 115:5

(3) Keeping our covenants: "And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver thee out of bondage." Mosiah 24:16 (Her emphasis was on the entire chapter, noting that Alma and his people were true to their covenants, even when persecuted for their beliefs.)

She also noted that it was very important to respect the authority of the individual ward Relief Society Presidents, especially in our stake meetings and stake events.

She drew upon the story of Mary and Martha, stating that it was Relief Society in a microcosm. Relief Society is, she said, an organization of "Salvation, service, and becoming a holy people." It is important she said, not to get caught up in the unimportant details, but to always "Organize, teach, and inspire."

She suggested that the way to do this was to (1) Visit with the Bishop often. (Obviously she is here speaking about ward R.S. Presidents) (2) Help sisters serve. (She emphasized that we need to always ask, as we plan activities and Relief Society meetings, "Does this help strengthen the sisters' connection with Christ?) (3) Prepare ourselves, as leaders, to receive revelation: "But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God." Alma 17:3

She had us read about Joseph Smith's first prayer, and what he learned there in the Sacred Grove. She stated that this sacred experience shows us the pattern for receiving revelation. Certainly this is not a new concept, but one that we need reminding about. She noted that the steps Joseph took were (1) serious reflection, (2) making the need for knowledge a priority, (3) studying his options, (4) keeping an open mind, (5) studying the scriptures, (6) pondering, (7) seeking a private place to receive answers, (8) praying vocally, (9) praying with a purpose, and (10) kneeling as he prayed.

The light Joseph experienced that day came gradually - and our inspiration will come the same way.

At the conclusion of this portion of our discussion, someone in the group mentioned that Joseph was always grateful for the Lord's guidance, and we should follow this pattern by expressing our gratitude to the Lord specifically for the guidance we have received. Sister Staples seconded that idea!

I love Relief Society. My Grandpa Clayton always called me "the little Relief Society President," and I wasn't always sure exactly what he meant. Most everyone concluded that he was talking about my propensity to chat, to visit, to take charge, and to keep track of everyone!

I prefer to think that he could see a time when I would be prepared and open to the value of a loving sisterhood - and the role I could play in helping that work go forth.