Reaching Out

Good morning sisters,

I hope you have had a chance to study and reflect today. The stories of the sons of Mosiah are just awesome(especially if you have primary kids because what youngster doesn't get excited about Ammon chopping off arms?)

There are so many lessons to learn from these chapters in the Book of Mormon. Two of my favorite are these - we can do hard things when we have the Lord with us; and We can do nothing unless we do it with love and charity.

These young men went in to a land of bloodthirsty people who hated them because of their race/heritage. They knew they could be killed onsite but they believed the Lord would protect them as they served Him. They were not great missionaries because they were born natural speakers or leaders. They became great as they trusted and moved forward in faith. As they made the effort, the Lord guided and made them into the men He wanted them to be.

It works exactly the same with us. We are expected to do hard things, things we feel unprepared for. When we step into the dark, the Lord brings His light and makes us capable and we are strengthened and we become more than we can be without Him. This I testify of wholeheartedly.

Do not shy away from challenges.

When the sons of Mosiah went into the land of the Lamanites, they were instructed to go forth with compassion, patience and long-suffering. They did not go there to reprimand or argue. They went as servants. They humbled them selves and showed respect and love for those they taught.

Charity is the pure love of Christ. It is not just doing things for someone. It is serving with love and compassion and sincere concern for their well-being. We are His hands. They are His children. There is no good excuse for failing to make an effort.

We can become more than we are by doing, serving and trusting in our Savior. The atonement provides this.

Yes, I am going to make this about ministering. I hear people complain about ministering but I will not stop talking about it because it is my primary responsibility and it is the primary way you will come to understand your purpose and build a stronger relationship with the Savior. I never understood this before I received this calling. It is a majorly important work. It is really the main work we, as sisters, have to perform. I cannot minister effectively to all the 400 or so sisters in our ward without you. I need you to help.

Please reach out to the sisters you have a stewardship over. Find them and keep an eye on them and let them know God loves them. Then report back and let us know how they are and what they need.

Love, respect and faith to trust the Lord as you do hard things in His name will bring blessings to your efforts in all you do.

I love you and the Lord loves you. I hope to see you soon.