Monday, May 2, 2016

To All Women Everywhere ~ You Are A Miracle!


I belong to the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is one of the largest Women's organizations in the world. As part of this wonderful institution we as sisters watch over and serve one another and other's in need.  Our motto is "Charity Never Faileth". 
Here is one of our latest requests from our General Relief Society Presidency: "We each have the invitation as women and young women to open our eyes and our hearts to see those among us who may feel alone, afraid, or uncertain so that we are no longer strangers  (see Matthew 25:35–36Ephesians 2:19). We are invited to share our love, our confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ, and our hands to strengthen others and love them as the Savior would have us do. This is not a program; it is who we are.
With our divine nature as women, we can be a light in a darkening world. We can give hope, love, and care to those around us. We are not asked to “run faster than [we have] strength” (Mosiah 4:27). Although we can work together, we are not asked to organize large efforts. Instead we are each asked to seek personal revelation about whom the Lord would have us strengthen and love as individuals and as families. The Savior invites us to participate in a personal ministry of love and to remember His words: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . . , ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40)."
As we are able we can do individual service to others in various ways and in many different organizations. Our sisters serve in hospitals, schools, community centers,  relief organizations, mentoring refugees and serving in many areas of our communities. We give a vast amount of service in our church in callings with young children, teenagers and adults.

In October of last year our 1st Presidency issued the following letter. Here is a portion of this letter. 
“It is with great concern and compassion that we observe the plight of the millions of people around the world who have fled their homes seeking relief from civil conflict and other hardships. Thanks to the generous help of our members, the Church is providing assistance to migrants and refugees in several countries.
“Many Church members have inquired how they can provide additional assistance. Members may contribute to the Church Humanitarian Fund using the Tithing and Other Offerings donations slip. We also invite Church units, families, and individuals to participate in local refugee relief projects, where practical.
“May the Lord bless you as you render Christlike service to those in need.”
In all things, Jesus Christ, is our example. “He went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). As we increase our faith in Jesus Christ, we will be motivated to give Christ-like service, which will help us become more like Him. President Henry B. Eyring taught: “Our Heavenly Father wishes to bless His children spiritually and temporally. He understands each of their needs, their pains, and their hopes. When we offer succor to anyone, the Savior feels it as if we reached out to succor Him” (“Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?” Ensign, April 2015).
With over 61 million refugees in the world, there are many opportunities to provide relief, mentor, and serve close to home, in our own communities as our individual circumstances allow. There is something everyone can contribute yet, one may wonder; “What difference could I possibly make?”
Begin by seeking the inspiration of the Lord individually and as families. What would He have me do to help? What time and resources do I have? What needed skills do I have? What might we do as a family?
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “In the end you must do in your area what disciples of Christ have done in every dispensation: counsel together, use all resources available, seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, ask the Lord for His confirmation, and then roll up your sleeves and go to work.
"I give you a promise: if you will follow this pattern, you will receive specific guidance as to the who, what, when, and where of providing in the Lord’s way” (“Providing in the Lord’s Way,” Ensign, October 2011).
Providing in the Lord’s way gives us an opportunity to keep our covenants as we show our willingness to “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; to mourn with those that mourn; and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9). As we keep our covenants, our homes and families will be blessed."
As a church we have had humanitarian projects going on throughout the world for many years. This was a call for us look for even more ways to serve those in need. You can read about our humanitarian efforts here. 


                       
On April 16th of this year our Stake Relief Society  had a wonderful day of Service. There were approx. 250 sisters who came and put together various projects for refugees and other relief organizations. It was just amazing. I enjoyed every minute of my time there. 
On this day we put together kits for refugees throughout the world and also community organizations that are helping to reach those in need. We made approx. 1,000 Hygiene kits for women's personal needs in refugee camps. We put together basic everyday type needs such as soap, shampoos conditioners and etc. for some local needs. Quilts were made for hospitals and care centers. These are just a few of the projects that were put together that day.


There are even larger projects worked on when the sisters of the church meet for the yearly BYU Women's Conference which was recently held this past week.  Here's some news on this years event. I feel so blessed to be part of this fantastic organization.


With Mother's Day fast approaching I thought I would share some thoughts.
 We are all daughters of a Loving Heavenly Father. He knows our names. He loves us and wants us to fulfill our divine assignments as Women, Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters, and Friends. As Women we have nurturing hearts and no matter whether we have children are not; we have that divine nature to care for those in need. We all can do mother like things when working with others. Even now when I am working with various families and individuals I have such strong feelings of love for them as my spiritual brothers and sisters. 
I thought I would list some beautiful messages on Women and on Being Mothers. Here are a few. 
The Role Of Righteous Women


Enjoy this following video for all of you!

4 comments:

Christy Monson said...

You have a wonderful Mother's day. Thanks for this most timely post. Hugs

Debbie said...

such a lovely post, one i enjoyed immensely!! you do wonderful things leann, you are a beautiful woman, have a fabulous mothers day!!!!

Mom of 12 said...

Happy Mothers' Day, LeAnn!
Love,
Sandy

Barb said...

Hi LeAnn!

What a beautiful post about the RS and the humanitarian work that the church is involved with! The photos reminded me so much of our humanitarian mission - it was all done in a church building. It was wonderful work, and such a blessing for us, and for so many in our community. We are so blessed to be a part of Relief Society!

Loved the pictures of you and Jackson! What a wonderful reunion! He looked so grown up, I'm sure he had so many wonderful, spiritual experiences to share with everyone. You and Roger look wonderful!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day, you deserve it!

Hugs and Love,
Barb