I will speak today about why every woman needs Relief Society in her life.
Soon after the Prophet Joseph Smith organized and established the Church, he also organized the women’s Relief Society. He said, “The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.”
1 The Relief Society is an essential part of the Church, and as a presidency, we hope we can help you understand why it is essential in your life.
The deepest desire of our presidency is to help each woman in the Church prepare to receive the blessings of the temple, to honor the covenants she makes, and to be engaged in the cause of Zion. The Relief Society inspires and teaches women to help them increase their faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families, and seek out and help those in need.
Speaking of our day, President Spencer W. Kimball said:
“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days
will come because many of the good women of the
world . . . will be drawn to the Church in large numbers.
This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect
righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women
of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of
the world.
“Among the real heroines in the world who will come into the Church are
women who are more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish. These
real heroines have true humility, which places a higher value on integrity than
on visibility. . . .
“Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a
significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church
in the last days.”2
I believe that these prophetic words are being fulfilled. The good women of the world are embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ in large numbers across the nations. You are the real heroines he was talking about. We have met you by the thousands as we travel the world. We have seen your good works; we have heard your heartfelt testimonies; we have felt your spirits. We have seen the light of the gospel reflected in your faces. Your example and influence for good are both extraordinary and remarkable.
But we are also aware of the many women in the Church who are not fully enjoying the blessings of activity in the Church and in Relief Society. To those of you who already attend Relief Society, we extend a call. We ask you to go to the women who are not engaged in Relief Society work in your wards and branches to teach them with love what Relief Society will do for them. Testify to them that Relief Society will enrich their homes and personal lives. Offer your friendship and sisterhood. Watch over and strengthen them. Help us reverse society’s trend of disintegrating families. Help your sisters turn to the Lord and His plan of happiness for His children. They will find guidance, comfort, peace, understanding, and inspiration. They will know Heavenly Father loves them and cares for them in ways beyond measure.
