Brendalyn Hacking - Hampstead Ward
Relief Society has given me another sweet and simple testimony that I am truly a daughter of God. It has given me somewhere in the church that I can go and feel that I belong, no matter how old I am or what stage of life I am in, I can always feel apart of the sisterhood that is there. Even at times when I have had the opportunities to work in other auxilaries of the church, such as Primary and Young Womens, and I have not been able to attend Relief Society weekly, I have still been able to feel that I am apart of Relief Society by trying to go to the activities. Also, as I have been serving in the church I have always felt the love and support from the sisters who lead in Relief Society. Relief Society has given me another identity outside of the home, other than school, work, daughter, sister, mother and wife. It has given me a “Girl’s Night Out” at times that I always seem to need and though sometimes I may feel that I am alone in the things I am going through in my life, I have always felt loved and have been reached out to by other sisters who, through Relief Society, have become my friends. It gives me opportunities to serve through Visiting Teaching and Service Projects, though I always feel that I have been the one who has gained from these experiences. I have known since I was a little girl that Relief Society was a wonderful program designed by Heavenly Father for his daughters as I would watch my mother go to Relief Society and come home renewed and uplifted from her experiences there. I was excited when I turned 18 to be able to join my mother, my Primary teachers, Young Women’s leaders and other women I admired in my home ward in Relief Society. Relief Society has given me a support group in the church that, where ever I go in this world, I can come to know and love as I learn from and with the amazing women in this church. A sweet memory I have is the opportunity I had as a young married woman to visit teach my mother in law with my own mother as my companion. Relief Society has helped me learn more about this divine gospel of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
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Ashley Tipton - YSA Branch
When I was baptized at 19 years old into the Savage Mill Ward I was the only member of my family to join the church; the Relief Society became my ward family. It is impossible to describe the love and friendship and support that those wonderful sisters offered me, but I knew that with them I would never be alone. It was incredible to me how aware these sisters were of each other. The visiting teaching program was by far one of my favorite aspects of the organization; it blew me away! You mean to tell me that once a month two people will come over just for ME? Just to hear about my life and the ups and downs and the details. And then I get to go do that for three other sisters every month?! If you plan it right you get some much needed girl time every week, and yay for instant friendships! One time after a really bad storm I knew that within an hour every family in the ward had been contacted... it made me feel so wonderful to be a part of something so great.
When I was 21 I had the blessed opportunity to teach the Relief Society. It was the most intimidating calling I have received; I had been a member for 18 months and they wanted me, with my limited knowledge and experience, to teach a roomful of women actual decades older than me? But again that wonderful group of women - my Mormon big sisters and mothers and grandmothers - lifted me up. Encouraged me. Carried me. When I stumbled in a lesson (which happened frequently) there was always someone ready with a comment to invite the Spirit and focus us once more.
Now in the YSA Branch I am one of the older sisters, and one of the few who has been a part of a family ward Relief Society for an extended period of time. Many of these sisters still think of Relief Society as their "mother's group" but I want so much for every sister to understand that Relief Society transcends generations, culture, race, marital status or life circumstance. It is a worldwide sisterhood, and we are part of it!! We are His hands. We lift and sustain each other. We work alongside each other in support of our friends and neighbors, our communities and homes. We teach and we learn from each other. I know that through this group we each become more fit for His Kingdom; I am so blessed that it is a part of my world.
