Just as the diversity of colors in a spectrum makes a rainbow, the diversity in women's circumstances gives them compassionate hearts, said Chieko N. Okazaki in her address at the General Women's Meeting Sept. 28.
"Rejoice in the diversity of our sisterhood!" admonished Sister Okazaki, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency. "It is the diversity of our spiritual gifts that benefits the Church."Wherever you are, whatever you are wearing, whatever language you are hearing, you are part of a powerful force of joy, peace and goodness. We are here to rejoice together `in every good thing' (Deut. 26:11)."
In addition to rejoicing in sisterhood and in diversity, women in the Church can enjoy a third blessing that comes by rejoicing in charity, Sister Okazaki added.
"Our callings give us many opportunities for service. The sesquicentennial [of the Relief SocietyT next year will see many compassionate service and community service projects. Make these personal! Get involved! Don't leave all of the decisions to the ward or stake leaders."
The calling to be a compassionate Christian comes when each member steps out of the waters of baptism, she explained.
"The gift of the Holy Ghost is ours by right of confirmation. We don't need to check it out of the meetinghouse library. We don't need a bishop's assignment to be kind. We don't need to sign up to be thoughtful. We don't need to be sustained by our wards to be sensitive.
"Rejoice in the power you have within you from Christ to be a nucleus of love, forgiveness and compassion. Do not feel that your gift is insignificant. Sisters, we are mighty together. There is consolation in our caring. There is strength in our sharing. There is power in our commitment to righteousness.
"Let us come unto Christ. Let us rejoice in Him, the giver of all good things, and rejoice in those good things He has given - the diversity and the unity of our sisterhood, and in our chance to be His hands in doing His compassionate work upon the earth. . . ."