“Relief Society,” Liahona, March 2016
Relief Society
By Linda K. Burton
Relief Society General President
How can you as Relief Society sisters help mentor “new sisters” to succeed in our essential part of the work of salvation? You can help them understand that they are a vital part of the sacred work in God’s kingdom. Sharing the book or online link to Daughters in My Kingdom can help describe our sacred work in Relief Society.
You can link arms and open your heart to young women as we prepare together for the blessing of eternal life. You can expand your circles to include young women. By so doing, you will be fulfilling Lucy Mack Smith’s desire to her first Relief Society sisters: “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.” 1
What Can Relief Society Leaders and Sisters Do?
Recognize that young women bring with them talents, gifts, and an eagerness to share. Make sure that as young women enter Relief Society, they have a friend to sit with. Give them opportunities to add their enthusiastic spark to Relief Society. Realize that you not only have a powerful influence on these younger sisters, but that they can be loving examples to you. If you teach Relief Society lessons, make sure to include the situations of all age groups you are teaching—not just mothers. Young women can even be given opportunities to teach Relief Society. You can try pairing younger sisters and older sisters in visiting teaching and service opportunities. You can be a blessing and help eliminate age barriers.