Women of the Church are "instruments in the hands of God," President James E. Faust declared during the General Relief Society Meeting Sept. 24.
"I commend each of you for your day-to-day works of righteousness. Even though your works may be known to only a few, they are recorded in the Lamb's book of life, which one day will be opened to witness of your dedicated service, devotion and deeds as 'instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.' "
President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, offered his address to thousands gathered in the Conference Center and to countless others listening to the satellite broadcast in meetinghouses in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, parts of the Pacific, and in Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. President Gordon B. Hinckley, who offered brief remarks during a video presentation, presided over the meeting. (Please see report on page 4.) Also present were President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve, and Elder Dale E. Miller of the Seventy.
Relief Society General President Bonnie D. Parkin conducted the meeting and delivered an address. Also speaking were Sisters Kathleen H. Hughes and Anne C. Pingree, counselors in the Relief Society general presidency. (Please see excerpts from their addresses on page 4-5.)
Speaking early in his address to mothers, widows and single parents, President Faust said: "In general you noble sisters are doing a much better job of holding it all together and making it work than you realize. May I suggest that you take your challenges one day at a time. Do the best you can. Look at everything through the lens of eternity. If you will do this, life will take on a different perspective."
Continuing, President Faust spoke with sensitivity about carrying "unhappy feelings about past hurts too long. We spend too much energy dwelling on things that have passed and cannot be changed," he said. "We struggle to close the door and let go of the hurt. If, after time, we can forgive whatever may have caused the hurt, we will tap 'into a life-giving source of comfort' through the Atonement, and the sweet peace of forgiveness will be ours."
Men and women are equally important in the work of the kingdom, he continued. "God entrusts women to bear and nurture His children. No other work is more important. Motherhood is such an important role for women. Sacred blessings and righteous influence have flowed into my own life and my family's lives from my beloved wife, her mother, my own mother, grandmothers, my precious daughters and granddaughters."
To the single sisters of the Church, President Faust said: "You can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to help bring about this great work. You are valued and needed. Other women, even though married, may not be mothers. For those in either of these circumstances, please be assured that the Lord loves you and has not forgotten you. You can do something for another person that no one else ever born can do. . . . I believe some compensatory blessings will come in this life and the hereafter to sisters in those circumstances. . . . You can still be highly successful in whatever you do as instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work."
Women affect what happens in the world for good or otherwise, President Faust explained. "In some measure, wives and mothers control the flow of blessings that come into their homes. As you sustain the priesthood callings of your husband and encourage your sons in their priesthood activities, your homes will be richly blessed. You should also urge your children to help others who are in need. . . .
"You are members . . . of the greatest society for women in the world," he declared, adding, "More opportunities have come to women since the Prophet Joseph turned the key in their behalf than from the beginning of humankind on earth."
After noting the influence of Relief Society sisters in the early history of the Church, President Faust spoke of the good that comes from visiting teachers today. He related the account of Suzy, a visiting teacher, assigned to visit Dora, a widow with no children and who was almost a recluse. After convincing Dora that all she wanted was her friendship, Suzy was able to visit her more and do things for Dora. Toward the end of Dora's life, the two became close friends.
"When Dora died, Suzy was able to eulogize the woman others called 'unapproachable' as a 'remarkable woman' and 'a cherished friend.' She knew her as few others could because of her service as a visiting teacher."
Speaking of the sisterhood of Relief Society, President Faust said: "As President Hinckley has often said, we all need friends. Friendship fills us with warmth and love. It is not confined to the young or the old, the rich or the poor, the little known or the public figure. . . . Relief Society is designed to be such a circle of friendship, brimful with understanding hearts that generate love and accomplishment because, above all, it is a sisterhood."
Toward the close of his remarks, President Faust addressed younger sisters. "You have an important place in this great sisterhood. Most of you have been endowed with a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. With that testimony, and with your youthful strength, influence and intelligence, you can receive the blessings that come in fulfilling the responsibility to be 'instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.' "
In closing, President Faust said: "Dear sisters, our beloved fellow workers in the kingdom, whose names are recorded in the Lamb's book of life, may you continue to go forward. Go forward in faith and humility. Do not let Satan or any of his seductive evil power have influence over you. Give no occasion to the adversary nor allow him to diminish your God-given, unique sensitivity to the Spirit of the Lord."
Providing music for the meeting was a choir of Relief Society sisters from Orem, Utah, directed by Dyanne Riley, with Linda Margetts at the organ. Offering the invocation and benediction, respectively, were Barbara D. Lockhart and Lilian B. DeLong of the Relief Society general board.
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