Relief Society Lesson 2 May 2010

Our lesson was taught by Heather Consoliver, the newest member of the RS presidency. The theme of the lesson was welcoming sisters to Relief Society, whether it be from Young Women's, new members, returning members, etc. Sis. Consoliver quoted a talk by James E. Faust entitled “What It Means to Be a Daughter of God,” (Ensign, Nov 1999.)
" The new declaration of the Relief Society begins, “We are beloved spirit daughters of God.” To be a daughter of God means that you are the offspring of Deity, literal descendants of a Divine Father, inheriting godly attributes and potential. To be a daughter of God also means that you have been born again, changed from a “carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness."

We need every sister to realize that we are all "beloved spirit daughters of God." Each of us has divine potential. President Spencer W. Kimball said "I wonder if women who do not participate in Relief Society realize the great promises that come with their membership."

How can we help each sister in our area, whether members of the church or not, to want to come to Relief Society? Sis. Consoliver said that we can express love, invite and remind, and show kindness, but like any other principal we need to gain a testimony of the importance of Relief Society. Sis. Consoliver spoke of a survey done on a group of Young Women coming into Relief Society for the first time. Most expressed that when they came to Relief Society the first time, if someone sat with them, it made them feel welcome and more apt to come.

It is important that we make sure each sister knows that she has a place in Relief Society, even if she is serving in a Sunday calling that takes her out of Relief Society.

We also spoke of the importance of service when trying to bring our sisters into Relief Society. We never fully know the impact our service can have on another. Several sisters shared stories of how Relief Society sisters served them in love and kindness. It is important to remember that service will probably not ever be convenient. Part of what makes an act of service so valuable is the aspect of sacrifice it requires. Don't just ask what you can do...think of something appropriate and go do it!

I hope that each of you knows that you are an important part of our Relief Society. The RS presidency loves each of you and misses you when you are not in Relief Society. Who do you know that could benefit from learning of their divine potential by joining us in Relief Society? Dede B.