Kiersten Lortz - Savage Mill Ward
When I think of how Relief Society has helped me I can’t help but feel a deep kinship with the women I fellowship with, whether in my own ward or wherever I may be. I have only one biological sister and she lives four hours away. Relief Society is a built-in sisterhood where we do for each other what any true sister would do for another. I know that, when I need help in any form, armies of friends rally to support me temporally, spiritually, and emotionally.
In addition to the sisterhood aspect of our great organization, Relief Society has surrounded me with mentors, teachers, and examples of who I want to be. Though we could easily look at the gifts and talents of the women around us and feel inadequate, I choose to draw upon the uniqueness of individuals to inspire me to set higher standards, make better choices, and believe in my ability to become more. Relief Society sisters who have been on this earth longer than me have shared their wisdom and taught me what is most important in life. I hope I can use their greatness to foster a bit of my own.
The Relief Society is a gift. It is an organization of powerful women who stand together as witnesses to the world that Jesus Christ lives. It is a network of sisters who love and serve, teach and inspire, and I am immensely grateful to have a part in it.
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Mendy Hunter - Savage Mill Ward
Relief Society has blessed my life in a number of ways. I remember having my first baby when I lived thousands of miles from home. My friends from growing up worried about how I would fare. I had no such worries, because I knew that I was part of the Relief Society organization. I had confidence that my sisters at church would help me if I needed it. A year later, when I moved to Maryland, I again felt peace in knowing that I would have a ready-made network of people I could trust and rely on in my new area. Through visiting teaching, I have participated in testimony-strengthening conversations, shared and benefited from hearing others' experiences raising families, and have made lasting, meaningful relationships with women who might otherwise have been nothing more than passing acquaintances. When the chaotic world pushes into my life, I am thankful for Relief Society and its message of service. Finding ways to serve others helps me feel grateful for my blessings and lightens my mood. Service is cathartic, and I am thankful that Relief Society teaches me that the healing power of charity never fails.
