As Sisters in Zion

My goodness, today I have so many things about which I would like to blog, but not nearly the time or energy to put them all down. It is certainly surprising how once one starts putting one's thoughts down in writing, those thoughts seem to multiply over and over. In my case, this is quite a blessing, as these thoughts are quite uplifitng and lead to a better me, but I have felt slightly overwhelmed the past two days at the outpouring of knowledge and the Lord's spirit.

Still, how can I complain about such a blessing?

I just left the general Relief Society meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Wow, it was amazing! As the choir stood and sang the opening hymn, I must admit I was struck with many wonderful feelings. I watched the camera pan the faces of so many beloved sisters, from young single girls like myself to newlyweds to middle-aged women families to sweet-looking grandmothers, all dressed in white shirts singing "Now let us rejoice...In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah to guide through these last days of trouble and gloom, and after the scourges and harvest are over, we'll rise with the just when the Savior doth come." I saw quite clearly in my mind's eye sisters gathered in countries all over the world to hear the words of our beloved prophet and be uplifted and edified together, strengthened by each other's company.

What a blessing it is to be part of such a wonderful world-wide organization of women united under the direction of the Lord's priesthood dedicated to the cause of charity. So many wonderful thoughts about such a great work. When Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society in Nauvoo, he told the sisters that if they would live up to their privileges (of compassion and service), the angels could not be restrained from being their associates. What a beautiful promise! "How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission, if we will fulfill it in spirit and deed." The work of the Lord is rolling forward, and the influence of women in that work is unparalled in any other work on the face of the earth. What blessing and privileges are ours if we will reach out and share what we have with others.

President James E Faust spoke at the conclusion of the meeting today. He said many wonderful things, but the message that sunk most deeply into my heart was a sentence stated midway through his talk, that could have easily been missed amid the other treasures of truth. HE comented that we shared our sisterhood with one another, whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Wow, can you just imagine the joy at such a statement. I am far too judgmental far too often (including at this very meeting), and this just really hit home to me. Here we were, so many women, from so many different cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and stages in life. Yet we were united in our purpose to serve God and to serve one another and others; we are each a cherished daughter of God. The amazing part to me was that there are so many who are striving so diligently to choose the right. So many with whom we can counsel and work, and look forward to sitting down in heaven together.

The prophet Joseph also stated that knowledge and intelligence would flow down from that point in time (when the Society was created). Such has truly been the case. Look at the blessings available to women, especially as we follow the counsel of our living prophets. So much to think and ponder on. What a beautiful thing it is to be a woman in Zion in the dispensation of the fullness of times. What a blessing is the priesthood, and what a privilege I (and all who will join with us) have in being a part of this organization of women gathered together to do the Lord's work under the divine direction of the Lord's chosen servants!