Sunday Soundbite

Relief Society: True Charity and Pure Religion

Welcome to the ranks of Relief Society!  These were some of the first words spoken to Sister Shelly Patterson when she joined the church at 18 years old.  She did not know at the time what they meant, but she has since come to appreciate them.  Now, as a member of the Relief Society, she understands and identifies with standing arm in arm with women of faith and charity.

 As a worldwide sisterhood, we are part of the largest organization of women in the world.  Yet we are unknown to many.  Our influence, however, is far reaching.

"The mission of the Relief Society is to succor the distressed, to minister to the sick and feeble, to feed the poor, to clothe the naked, and to bless all the sons and daughters of God." As Shelly discussed this mission, she emphasized that we need not only succor those in distress.  She spoke of how we can lift and love those who are just plain stressed!  By keeping clean and pure, we can be led by the Spirit to identify and reach out to those in need.  The "need" doesn't have to be, and most often will not be catastrophic. 

 "It is good to have the influence of the Relief Society in every home." Sisters shared how the influence of Relief Society has touched their home and family, whether through visiting teachers or women serving in various callings. 

Relief Society sisters who trust in God and serve Him will be blessed in this life and in the eternities.

This is what we desire to instill into the hearts of the sisters—to be useful in their sphere and not be discouraged because of difficulties in the way, but trust in God and look to Him, and His marvelous blessings, I promise you, will be poured out upon you.

Shelly concluded that no sphere is too small for us to make a rippling effect.