How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Jennifer Ipsen - Stake Young Women President - Columbia 1st Ward

Relief Society has blessed my life in many ways through visiting teaching experiences where I have made life long friends, through inspired Sunday lessons that have helped me become a better mother and wife, through serving and helping those in need, and through strengthening my testimony in Jesus Christ as I see the righteous women of God who are members of this great world wide Relief Society.  

We are a military family and have been stationed all around the world. When I left my family in Utah to travel along side my husband in the Army, the Relief Society was an instant support system to me.  I will never forget feeling very homesick when we first arrived in Germany.  However, a sweet Relief Society sister who didn't even know me or my husband invited us for Sunday dinner after our first Sunday at church.  She had no warning that we were going to be at church that day.  She didn't realize how tired I was of living in a motel for the past week and eating out every day.  She didn't know that I was used to going to my mom's house every Sunday for dinner and how homesick I was feeling.  However, she did exemplify the Relief Society motto "Charity Never Faileth!"  A delicious home cooked meal from a loving Relief Society sister lifted my spirit in ways I can't describe in words.  And every place we have been stationed ever since I have found the same to be true - that Relief Society sisters care for one another, help one another, support one another and truly do exemplify the pure love of Christ.  I feel very grateful and blessed to be a member of this inspired organization!

Julie Wehrmeister - Stake Young Women Counselor - Savage Mill Ward

For me the main blessings of Relief Society have come through visiting teaching and the compassionate service of the sisters.  When I first moved to the Columbia area in 1997, I became pregnant and was feeling quite ill from the pregnancy.  Though I had just moved into the ward, no time was wasted in arranging sisters to watch my older son as I rested at home.  There were times after when talking with some of the sisters who had become my friends, when they would mention that they had watched Reed during that time.  I had not even remembered who had come to pick him up.  I was just so grateful that they were there to help me in my time of need.  My circumstances have changed, my children have gotten much older, and I hope that I can pay the blessings forward to another sister in need.

Alice Johnson - Stake Young Women Counselor - Ellicott City Ward

As I reflect upon how Relief Society had blessed my life, I remember back to after I first joined the church.  I was 21.  It was 1985.  Right after I was baptized, I was asked to teach a lesson in Relief Society in the Chevy Chase Ward - DC Stake.  Feeling completely inadequate for the task, I quickly responded that I was the one who needed to be taught by them, not the other way around.  I was just as quickly assured that I had gifts and insights that would be welcomed in our Relief Society.  They also said that they would be right there for me, cheering me on, during the lesson.  They were so sweet, kind and encouraging.  It felt right, so I accepted.  The lesson, even though I felt a little unsure of myself in the beginning, went well, and I had a feeling of acceptance and belonging.  It was a wonderful feeling - I'll never forget.

Relief Society has also taught me, over the years, that there may be many needs that need to be met in a relatively short amount of time.  Visiting teaching could be a simple visit one month, or three (or more) requests needing to be fulfilled within two weeks, or so.  I can remember feeling grateful that I was able to help a sister who needed a meal, a ride to her doctor's appointment and for me to watch her children, all in the same month.  I was grateful that the Lord had put me in a position where I was able to fill the needs of that sister that month.

In turn, I am grateful that Relief Society sisters have been there for me, as well - sisters that have made me feel loved, cared for, and worth their time, effort and love.  Whether it has been a phone call, an email, or a luncheon date, I have enjoyed the care, love and concern of loving sisters who have reached out to me.

I am so glad to have this opportunity to express the feelings of love and compassion I have felt through my experiences with the Relief Society.  In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Kristen Birch - Stake Young Women Secretary - Columbia 1st Ward

From the minute I started Relief Society, I felt I belonged. It was so exciting to start college and have a Relief Society full of sisters my own age. They were women that inspired and motivated me to strive for righteousness--and I loved being a part of that group. I felt that together, we could accomplish anything and that there was great power when we were living the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving His children. I have seen countless examples of sisters lifting others, being in the right place at the right time, listening to inspiration and truly becoming angels upon the earth.  I will always be grateful for my membership in the divine organization of The Relief Society!