A Caridade Nunca Falha...

Relief Society is the largest Women's Organization in the World!
This past week, women all over the World and on the Island of Fogo, Cabo Verde,
celebrated the 171st Anniversary of  this Society.  

It was so fun for me (and funny at times), to see the first Relief Society meeting re-enacted, we had some readings, a pioneer choir, and they were kind to invite me to speak as well.  It took two tables to hold the refreshments that we all came for!  As I looked into the faces of these women, real pioneers themselves, first time members, many of them the only ones in their families, one nursing without embarassment or blanket, one widow in traditional black, an older man and some children who had wandered in from the street to hear the singing, and some rather amazing tunes amidst the Creole and Portuguese as we sang, "As sisters in Zion."  I looked at young women and mothers, children with wide-eyes and beaded hair for this special celebration...and I saw hope, faith, and charity, at once...and my heart was softened.  

I got up to give my talk, but instead... found myself telling a story of service that makes the words: Charity Never Faileth very real to me.

What a Legacy we have!  The blessing to help each other during our difficult times and to love and laugh with each other in the good times!  This is the heritage we have been given by women of courage who understood what this Society needed to do in the past and what it will need to do in the future. 

Some have laughed at the inbetween times, when we were fortunate enough to make crafts and decor.  But for those on the receiving end of our gatherings, it is profound and I believe we will see it's real power in the days ahead...and we will be grateful to be a part. 

I have seen women crochet leper bandages, quilt quilts, sort clothes, take meals, help with children, and read to those who cannot. They paint toys, plan programs, plant, pray, and provide for the needs of others as well as their own families.  And it is alot.  And they get really tired. Yet they continue on because women understand what it is like to have someone understand.  One day years ago, a beautiful woman brought our family a large bowl of soup...and then she went to the car and brought back a little vase of freshly picked wild flowers..and when she left, I cried.

I am very Thankful for this Society.  Thankful that a Prophet of God understood that a Women's heart will work with or without an organization...but to organize insures that no one need be left out of this kind of love and that we can take turns so no one need feel overwhelmed and lonesome in the giving or the receiving of it. To be organized to receive and give counsel with our Priesthood leaders is indeed a great gift & blessing!

 I think of our Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, and Granddaughters...of the service they give everyday.  I think of my neighbors, my friends, and my visiting teachers, (who still write to me every month)!

And...I love all of YOU...ALOT!