In his talk “In the Arms of His Love” President Gordon B Hinckley spoke specifically to the women of the church. He opened his talk by speaking of the greatness of the Relief Society. He shared that the Relief Society has over five million members, with members in nations across the world. He spoke of the diversity of the members both in age, ethnicity, and their roles in life.
President Hinckley went on to share what Relief Society stands for. He said that one thing that Relief Society stands for is love. He spoke of the love and support that the Relief Society sisters give each other every day. Relief Society also stands for education. Relief Society encourages all women to work to improve their skills and their lives. He shares the story of a single mother who made the effort to go back to school while trying to raise four boys and the blessings she received as a result of this. Relief Society also stands for self-reliance. He mentioned the food storage that so many sisters have.
President Hinckley went on to say that Relief Society stands for sacrifice. He spoke specifically of the sacrifice that mothers make for their children. He said:
“Many of you are mothers. You are responsible for the nurture and upbringing of your children. When you grow old and your hair turns white, you will not ask about the fancy clothes you once wore, the cars you drove, or the large house in which you lived. Your burning question will be, ‘How have my children turned out?’
“If they have turned out well, you will be grateful. If otherwise, there will be only small consolation for you.”
President Hinckley then went on to speak about how Relief Society represented faith. He shares a story of a young couple who paid their tithing, even though they knew that they would not have any money to buy food for two weeks, and they were out of food. After they paid their tithing many members, not knowing of their need, gave them food. This allowed them to eat until they had money for food.
President Hinckley then stresses the point that women are not second class citizens in the gospel. The role of women is important. He concludes by saying:
“This is what the Relief Society does for women. It gives them opportunity for growth and development. It gives them status as queens in their own households. It gives them place and position, where they grow as they exercise their talents. It gives them pride and direction in family life. It gives them added appreciation for good, eternal companions and children.
“What a glorious organization Relief Society is. There is nothing to compare with it in all the world”
This is a wonderful talk. I hope that you will take the time to read this message from the prophet of God. In this message you can feel the love that the Lord has for women.
Related Articles:
Relief Society: “Remembering the Lord’s Love”
Relief Society: “Eternally Encircled in His Love”
Relief Society: “To Look, Reach and Come Unto Christ”