Last Saturday evening Anna and I got to attend a special Women's Meeting. This meeting is usually held in the spring (for 12-18 year old girls - the Young Women) and the fall (for women 18 and up - the Relief Society). But, this time . . . for the very first time . . . all girls and women ages 8 and up were invited to gather together to listen to inspiring talks, music, and message from leaders from our church.
It was a historic evening and I'm so glad that Anna and I could share it together!
There were so many inspiring messages that reminded me once again how powerful this sisterhood of faith-filled, believing, giving, serving, and compassionate women can be.
We have power in our homes. To shape and build and strengthen our families.
We have power in our communities. To influence and uphold and be standard bearers.
We have power in our sisterhood. To serve and lift and love one another.
I especially loved the reminder that we, as women, need each other. We're not as different as we think. And we shouldn't let age or circumstance keep us from loving or serving each other. I definitely agree with this -- especially as I look back on my week and think of the opportunities that I have had in interacting with or helping women from age 19 to 91. These relationships are so important.
One of my favorite parts of the meeting was the following video.
Two themes stood out to me: the temple as a continuous backdrop to her life's story. And the repeated image of hands. Those two things alone say so much.
At the close I thought "This is it." This is every good thing we could ever hope for in this life. And in that moment I pictured in my mind and hoped & prayed deep down in my heart that this would be the life that my daughter would choose for herself. A life that is close to the temple, making and keeping covenants, being a disciple of Christ, finding joy in the gospel, happiness in marriage, seeing beauty in life, and building a family with a heart full of love and service towards others.
I am grateful to be a woman and a mother and I'm grateful for inspired leaders who do nothing but support us. I feel appreciated and lifted up every time I listen to them speak.
We are getting ready to listen to a living prophet and other inspired leaders at the 184th Annual General Conference of the church. It is always such an exciting time! The messages they share are always so on point with what we are facing today and I know that when I go into it with an open/prepared heart and mind I am sure to find answers, peace, and the keys to happiness. I would be thrilled if you joined me too! You can watch it HERE.
