Day 46: The Relief Society

Tonight, I visited a Relief Society sister who just lost her daughter.  The Relief Society president, Sheryl, and I were able to provide support and friendship to a woman in need.  The visit really made me thankful for the Relief Society.  Founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, the organization with the motto "Charity Never Faileth," includes more than 5.2 million women in over 170 countries. All Latter Day Saint women age 18 and older, as well as women younger than 18 who are married or are single mothers, are welcomed into the sisterhood of Relief Society.  Relief Society assists priesthood leaders in carrying out the mission of the Church by helping sisters and families come unto Christ. The Relief Society helps sisters and their families receive all essential priesthood ordinances, keep the associated covenants, and qualify for exaltation and eternal life.

The Relief Society Declaration states: We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:

• Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.
• Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
• Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.
• Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.
• Delight in service and good works.
• Love life and learning.
• Stand for truth and righteousness.
• Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.
• Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.

The following objectives of Relief Society show the vastness of its purpose and the breadth of its mission, setting it apart from all other associations:

• Build faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and teach the doctrines of the kingdom.
• Emphasize the divine worth of each sister.
• Exercise charity and nurture those in need.
• Strengthen and protect families.
• Serve and support each sister.
• Help sisters become full participants in the blessings of the priesthood.

I am proud to be a member of such a great sisterhood of women and am thankful for the influence and guidance it gives to my life.