My Relief Society Family

Although I was excited to be with Trevor again, it was hard to say goodbye to my family after a long visit, not knowing the next time we would see each other.

Happily, at Church today I realized that I am still amongst family. I looked around at some of the women in Relief Society that I admire and I knew that these were women from whom I could learn so much--women like my own mom and sisters who prioritize their lives around the gospel of Jesus Christ and know how to nurture and sustain families.

I am grateful to have an extended Church family and specifically, to belong to an organization of women who have a clear sense of identity and purpose. When I am wiping smeared jelly off of the kitchen table and sweeping Cheerios off the floor I must repeat in my mind part of the Relief Society declaration: I am a woman of "faith, virtue, vision, and charity, who...find[s] nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood." I often disguise this nobility by wearing T-shirts covered with fingerprints and snot streaks on my shoulder, but I repeat the phrase over and over.

Other phrases contained in this declaration are equally empowering. I am a woman who "increases [my] testimony of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study." I am not blindly following tradition. I independently pray to know that Jesus Christ is the literal son of God, He atoned for the sins of the world, and amazingly enough, He knows me.

I am part of a "worldwide sisterhood, united in devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and exemplar." I long to be like the women in Relief Society who are commited to loving others and trying to do what He wants them to do.

As quoted by the Relief Society, I "dedicate [myself] to strengthening marriages, families, and homes...delight in service and good works...love life and learning...and understand [my] divine destiny." These are lofty goals that give me direction. They help me know how to prioritize my life so that I am not too consumed with things of little importance.

When I follow this declaration, I can say "no" in order to protect the limited time I have to be with my children while they are young. I can find ways to get outside of my own circle to serve others. I can learn from women who have a wealth of knowledge in literature, gardening, maintaining food storage, journaling, cooking, exercising, and parenting. Most importantly, when I feel overwhelmed by inadequacy, I can hold on to the fact that I am a daughter of God. I am making a journey of mistakes but I hope for a celestial destination.

Only a loving God who understands women perfectly would inspire Joseph Smith to organize such a sisterhood. I am so grateful for my Relief Society family.

These talks remind me of who I am...or who I want to be. When I'm reevaluating priorities, feeling overwhelmed, or needing validation, I love reading these talks.

• Julie B. Beck, “What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 109–12. http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=e22a26cb31cf5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
• James E. Faust, “Instruments in the Hands of God,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 114 http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=1ed178de9441c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
• Margaret D. Nadauld, “The Joy of Womanhood,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 14–16 http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=571fa1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1