But whatever our differences, our divine heritage unites us as sisters and daughters of God. We are united in our love and devotion to God, and our desires to follow His prophet. It really is an exciting time to live, and as I contemplate all of the new information and guidance we have received during and since General Conference, I am awed and humbled by the need to take better care of and more interest in the sisters whom I serve.
We have literally been asked to strengthen one another in the Lord. To go above and beyond what we usually did in visiting the sisters we are assigned to visit, as well as others in our wards and communities. I know many of you have already been doing this. You have always gone beyond the monthly required visit. You have taken a personal interest in the sisters you visit and have become a part of their lives. They have moved beyond being an assignment on a piece of paper.
How do we do this now that a monthly in-home visit with a message is no longer required? The best place I know of to start is with prayer. Pray for your sisters by name. Pray that you will be open to promptings that will allow you to help them. Our Father is mindful of all of us. He knows our hearts, and He knows their needs. Turn your heart to Him and let Him guide you.
Ask your sisters what works best for them. A visit, phone call, text, walk in the park, play date with your kids, lunch together, a short conversation at church…all these and more can be part of your Ministering and care. Sister Aburto, General Relief Society 2nd counselor, has said: “It’s not so much what you do, but how you feel and how they feel. Do whatever it takes so that person knows that you are a true friend and that you will come when they need your help.”
So maybe we need to ask ourselves - What am I are going to do that will be different than I’ve done before? How can I show more care instead of less? How will I be able to respond during my quarterly interview with my Relief Society leaders when they ask how my sisters are doing? Will I really know?
I think we’re going to find greater unity in our wards and branches as we implement this new program. I think we’ll have more needs being met, and more of our less active sisters returning to activity. I trust that we’ll grow closer as we counsel together and coordinate with our Priesthood brethren. Whole families will be blessed by our care and love. Isn’t it marvelous to watch our Father’s plans for us unfold?
I’m so grateful for a living Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, and for his counsel to us to seek revelation. In his words: “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost." I pray that you will seek for and follow the guidance you need as you watch over your sisters with love.
- Cindy Erekson
Columbia Stake Relief Society President
