I have recently been called as Relief Society Secretary in my branch. I am really excited about it but feel a little intimidated and humbled by this calling. The other day I was reading a talk given at the last General Relief Society Conference by Sue B. Beck entitled "Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society" and it made me really understand what responsibilities the Relief Society has, and how it is such an inspired work. Some parts that stuck out to me were:
"Each of you is precious beyond description and known by our Heavenly Father. As daughters of God, you are preparing for eternal designations, and each of you has a female identity, nature, and responsibility. The success of families, communities, this Church, and the precious plan of salvation is dependent on your faithfulness. Oh, dear sisters, how we love and pray for you!"
"In the growing climate of entitlement, excuse, apathy, and enticement, daughters of God who are not watchful, prayerful, and inspired are increasingly at risk of becoming what the scriptures describe as “silly women” who worship a variety of “strange gods.” Sadly, as a result of life’s difficulties and the world’s popular heresies, many sisters believe the myths more than the truth. Their misalignment with God’s plan is demonstrated in findings that many are not doing essential things such as praying and reading scriptures. The Lord Himself has said that “this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words.” "
"Relief Society clarifies our work and unifies us as daughters of God in defense of His plan. In this day of mistaken identities, confusion, and distraction, Relief Society is meant to be a compass and guide to teach the truth to faithful women. Righteous women today seek an outpouring of revelation to resist distractions, fight evil and spiritual destruction, and rise above personal disasters by increasing their faith, strengthening their families, and providing relief to others."
"He intended Relief Society to help build His people and prepare them for the blessings of the temple. He established this organization to align His daughters with His work and to enlist their help in building His kingdom and strengthening the homes of Zion."
"The history of Relief Society teaches us that our Heavenly Father knows His daughters. He loves them, He has given them specific responsibilities, and He has spoken to and guided them during their mortal missions."
"The history of Relief Society teaches us to take care of the essential things which will save and sanctify us and the things which are necessary to make us personally self-reliant and useful in the Lord’s kingdom."
" In Relief Society they continue to progress toward the blessings of the temple and eternal life by increasing their faith and personal righteousness, strengthening their families and homes, and seeking out and helping those who are in need. Faithful sisters learn to do this with very little applause or recognition for the work they do. That is because Relief Society thrives on the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, who said that when we give our alms (or offerings) in secret, our Father in Heaven, who sees in secret, will reward us openly."
"Relief Society, when it operates in an inspired way, can replace fear, doubt, and selfishness with faith, hope, and charity."
I am so grateful for the organization of the Church. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that Relief Society is a resource we have within the church to comfort those who need it, and to strengthen the women in the church. I am thankful that people all over the world accept callings, and then do the best they can. I have only been in this calling for one week and have realized that I had NO IDEA how much time and effort people put into their callings. And what is truly amazing about it, is that they do it because they love their savior and want to please him. Christ said "If ye love me, keep my commandments." What a simple thing he asks of us in return for all he did for us, keep his commandments.
