In celebration of the upcoming Relief Society birthday, I’d like to take the first three days of the next few weeks to introduce readers to some of the wonderful Relief Society presidents this organization has had at its head. From Nauvoo to Salt Lake, from suffragette to grandmother, the presidents of the Relief Society have been women of faith and testimony, women of action, women to hold in high respect.
As I’ve worked on compiling these biographies, I’ve been amazed. I thought I had a decent grasp on church history, but as I’ve studied the lives of these women, I realized my knowledge barely scratched the surface. It is one thing to say that we can only imagine the trials and tragedies these women persevered through; it is quite another to hear them described in their own words. And yet, despite mobbings, reticent husbands, and aggravated governments, these women continued to model the virtues of patience and charity that should mark the Relief Society throughout the ages.
Hopefully, as you read, you will learn a little more about each of these sisters. You will find points in their lives that you can readily identify with, and you will find points that astound you. You will nod and say, I have experienced something like that, and you will shake your head and say, I pray I never experience something like that. You will identify gospel principles that you may need to improve and strengthen in your own life. Perhaps you will find your own testimonies blossoming and growing as you listen to how these sisters developed their own.
This is not to say that the Relief Society presidency has a monopoly on fine virtues. Many of the early sisters in the church faced similar struggles, and had their testimonies bloom despite them (or perhaps because of them). Many of the early sisters are worthy of emulation and admiration. Much of the work done by the Relief Society presidents was only possible because of the efforts of the thousands of sisters who listened to their counsel and guidance, and obeyed.
We do not have to have ‘great’ callings (and I use that word somewhat tounge-in-cheek) to be great women. We do not need to be ward or worldwide presidents to do wonderful things. We need only to remember that ‘charity never faileth,’ and serve the Lord with all of our heart, minds, and souls.
Besides, learning about the Relief Society Presidents may just give you an edge in whatever ward or stake birthday games you play this month!
Related Articles:
Sunday Review: Quick to Observe
Relief Society: Do You Feel Inadequate?