A little while ago I met with my stake Relief Society president and we talked about the successes of our Relief Society, my goals for the future, and the needs of the sisters, among other things. I shared with her my vision of what I hoped to help bring about in our ward. Something like; I want to provide opportunities for the sisters to grow in love and friendship, so they'll have a desire to serve one another because love each other, not because they feel they have an obligation to fulfill. We talked about some of the hardships and heartaches that are being endured, and how well the sisters take care of each other. One of the hard things about my calling is being aware of all of it...about how much sadness is hidden behind pretty, faithful, sweet smiles. We talked about the inactives, and about those whose little, fragile, flickers of testimony blew out before they really got glowing, and I felt especially sad. At one point I teared up, and she said, "There is no way to love them and not be a woman of sorrow".
Tonight I had a really sad facebook 'conversation' with someone I once knew. Truly, as the hymn says, "The world has gone astray". The testimony once so strong and bright is being polluted with 'the philosophies of men'. For a few minutes I felt passionately, and defended the faith. I lifted up the title of liberty and proclaimed the truth. Then I saw it was of no use. I bore a short, simple testimony and asked to be left alone with my simple faith, because I've no wish to be contentious or participate in the darkness. My heart hurts; and I'm so sorry for the bad choices that are being made, and all the people who will be affected by one person's agency being used poorly. Be strong, my loved ones! Don't even go near things you ought not. Read good literature and listen to good music and watch good things on your media. Too much rides on the 100 choices we make every day to let any of them be choices that pull you away from the truth that brings happiness and light. Darn it.
5 comments:
Darn it!! I wonder where I get all this passion that wonder out on paper occassionally. I am sorry you have to know all of the good and bad that troubles your ward, that is a really hard thing you are asked to burden. It's a good thing you have a good strong back, an honest heart, and a healthy mind. The Lord must truly bless those who have callings such as yours (bishops included) to bear you up and provide all the energy that it must take to deal with so many peoples woes and worries. I imagine being a relief society president is like watching the news. There is always something that shocks you a little bit, and much of the decussions are about someones loss or heartache yet sometimes there is that occassional success story at the end of the hour that makes you go say, "all is not lost." Bless you for all take on in a week.
I was looking for an edit option so I could fix all the things I spelled wrong like wonder instead of "wonderS" and "discussions". I would also put a "she says" at the end of my darn it, and make it, "darn it, she says." and I would add the "you" at the end in between all and take. any who. I hope you made sense of what I was trying to say anyways. I love you.
I understood what you were trying to say Jen. Mom, you are amazing! you always tell us to keep the faith and then you make it easy by being a great example of how to do it!
All we can do is love them. I have learned this, and it is not always easy. the love you have for the sisters is very evident every time you speak. I am so grateful you said 'yes' to this calling because I think you are exactly what our ward needs. I am also grateful to call you 'friend'. We can't have too many of those in today's world. I love you too. Melinda
Just came over to see what was new. Love ya.
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