Though surrounded by worldly influences and periodic doubts, LDS women have the ability to move forward and achieve more than ever before of what the Lord desires of them through making covenants, strengthening families, creating beauty and serving others.
During the general Relief Society meeting Saturday night in the Conference Center, female leaders joined President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the LDS Church's First Presidency in encouraging LDS women to see the depth of their own potential.
In his first-ever address to LDS women since becoming a member of the First Presidency earlier this year, President Uchtdorf said he understands that "our splendid sisters sometimes undervalue their abilities — they focus on what is lacking or imperfect rather than what has been accomplished and who they really are."
Realizing there are those who "harbor deep sorrows," wrestle with various fears, or deal with loneliness, he said women who find ways to be creative and to serve others will emulate the Savior.
"Everyone can create. You don't need money, position or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty," he said. Mothers not only assist God in providing bodies for and teaching their children, but those who are not mothers will find that creativity "extends far beyond the limits of canvas or sheet of paper and not require a brush, a pen or the keys of a piano.
"Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before: colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter." Those who feel intimidated can begin with small things like a letter of appreciation, learning a new skill or beautifying a space in some way.
"As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."
Serving others opens the windows of heaven. "As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves." He shared a piece of advice that the late President Gordon B. Hinckley had for a woman recently widowed after his own wife had died. "Work will cure your grief. Serve others."
Though women are often told to "look inward, indulge ourselves, spend first and pay later and to satisfy our own desires even at the expense of those around us," true happiness doesn't come that way, he said.
In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us and let us be an instrument in the Lord's hands to answer those prayers."
Sister Julie Beck, Relief Society general president, told LDS women it is time for the Relief Society "to fulfill its purpose as never before. To move forward and achieve what the Lord desires we must clearly understand the purpose of Relief Society."
The organization was established in 1842, as part of the formal restoration of the LDS Church by founder Joseph Smith, who said that "a similar organization for women existed in (Christ's) church anciently."
God has commissioned each member of the organization to increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and to serve the Lord and his children, she said. Noting that early LDS women suffered persecution, loss of their homes, a trek across the Great Plains and the death of many family members, she said it was "the fire of their faith" and testimony, along with a conviction that they were helping build God's kingdom that kept them going.
Strengthening families is a responsibility of all LDS women, not just those who have children of their own. "We have a duty to defend and practice the truths found in 'The Family: a Proclamation to the World."'
The activities, lessons and teachings of the Relief Society are to strengthen women and their families, and the organization can become akin to a "mother" for women and their families through the service and strength it provides to members.
Service is part of the organization's foundation for all women, many thousands of whom don't currently have a husband or children, she said. Such women "have an incredible reservoir of faith, talent and dedication ... No one is better positioned than you to work in temples serve missions, teach the rising generation and help those who are downtrodden. Relief Society needs you," as it does young women who are just entering the organization.
Personal revelation through the Holy Ghost is a key to learning how to succeed in building God's kingdom. "This will happen as we allow ourselves to be still enough and quiet enough to listen to the voice of the spirit."
Each woman is needed to prepare for Christ's Second Coming. "In fact, the Lord cannot accomplish his work without the help of his daughters. Because of that, the Lord expects us to increase our offering. He expects us to fulfill the purpose of Relief Society as never before."
Sister Silvia Allred, first counselor in the presidency, recalled the sacrifices made by many in past decades to attend the temple, and urged LDS women to prepare themselves to make and keep temple covenants.
"The covenants we make with the associated ordinances we receive in the temple become our credentials for admission into God's presence ... These covenants elevate us beyond the limits of our own power and perspective, We make covenants to show our devotion to build up the kingdom."
Women who make themselves worthy to attend the temple bring to the Lord "a pure heart and a contrite spirit. Personal worthiness is an essential requirement to enjoy the blessings of the temple."
Second counselor, Sister Barbara Thompson, said Relief Society magnifies the talents and faith of each woman through offering the opportunities to bless the lives of others. Women can seek to help "a neighbor who is ill, a child who needs instruction, a teen needing a friend or a family who has lost their income and needs assistance to get back on their feet. "We hear of calamities, storms or personal tragedy in the lives of our sisters everywhere. We need not rush about trying to find things to do or causes to take up."
She said most often the help is needed is "in our own homes, neighborhoods and communities. A kind word of encouragement, a note of thanks, a phone call, a loving smile, a helpful deed and a remind that God loves us is often what is needed most."
The meeting, was broadcast live via satellite to LDS buildings in many parts of the world, is an annual event directed to several million female members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who comprise what is believed to be the largest women's organization in the world.
Music was provided by a combined choir of women from six LDS stakes in the Highland-Alpine area.
E-mail: carrie@desnews.com