Relief Society of the LDS Mormon Church
by Amanda

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all women 18 years and older belong to the largest women’s organization in the world: the Relief Society. It was established in 1842 by Joseph Smith.

I have always loved being a part of the Relief Society. Transitioning from the Young Women organization to Relief Society when I turned 18 was easy for me. I looked forward to the activities, and learning to be a good wife and mother. I was glad to go to class with my mother each Sunday.

Over the years, I have been able to attend many activities. I’ve learned a lot from other sisters in the organization, from more effective scripture study to wreath making. I’ve been able to serve people around me. I’ve become a better wife, a better mother, a better homemaker, and a better child of God.

When we moved 800+ miles from home a little over two years ago, I had a hard time. It was a move that I knew we were supposed to make, but knowing that doesn’t always make it easy. It was hard for me to leave behind my family and friends and the ward that we had been in for seven years.

The first Sunday that we attended our new ward, I really felt the power of the Relief Society. As we sat in sacrament meeting, I felt a peace wash over me. I realized how blessed I am to be a part of a church that is the same no matter where in the world where we attend. After sacrament meeting, we went to Sunday school and then I went to Relief Society. Sitting in the room that week, I was welcomed by many.

That was when I realized that I belong to a sisterhood–a sisterhood of women that I can count on and depend on, a sisterhood of women that will reach out to me and help me, a sisterhood of women who help me to feel I belong, and that I have a place to turn. I have a group of women; ranging in age from young to old, married and not, mothers, grandmothers and childless; that believe the things that I believe. That hope for the things that I hope for. That value the things that I value.

I am eternally grateful the insight of the prophet Joseph Smith. He knew that women would need other women to turn to in times of need and in times of happiness. We are blessed to have so many sisters in the church, no matter where we turn.

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For more information about the Relief Society, see here.

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