How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

I must be truthful and admit that I didn't always understand or appreciate the blessings of being part of Relief Society.  From the time I married and began participating in a family ward, I served in callings that were rarely within the Relief Society organization and usually I was not in the Sunday Relief Society meeting.  I was a visiting teacher and because of my own mother's faithful example, I knew that I needed to be a faithful visiting teacher myself.  But I just didn't really "get it" - being a part of Relief Society didn't really mean much to me.

Then during a difficult time of my life, I heard a talk that softened my heart and changed my perspective.  It was entitled "How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?", given by Bonnie D. Parkin, General Relief Society President (2002-2007).

As I asked myself that question, I began to recognize the many ways I had been personally touched by Relief Society.  The women who helped me at the death of my mother and then of my father.  The visiting teachers who drove me to doctor appointments during my difficult pregnancies and more recently the sisters who drove me to physical therapy after shoulder surgery.  The women who served with me (and put up with me) in callings and assignments.  The women who became dear and life long friends, who without Relief Society I would never have known.  The uplifting lessons that touch my heart at needed moments.  The examples of goodness, faithfulness, compassion and perseverance that impact my life.

I have felt impressed to start a new post series asking sisters around the stake that simple question, "How has Relief Society blessed your life?".  I hope that these posts will help us all remember (or come to understand) what our membership in Relief Society means to us - what it is really all about.  Thanks in advance to all who have and will contribute!

- Lorie Pierce (Eldersburg Ward)
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Colleen Mitchell - Columbia 2nd Ward

I feel like I've been in Relief Society my whole life, because my mom took me on visits and service projects all of the time as a youth. She was a great example of service and sacrifice and lived by the motto Charity Never Faileth. 

Relief Society has blessed my life in so many ways.  I love having a group of women to associate with who have similar goals and beliefs.  I have learned so much from the women, classes, teachings, and the courses of study.   Relief Society gives me a chance to learn, grow, teach, serve and be served.  For example, when I was a young mother, we lived in Utah far away from my family.  I went into preterm labor with Alissa when Becca was just 15 months old.   I was put on bedrest and was completely overwhelmed with trying to manage on my own while Jim was in school and working.  My sister in New York called her old Relief Society President who had recently moved to Utah.  This sister came and took Rebecca for the day plus 5 loads of my laundry so I could rest.

Isn't it wonderful to have an organization that works like this to meet the needs of women and their families?  I love Relief Society and feel inspired by the wonderful women I associate with there.  Women who though not perfect, strive to live with the light of the Savior as their guide.
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June Crue - Eldersburg Ward

How has Relief Society blessed my life?  I couldn’t possibly count the many ways or the many women who have touched my life since I’ve been a member of the Church. The weekly lessons that spiritually lifted me, also helped me give better direction to my children. 

Being a member of Relief Society requires effort and a willingness to learn, and make changes in your life.  The lessons are a constant reminder of Gospel Principles that the Lord has given for our benefit.  The skills from more experienced women brought a new perspective and direction into my life. Callings in Relief Society helped me gain confidence as well as experience; when a lesson wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, the sisters were there to encourage. They still do that!

The service projects that I’ve participated in over the years were very rewarding and oftentimes exhausting, but working at the cannery or painting my classroom, sewing and making quilts, and of course, family history have all been part of the experience.  I’m glad I didn’t miss these opportunities or the people with whom I shared them.  Relief Society has been a very rewarding experience for me, and reminds me that I am a beloved daughter of God.  I feel very blessed to be part of the sisterhood.