"...Encircled about...in the arms of His love" (2 Nephi 1:15)

Sometimes I have felt a little distanced in Relief Society, like, feeling lonely in a room full of people. I blame no one for these feelings of insecurity, and I realized that if I wanted to love Relief Society and the sisters who are in my ward, I needed to be responsible for the change. I wanted to have a stronger testimony that this is God's work and He is aware of me therefore I began to ask for such (see Alma 7:23). It has come to me that this is God's organization for woman to aid, serve, lift, and to truly help relieve suffering. I now understand and know that we are not only figuratively, but also, "literally encircled in the arms of His love" (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley; 2 Nephi 1:15). Here are a couple of experiences that have helped strengthen my testimony of Relief Society and the power of sisterhood that is within this organization.

I have been able to enjoy quilting with four sisters in my ward on a regular basis at the Humanitarian Center (read about the Humanitarian Center here). We are able to tie quilts that are sent all over the world to those in need and visit together. These women are so positive, devoted, caring, and faithful. I have come to truly love these women who love the Lord and serve Him in so many ways. I have enjoyed spending time with them and learning about their lives, their faith, their hopes, and difficult times. Their faith has strengthened my faith and resolve to "endure in faith to the end" (D&C 20:25) even when things don't always go as expected or planned.

Recently, without going into great detail, my mother has had some very serious health issues. A lot of her care and welfare has been my responsibility. My sister and sister-in-law have been an incredible source of support and help. This has been, at times, moments, hours, and days, an overwhelming experience to watch my mother suffer and endure great pain. I have spent countless hours caring for her at home and at the hospital. One day, after having been at the hospital, I came home to make dinner for my family- it was late and I was exhausted. It also happened that my husband was also working late that particular night. I started to pull some things out of the fridge when I turned and noticed a rotisserie chicken on our counter and a loaf of bread. I was confused about where it had come from. I asked my son, "Where did this chicken come from?" My son told me that one of the sisters in the quilt group had dropped it off saying, "Eat this now or when you need it." Tears rolled down my cheeks as I made cauliflower and a small salad to go with it. I was filled with peace and comfort from this small act of kindness. I was literally "encircled about...in the arms of His love" (2 Nephi 1:15). Because of this thoughtful act of service, I felt some relief from my suffering. My burden had been made lighter (see Mosiah 18:8).

The following day, another sister from this quilting group called me to see how my mother and I were doing. It was a simple phone call, but oh, how it nourished my soul, and again, made my burden lighter to bear. It confirmed the words of a prophet: "It is the natural instinct of women to reach out in love to those in distress" (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley). I was in distress, yet, I felt loved and supported as this dear sister reached out through a simple phone call.

My suffering was again alleviated when my visiting teacher called and asked if she could stop by. I had just returned home after having spent many hours helping my mother. It had been an especially long and emotional day. At the time I was watching my brothers three youngest children so he and his wife could go and visit with our mother. When my visiting teacher showed up to visit, she had in her hands a small plant and a belated birthday card. As we began to visit she said, "I haven't read the message but the first line jumped out at me and it says, 'I will not leave you comfortless" (John 14:18). It couldn't have been more perfectly timed or said. She then bore the most tender and heartfelt testimony of God's love for us, and said, "Even when there is a new mountain to climb, He will guide us and help us in our darkest times". Indeed He does!

God "encircles [us] about...in the arms of His love through the Relief Society whose members are daughters of God who love Him. It is a society of sisters, all connected by service, covenant keeping, charity, faith, and hope. What a beautiful and godly blessing to be surrounded by these precious women, my sisters in the gospel, even my sisters in Relief Society- who act as God's hands in offering relief to those who suffer and encircling us in the arms of His love.

"...Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44)

Practicing is important...and this is what I learned about practicing from a sandwich.

I was riding my trike up a hill close to the local high school when I got smacked on the arm with something wet, soggy, and it hurt. Stuff splattered all over my bike and me. I was shocked to find that the kids in the black Jeep had just thrown a sandwich out their window at me. They were laughing as they accelerated away from me. I sat up in my seat and yelled, "Thanks a lot! Nice, really nice!" If I could have, I would have caught up to them...but going uphill on a trike, pretty much impossible.

As I continued on my ride, with the stench of  what smelled like some sort of salad dressing on my arm, I was trying so hard not to be angry, I mean really angry. I don't like being mad on my rides. It's my way of relaxing and enjoying life. I usually get a lot of friendly waves and thumbs up when I ride- never food thrown at me. So, I kept thinking about how I should handle this. Honestly, I wanted to knock some sense into these kids, but I had no idea who they were or where to find them. So, I just had to keep thinking about what is the better way to handle this. I didn't want to ruin my ride by thinking negative thoughts.

I did think, "Forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34), but I believe they knew exactly what they were doing. So, that one did not defuse my frustration or anger about it. I was still just so shocked that someone would be so mean. Then the thought came to me, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Well, I could do that, pray for them...

But as I continue to ponder this incident, I realize that there are some mean people in the world. I don't have to judge them or even knock some sense into them. It is "required to forgive all men. And [I] ought to say in [my] heart-let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds" (D&C 64:10-11). Easier said than done.

As the days have gone by, and my anger has defused, and I have had more time to ponder this incident I realized that, ultimately, I don't want to behave as they did. If I had caught them and clobbered them or even been rude to them, I would have behaved as they did. Rude and mean.  I don't want to be mean-whether on accident or on purpose. So, what I realized from being splattered with sandwich and smelling so lovely (sarcasm) of salad dressing, was that I really want to be able to truly be kind in all circumstances. It is so easily said, and not so easily applied. But, I do believe it is possible to "love your enemies" and "bless them that curse you" and "do good them them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). It just takes a lot of practice. It really is good to be a practicing Christian, because if I weren't then that sandwich would have been a real waste.