President Monson addresses Relief Society members during global broadcast from S.L.
Quorum of the Twelve
Relief Society members throughout the world were challenged to gain knowledge through study, make home a heaven and find joy in service during the organization's annual meeting broadcast Saturday night from the Tabernacle.
The challenge was issued by President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"Each of you, single or married, regardless of age, has the opportunity to learn and to grow," President Monson said. "Expand your knowledge, both intellectual and spiritual, to the full stature of your divine potential."
He told the women that this is their day and their time.
"The holy scriptures adorn our bookshelves. Make certain they provide nourishment to our minds and guidance for our lives," he said.
President Monson defined home as a place meant to be a haven called heaven where the spirit of the Lord might dwell.
"Too frequently, women underestimate their influence for good," he cautioned.
Describing the original mission of the Relief Society — to provide relief to the poor, the destitute, the widow and the orphan — he illustrated finding joy in service by telling a heartwarming story of a woman in his former ward who went the extra mile.
President Monson also recognized the unmarried women of the Relief Society.
"Death, divorce and indeed lack of opportunity to marry have in many instances made it necessary for a woman to stand alone," he said. "In reality, sisters need not stand alone, for a loving Heavenly Father will be by her side to give direction to her life and provide peace and assurance in those quiet moments where loneliness is found and where compassion is needed."
He also told women to "remember the past; learn from it. Contemplate the future; prepare for it. Live in the present; serve in it. Therein is the mighty strength of the Relief Society of this church."
Relief Society General President Mary Ellen Smoot, conducting her first annual meeting since being named to her position in April, challenged the women, saying, "We must prepare for our time because our time has come. We must possess the spiritual strength to overcome our challenges, laying our faults on the altar and giving our lives to the Lord."
She outlined the six guiding objectives for the Relief Society as established by the General Presidency and board:
- Build faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and teach the doctrines of the Kingdom of God.
- Emphasize the divine worth of the individual.
- Serve, support and build every sister.
- Exercise charity and nurture those in need.
- Strengthen and protect families and honor our heritage.
- Become full participants in the blessings of the priesthood.
Sister Smoot also said the church estimates Relief Society membership will exceed 4.1 million by the end of 1997.
Sister Virginia U. Jensen, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, spoke on creating places of security.
"We can create places of security where marriages, children and families can thrive and avoid the evil of the world," she said.
She also said a woman who keeps the commandments is using Heavenly Father's blueprint to build a place of security for herself and her family.
Sister Sheri L. Dew, second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, challenged sisters to be the women the Lord needs them to be.
"Might we commit to do just a little better than we have been doing, and in the process marshal our forces to lead the women of the world in all that is Godlike and ennobling," she said.
She said women who come to know that Jesus is the Christ can never be the same again because such testimony requires action.
Relief Society members of the Midvale and Sandy stakes provided the music for the meeting.
