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Relief Society Path
Spring 2001 General Relief
Society Open House
Presidents Message - Mary Ellen Smoot What Can I Do to Build Zion? In this Open House message you will find resources to help you with the following topics. |
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During the past six months I have visited many wards and stakes in the United States and in Caracas, Venezuela; Guatemala; El Salvador; and Mexico. I feel much like Joseph Smith did when he visited the Saints, his friends, in Missouri: "I received a welcome only known by brethren and sisters united as one in the same faith, and by the same baptism, and supported by the same Lord." (History of the Church)Relief Society now includes 4.75 million women in 165 countries and territories around the world, but we share the same faith, the same baptism, and are supported by the same Lord. You and I are a part of the Lord's organization for women! A few weeks ago I was in El Salvador three days after the second earthquake. I visited with a bishop and a member of the stake presidency and their families who had been left homeless because of the earthquakes -- as had many others from their congregation. They had gathered a few of the items that could be saved and placed them in a makeshift storage unit with a tin roof. Even in the midst of rebuilding, this bishop continued to build Zion. There he was, preparing for ward conference! Humanitarian Services had sent bricks and cement which were neatly stacked to rebuild the home. Blankets, hygiene kits, water and food were soon delivered. Because of your great efforts we are prepared to help. We thank you for what you are doing to bring comfort and relief. Many sisters have sent information regarding service projects in which their wards and stakes are involved. I want to assure you that the items you make and send to the Humanitarian Service Center are greatly needed and well received. One of the bishop's sons I previously mentioned who is partially paralyzed just received a wheelchair from Humanitarian Services. This will allow him to gain strength in the upper part of his body and to move from place to place on his own. Can you imagine his joy? Just look around and see the women of God in our midst. Right here in this room and wherever I travel I see ward and stake Relief Society presidents whose leadership skills could surpass many executives in large corporations -- noble women like you who have chosen to build Zion, who create an atmosphere of love, unity, and sisterhood no matter where you serve. It is a miracle. We are called from full, busy lives to become leaders in Zion. We are set apart and receive the Spirit of the Lord to guide us in our diligent efforts to love and serve. We nurture and care and sacrifice. And we are blessed with abilities beyond our own. It never fails, not because we are foolproof but because this is the Lord's work and His promises are sure. You truly are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity. Thank you for your righteous examples. As leaders in the most important women's organization in the world, we must ask ourselves: "What can I do to help build up Zion?" "First and foremost, how can I prepare my own home and family?" "How can I magnify my calling?" and, "Am I prepared to do our Father's will, no matter what it may be, or where it sends me?" As President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, "If we are to build that Zion of which the prophets have spoken and of which the Lord has given mighty promise, we must set aside our consuming selfishness. We must rise above our love for comfort and ease, and in the very process of effort and struggle, even in our extremity, we shall become better acquainted with our God." ("Our Mission of Saving," Ensign, Nov. 1991, 59). Today I would like to focus on four ways we can help build Zion in every ward and stake, branch and district, in the Church: 1. Strengthen our homes and families. 2. Show by example we are women of God. 3. Increase our faith through knowledge. 4. Serve. STRENGTHEN OUR HOMES AND FAMILIES As we build Zion, beginning in our own homes, not only will the sisters be strengthened, but good women from all over the world will also be drawn to us. If, with every fiber of our being, we live exemplary lives we will witness miracles. President Hinckley has said: "If our society is coming apart at the seams, it is because the tailor and the seamstress in the home are not producing the kind of stitching that will hold under stress." (Conference Report, Oct. 1968, 56). In the Leadership Training Emphasis document we are told: "Teach the preeminence of the home and family as the basic organizational unit of the Church. Encourage each family member, parents and children, to study the scriptures, pray regularly, and follow the example of the Savior in all things." (Sept. 29, 1995). The greatest joys we experience in this world will come through loving, building, and lifting family members. Whether our sisters are single or married, family is very important in each of our lives, not only on this earth but as we look to the eternal relationship of family bonds. Think of a Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting where skills of family love and learning are developed. Seek opportunities to teach mothers skills in the teaching and training of the children and setting the proper example for them. Encourage mothers to study the gospel with their children and spend time teaching them basic family values. Teach the sisters to treasure family home evening and guard it as a time to teach their children. I know of a ward that used Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting to demonstrate how to hold a family home evening for young children, teenagers, and single adults. Children can be taught to be courteous and kind to others. They can be taught to respect authority and fill their lives with activities for personal growth and development. President Hinckley tells us: "If you want to reform a nation, you begin with families, with parents who teach their children principles and values that are positive and affirmative and will lead them to worthwhile endeavors." ("This Thing Was Not Done in a Corner, "Ensign, Nov. 1996, 49). President David O. McKay was often quoted saying: "I know of no other place where happiness abides more securely than in the home. It is possible to make home a bit of heaven. Indeed, I picture heaven as a continuation of the ideal home." (Conference Report, Apr. 1964, 5) "The Lord has commanded His children to marry and establish families. Husbands and wives are to love one another with their whole hearts." (Family Guidebook, 1) Paul taught: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it....And the wife see that she reverence her husband." (Ephesians 5:25,33) Most young women dream of the day when they will find the right man and be married for time and eternity, have children and live in joy and happiness with them. When this event occurs she must have the necessary skills to create a home filled with love and understanding, a home where each member is valued and included. However, many of our sisters face challenges and disappointments. We need to encourage each of them to keep their standards high and do the best they can to develop their potential as daughters of God. May I share with you an example I will never forget. Last year, Sister Susan Easton Black, a Church history and doctrine professor at Brigham Young University, was a recipient of the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Award. At the time, she acknowledged her visiting teacher of 25 years ago. Her visiting teacher had 9 children but had always wanted 12. She was cautioned by her doctor that having more biological children would not be advisable. Sister Black was a single mother with three young sons who had a great yearning and need to go back to school. Here were two sisters with righteous desires--one wanting three more children and one desiring further education. Sister Black's visiting teacher exemplified Christ-like love when, of her own free will, she volunteered to tend this single mother's three sons without being paid so Sister Black could complete her education. The result -- both were greatly blessed. Later Sister Black's sons also became well educated. Sister Black said of her visiting teacher, "Her kindness to me so many years ago not only helped in the process of educating a mother, but her kindness educated a family." ("Honored Black Praises Life of Prophet Joseph Smith," Kris Boyle, Daily Universe, Nov. 00, 5) My dear sisters, the power is in us. We, too, can build Zion. It begins one sister at a time, one family at a time. Personal preparation precedes our ability to lead women and their families to Christ. As spiritual leaders we are sisters who not only pray each morning, but we ask the Lord what we can do to serve Him that day. We ask for the Spirit of the Lord to guide us, and then we read the scriptures. We fast and pray and go to the temple for inspiration. If each of us is willing to do this, we will be in a position to become examples to the world. Years ago, President John Taylor gave us some strong advice. He said: "Never mind the world nor what they can say or do....We will send out the Gospel to them, and continue to advocate the principles of truth, and to organize ourselves according to the order of God, and seek to be one -- for if we are not one we are not the Lord's and never can be, worlds without end. Hear it, you Latter-day Saints! And do not be figuring for yourselves and for your own aggrandizement; but feel to say in your hearts, 'What can I do to help to build up Zion?'" (John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, 21:254). In the September 2000 General Relief Society Meeting, President Gordon B. Hinckley admonished each of us: "When you are united your power is limitless. You can accomplish anything you wish to accomplish. And oh, how very, very great is the need for you in a world of crumbling values where the adversary seems so very much to be in control." ("Your Greatest Challenge, Mother," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 97). I have seen examples in my life where a father and mother who were united in their cause were able to teach their children great principles and develop spirituality in families -- even in young children. SHOW BY EXAMPLE THAT WE ARE WOMEN OF GOD One virtue that needs to be developed to accomplish this is the ability to love. President Hinckley tells us: "Let love become the lodestar of our lives." ("Let Love Be the Lodestar of Your LIfe," Ensign, May 1989, 66) "Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people, that can bridge the chasms of bitterness." ("And the Greatest of These Is Love," Ensign, Mar. 1984) "Love, like faith is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something, 2000, 3) No matter who we are, we all can strive to love more. We can ask "What can I do to develop greater love for each member of my family and for each sister in my ward?" It is truly worth the effort. An eternal bonding takes place that blesses the life of every sister and family member as we sincerely ask our Father in Heaven for unconditional love. Not long ago I met a stake Relief Society president in Lima, Peru, who did all in her power to build Zion. She and her husband and daughter lived in a very poor area. Yet when you turned the corner to their block, their home stood out like an oasis. She and her husband had painted their home; made a small fence of wood; and planted grass, flowers, and a tree in their tiny front yard. Then inside, they had taken native rock and made a fireplace with shelves. They had painted their walls and put up beautiful pictures found in the Liahona. They had even saved their money to buy a piano so their lovely daughter could take piano lessons and play for Church meetings. When I met this angel mother, this Relief Society sister, I knew she would not last very long in this life. She had cancer from the time her daughter was very young. However, she created a legacy for her daughter and for all she served -- the legacy of living the gospel. She did not just belong to the Church; she lived its teachings. The gospel of Jesus Christ was a part of her everyday life. She had learned to make the very best of her situation. And even though she was often ill and had little means, she carried out her Church responsibilities. In her little corner of Peru, she built Zion. And so can each of us! As you have served in leadership capacities, have you noticed how others watch you? Suddenly you are placed on a pedestal, and your actions are noticed and duplicated? As leaders we have a unique responsibility to set righteous examples. Can you think of how your testimony has been strengthened by righteous leaders? I can. So many have influenced me through the years. In particular, I remember Sister Spears, the Primary president in my ward when I was a teenager. As a junior in high school, I was asked to be the pianist for Primary, which was held every Wednesday afternoon. My high school was about 10 miles from the church, so I would quickly gather my things after the last bell rang at school and run to catch the city bus. I would get there just in time to fulfill my responsibilities as pianist of the Primary. I will never forget the impact Sister Spears had on my young life. She loved me and made me feel like she truly needed me. I knew I couldn't let her down. I can remember going to her home for preparation meetings, and even though I was much younger than most of them, they included me and shared with me. My testimony was strengthened by their example. They made our little Clearfield ward a Zion for me. In 1Timothy 4:12 we read: "...Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. "Be an example not just when you are at church or in a meeting -- but always. Certainly none of us is perfect (or most likely will not be in this life), but each of us can try a little harder. Each of us can more fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Robert D. Hales at the last general conference gave some specific suggestions for how we can become righteous examples. He said: "By choosing to be in His kingdom, we separate -- not isolate -- ourselves from the world. Our dress will be modest, our thoughts pure, our language clean. The movies and television we watch, the music we listen to, the books, magazines, and newspapers we read will be uplifting. We will choose friends who encourage our eternal goals, and we will treat others with kindness. We will shun the vices of immorality, gambling, tobacco, liquor, and illicit drugs. Our Sunday activities will reflect the commandment of God to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We will follow the example of Jesus Christ in the way we treat others. We will live to be worthy to enter the house of the Lord." (The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom," Ensign, Nov. 2000) Elder Hales' comments on being righteous examples would be a great subject for a home, family, and personal enrichment meeting. Also, we could turn to Proverbs 31:10 or D&C 25:2-16 and discuss the virtues Latter-day Saint women cultivate and how we can best teach these virtues to our young women and friends. In centuries past, King Benjamin taught his people about what it means to live righteously. He explained: "We will have no more disposition to do evil, but...to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things...all the remainder of our days." (Mosiah 5:2, 5) Let's strengthen each other and support each other in this quest for righteousness. Recently in a Mexico City ward I was strengthened by the righteous examples of some young sisters and their mother. We watched the sisters, ages 11 and 14, play the prelude music and lead and play every song that was sung. They were responsible for the music in their ward, and they did a great job. They accomplished this because they were taught by their mother. During that same visit to Mexico I also met an angel mother, a woman with Lou Gehrig's disease who from her wheelchair struggled to form every word she pronounced, and yet she was able to serve in a stake Relief Society presidency. With the support of her wonderful husband and two teenaged children, and loving sisters, she was able to build Zion. She inspired all around her. Like these sisters we have talked about, we can all adopt these characteristics to build Zion and make them a part of our lives. INCREASE OUR FAITH WITH KNOWLEDGE "The glory of God is intelligence" (D&C 93:36), and as women in the Lord's organization, we should seek to love life and learning. Food nourishes the body, but lasting nourishment to the soul comes from studying the doctrines of the kingdom. On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the resurrected Lord asked Peter three times, "Lovest thou me?" Each time Peter's replies were the same: "Thou knowest that I love thee." To Peter's declarations the Lord responded: "Feed my lambs....Feed my sheep....Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17) The Lord's instruction to Peter applies to all who have been called to His service. President Gordon B. Hinckley wrote: "There is hunger in the land, and a genuine thirst -- a great hunger for the word of the Lord and an unsatisfied thirst for things of the Spirit.... The world is starved for spiritual food. Ours is the obligation and the opportunity to nourish the soul." ("Feed the Spirit, Nourish the Soul," Ensign, Oct. 1998, 2; see also Amos 8:11-12) We must begin by keeping our daughters and sons at our side and teaching them correct principles. I find myself wondering, as leaders of the sisters in Zion, if we are feeding His sheep. Are we reading the scriptures every day with our families and encouraging our sisters to do the same? Can we not afford to give the Lord one percent of the 24 hours He gives us each day to pray, read, study, and learn His doctrine? A year ago my husband was listening to early-morning BYU devotional, and Elder L. Tom Perry was the speaker. He told how he and his wife determined many years before to begin each day reading at least two chapters of scripture. He explained that if you do this, you can read the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the New Testament in one year. My husband and I put this to the test last year starting on January 6, 2000, and by New Year's Eve 2000 we had completed the assignment. This has been one of the most nurturing experiences we have had together. We were so pleased with the results that we started at the beginning of the Book of Mormon again this year. New Year's Day we read the first chapter of Nephi and just through the month of January we read all of 1 and 2 Nephi and Jacob. It only takes from 5 to 15 minutes, and it is the most worthwhile reading we do. Now we are reading the last chapters of Alma. As leaders we cannot give what we do not have. Inspiration comes through studying the doctrine in the scriptures. President Boyd K. Packer teaches: "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behaviors. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." (See Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 20) It is vital in these last days that we become more knowledgeable about the Lord's true doctrine. Reading the scriptures and studying the word of God will keep us on a righteous path. Book of Mormon prophets foresaw our day and warned us to hold onto the truth we've been given. In 2 Nephi 28:14 we read: "They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ." And in verse 30 it says: "I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have." As Relief Society leaders, one way we can help build Zion in our ward or branch is to enthusiastically teach gospel literacy. Encourage scripture study and reading the conference addresses from our leaders. Implore mothers to read to their children and create an atmosphere of learning in their homes, where their children know they can retreat for peace, quiet, and daily study. Excellent chapters are prepared in Teaching, No Greater Call that could be used in Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting to help sisters develop greater teaching skills -- whether they are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, or sisters. These resource materials can change lives when put into practice. SERVE A Spokane stake was recently involved in a service project. In addition to hygiene kits, newborn kits, education kits, a collection of coats for children, donated units of blood, and lap quilts for a nursing home, baby quilts were also made and given to a local hospital for patients. One of the little girls who received a quilt was from El Salvador. As the mother tried to return the quilt at the end of the child's hospital stay, it was explained to her, through an interpreter, that the blanket was a gift from the Relief Society sisters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mother began to cry and explained that she was a member of this same Church in her country. She said she was anxious to tell her Relief Society sisters in El Salvador how grateful she was for the sisters in the Spokane stake for the gift of a quilt that had brought such comfort to her daughter. The Lord declared: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 10:39) "These words have something more than a cold theological meaning. They are a statement of a law of life--that as we lost ourselves in a great cause we find ourselves--and there is no greater cause than that of the Master." (Elder Gordon B. Hinckley in Conference Report, Apr. 1966, 87) On another occasion, President Hinckley as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: "The cause of Christ does not need your doubt; it needs your strength and time and talents; and as you exercise these in service, your faith will grow and your doubts will wane." ("The Miracle That Is Jesus," Improvement Era, Jun. 1966, 531) In a certain area in Guatemala City, parents work in the streets vending various items during the day. Their young children, starting about three months to six years of age, are cared for in a school run by Sister Rose Rodriguez, a nurse, and a member of our Church for 24 years. The children are cared for, bathed, fed two meals and two snacks a day, and taught. Sister Rodriguez has taught these children to pray the way the members of our faith pray. Some of the other workers are of different beliefs, and try to teach them the way they pray. The children say, "No, I want to pray the way Rosa prays." The children are learning to read and write and play. Sister Rodriguez wants to get the school accredited through the government for the first and second grade so that when the children leave the school, they will be recognized as having passed the first and second grades. Most of these children will not have an opportunity to further their schooling once they leave. They will be expected to help their parents in the streets. In her own way, Sister Rodriguez in literally saving lives. Sisters, each one of us is needed. When we are in the service of one another, whether in our own homes, within our ward boundaries, or others with whom we come in contact, we are in His service. A sincere woman once wrote to Mother Teresa and asked if she could come to Calcutta, India to assist with the work of helping the poor. Mother Teresa wisely wrote her and suggested she not come, but that she look around her own community and "find her own Calcutta!" Sometimes I think we look too far from home for service opportunities. We can offer vital services in our own homes, in our own wards and neighborhoods. An enrichment lesson that is well prepared and invites the Spirit of the Lord is a great service. An uplifting visit from a visiting teacher is a vital service. An extra arm for a busy mother is a Christ-like service. Sisters, look around you and find ways to serve and ways to teach our children, grandchildren, and children over whom we can have an influence to serve. Within the kingdom of God, we do not say "Oh, I've been there and done that." We open our eyes and continually watch for opportunities to serve. Without even being asked, we lend a hand where it is needed. The Lord said, "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant." (D&C 58:26) We can get so caught up in our own challenges that we sometimes forget that it takes each one of us to build Zion. We each have a mission to perform. Our calling came at baptism, and as long as we remain worthy, we will not be released from this calling. Alma taught, at the waters of Mormon, about our baptismal covenant: "As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." (Mosiah 18:8-9) Sisters, service is part of who we are as Relief Society sisters. We build Zion by serving others. Don't wait for a formal invitation to help someone in need. Just do what you can. Combine your efforts with other sisters', and make good use of the channels of organization already in place. The system works, if we will but put our shoulder to the wheel. If our individual homes are in order and everyone in the ward is cared for, we can periodically have a service project where we can contribute to the needs of the community and people around the world through humanitarian efforts. We know what great things you are capable of doing. We've seen you in action. And on a general level, we have board members on every welfare committee. All around the world, sisters like you are doing incalculable good. Recently, in Utah, Relief Society sisters have prepared hygiene kits and a quilt for every woman (and her children) who enters a shelter for abused women. Now they are starting this in Idaho. I recently received a letter from a local women's shelter. Let me read you a small part of it: "The women are rather taken back by this service: 'Those people don't know me. Why would they want to do something nice for me?' It only takes a moment, however, for them to unfold the quilts and spread them out on their beds, then take each item out of the prepared hygiene kits and exclaim over them too. "All of us are overwhelmed by the very generous contributions. We are accustomed to getting maybe a dozen or so items at a time, so you can imagine our response to boxes of supplies. So often we have had to tell indigent clients that we are out of supplies at the moment. To be able to tell a client, 'Yes, we can give you soap' or shampoo or whatever, is a fantastic feeling. We are very careful to tell our clients where the supplies came from." (Letter on file in the Relief Society offices) We cannot thank you enough for spreading your influence around the world. The past two years during BYU women's conference, commodities have been prepared and sent to the far reaches of the globe. Another service project is planned this year during the conference on May 3 and 4 which also includes classes on building the individual women who learns, then teaches the skills to her children, nieces and nephews, or friends. Additional activities include four different family history classes, including one to promote enthusiasm to our youth and teach them how to get started in this fascinating study. Dry-pack canning will be demonstrated and a tasting table provided for sampling of finished products made from food-storage items. A wall of ideas will include suggestions on how to serve within our own family and community. If we are to be an example to the world and build Zion, we must first strengthen our own homes and families and then teach the importance of families within our ward boundaries. Ward Relief Society leaders as directed by local priesthood leadership can help ensure that each sister has enough food, can pay her rent, can develop skills in self-reliance, and can teach family members these skills. All children deserve to learn from their parents and extended family members how to budget money, how to save for future, how to take care of what they have and develop talents and prepare for a very good education so they will be useful to others. My dear sisters, this is the Lord's way. Ever since the Relief Society was formed in Nauvoo, its members have loved and served and built Zion. Let me share one last example. When the women of Nauvoo were asked to contribute their dimes and pennies to the building of the temple, Caroline Butler had no money to give. But with all her heart she desired to contribute. One day while driving her wagon into town she noticed two dead buffalo on the side of the road. And she got an idea! Immediately she stopped and, together with her children, pulled the long hair from the buffaloes' manes. Upon returning home, they washed and carded the hair and spun it into a coarse yarn. With this homespun yarn, she knitted 8 pairs of heavy mittens for the rock cutters who were working on the Nauvoo temple. What ingenuity! What commitment! Think of the righteous example she set for her children who helped her. Think of the warmth she brought not only to the workers but also to those of her own household. Sisters, let us build Zion. First, by strengthening homes and families, second by setting a righteous example, third by increasing our faith with knowledge, and fourth, by serving. For... "When we are in the service of our fellow men [and women], we are only in the service of our God." Of this I testify. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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