Last night was the annual General Relief Society meeting. I felt like this was one of the best Relief Society meetings I’ve been to in a long time. I was truly inspired by all four talks that were given. I am not sure I have ever felt that way about the General Relief Society meeting. If I have, it has certainly been awhile.
Because I feel so strongly about last night’s meeting, I feel a little intimidated even trying to create this post. Part of me wants to just discard this post, because my words will never due justice to the meeting. But I want to give readers, regardless of whether or not they are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a small glimpse into the meeting held tonight. So I am going to give it a go. I hope you will forgive my limitations as I do so.
There were two central themes in last nights meeting, covenants and the love of Christ. The reminder of Christ’s love began as the meeting began. The images of Christ that were shown at the start were truly a reminder of the love that Christ has for each of us. Even if you watch nothing else, take a few minutes to watch the beginning of the video below to see these wonderful images.
The Relief Society General Presidency: Sister Reeves, Sister Burton and Sister Stephens
Sister Linda K. Burton, the Relief Society General President, began by reminding us of the importance of keeping covenants. She reminded us that keeping our covenants “strengthens, empowers and protects” us. It is also a requirement for happiness. As covenant keepers, we are commandment keepers. (We cannot disobey Heavenly Father’s commandments and still find happiness.) We also received a reminder that keeping our covenants is how we show our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That alone is a great reason to strive to keep the covenants we’ve made.
During Sister Carol M. Stephens (1st Counselor) talk, we were reminded that as we provide service to one another we are keeping our covenants. Not only are we serving each other, but we are also serving the Lord (Matthew 25:40). Keeping our covenants also has the benefit of allowing us to have the Spirit with us so that we can know when we can be of service to others.
While Sister Linda S. Reeves (2nd Counselor) also touched on covenant keeping last night reminding us that there is power in keeping our baptismal covenants and that we bind the Lord to keep his promises as we keep our covenants. She also reminded us how much Christ loves us and has a plan for each of our lives. That no matter how much we may be tested, and we may be tested to the “maximum of our capacity”, Christ will not leave us “in ashes”. Sister Reeves also reminded us that their is power in prayer and in the answers we can find in the scriptures and that we will never feel of Christ’s love more than when we truly repent.
President Thomas S. Monson
After hearing from the Relief Society General Presidency, we were privileged to hear from President Thomas S. Monson. During President Monson’s talk we were once again reminded of Christ’s love for us. We were reminded that while we all have struggles and challenges, we are not meant to walk alone and that when we feel alone, we should remember to pray. “As we remember prayer, and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed.” We were also reminded that “Heavenly Father loves you, each of you. That never changes. It is simply there.” (I think that was the most wonderful message of the entire meeting.)
Last night’s meeting was truly inspiring. I can honestly say I hated to see each of the talks come to an end. It was that uplifiting. I can highly recommend the entire meeting to anyone looking to be uplifted or to strengthen their faith in Christ and His love for them. The video is about 90 minutes, but if you have the time, give it a watch. I truly believe you will be uplifted by the messages of the General Relief Society meeting.
Did you watch last night’s meeting? If so, what was your favorite part? I’d love to get your thoughts on last night’s meeting.
Until next time, don’t forget to document your memories!
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