Happy 178th Birthday of The Relief Society~ "Something Extraordinary"

Amid the turmoil in the world today, we can pause and celebrate in our hearts the 178th Birthday of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's formation occurred on March 17th, 1842
The restored Church included this fantastic organization, and we are a part of the ongoing restoration. 
In the beginning days, some 178 years ago, Eliza R. Snow stated; 
"The Relief Society is a restoration of an ancient pattern - although the name may be of modern date the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the Church anciently". 
In the book; "Daughters of the Kingdom" it says; "Besides Joseph Smith, other latter-day prophets have testified that the organization of Relief Society is an inspired part of the restoration, whereby women in the Church are called to ecclesiastical positions to serve one another and to bless the entire Church." 
As we participate in Relief Society, we serve as valiant disciples of Jesus Christ in the work of salvation. 
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our perfect example of how to minister to others. He was always interested in the one. One by one, Christ listened to, taught, healed, loved, nurtured, and wept with those He came in contact with. As we minister in this period, may we indeed be disciples of Christ and do as he would have us do.  
This is the exact time for us to step up and minister by making sure our assigned sisters, neighbors, and friends are temporally well and spiritually uplifted. This can be done with visits, phone calls, and etc. Now is the time to reach out to the lonely and others who are struggling. Let them know you care. 
May the Spirit of the Holy Ghost reside within your heart and mind and guide you in this great work. 
We, as sisters in the gospel, can be found doing extraordinary things. I love this quote by Emma Smith, "President Emma smith remarked we are going to do something extraordinary. When a boat is stuck on the rapids with a multitude of Mormons on board, we shall consider that a loud call for relief. We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls." 

Now is the time to arise and minister to those in need and answer this urgent call of helping and loving one another. 

We are the largest women's organization in the world. There are 7.1 million members, just think of the good we can do at this very moment. 

I have a powerful testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith and his beloved wife, Emma, and so many others who gave their lives in this great cause. 

We have a Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, who I sustain and love along with each of our individual Apostles. I know that they are receiving direct revelation from our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, to help us navigate through the difficult days ahead. 

I know The Book of Mormon is true and exists as a powerful source of personal revelation and inspiration for each day, and in this day of need. 

I am grateful for the Temples that dot the earth, and I know that those on the other side of the veil are near to help us, too, as we help them. Right now, while our temples are closed except for living ordinances, we can double our efforts in Family History. 

I am thankful for prayer and the knowledge and testimony of having receiving answers to prayer and personal revelation when needed. 

The Priesthood has been restored to the earth to benefit all mankind. Right now that Priesthood can be used to comfort, heal, and bless our lives. 

What a sacred moment it was this past Sabbath Day to have the Sacrament in our homes due to no meetings being held.

I know I have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. I testify that they know us and love us all. All individuals throughout the world are children of loving Heavenly Parents. 

May we serve and love one another and prepare for the eventual coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

May we pray for leaders of the world and for our beloved Leaders in our Church. May we be a Zion people and care for one another. 

Sending mighty prayers for all that we can look forward to better days to come.