"I hope my granddaughters will understand that Relief Society today is organized after a pattern of discipleship that existed in the ancient Church. When the Savior organized His Church in New Testament times, “women were vital participants in [His] ministry.” He visited Martha and Mary, two of His most dedicated followers, in Martha’s home. As Martha listened to Him and served Him according to the custom of their time, He helped her see that she could do more than that. He helped Martha and Mary understand that they could choose “that good part,” which would not be taken from them. This gentle comment served as an invitation to participate in the Lord’s ministry. And later in the New Testament, Martha’s strong testimony of the Savior’s divinity gives us some insight into her faith and discipleship. As we read further in the New Testament, we learn that the Apostles continued to establish the Lord’s Church. We also learn about faithful women whose discipleship contributed to the growth of the Church. Paul spoke of female disciples in places such as Ephesus and Philippi. But as the Lord’s Church was lost in apostasy, this pattern of discipleship was also lost."
Sister Beck's address is thought provoking and exciting. although I've been a member of Relief Society and a Visiting Teacher for 30 years, I never likened it unto Mary and Martha being disciples and building the Kingdom. Even though I've written about the lives of Mary and Martha a bit, my eyes are opened to a whole new vista. Visiting teaching is a way to emulate the character of Jesus and be His disciple.
"The Savior taught women in multitudes and as individuals, on the street and by the seashore, at the well and in their homes. He showed loving-kindness toward them and healed them and their family members. In many parables, He told stories of women engaged in ordinary activities. He demonstrated deep familiarity with women’s lives and drew timeless gospel lessons from their everyday experiences. He forgave them. He wept with them. He had compassion on them in their specific circumstances as daughters, wives, homemakers, mothers, and widows. He appreciated them and ennobled them." Daughters in My Kingdom, 3
Certainly, Paul taught us what Charity is in 1 Corinthians 13 but, Jesus subtly taught women how to be charitable. “Charity [means] far more than a feeling of benevolence. Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement” Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, Nov. 2009, 121.
"Every day, Relief Society sisters around the world experience the entire range of mortal challenges and experiences...One of the Lord’s purposes in organizing the sisters into a discipleship was to provide relief that would lift them above all that hinders the joy and progress of woman."
So this thing that I've been doing so casually for 30 years is actually one of my greatest callings. Now that my eyes are fully open, I understand that not only am I here to teach nice lessons and say hello but also to be an instrument for Jesus in building His Kingdom. This is one way I can learn how to be like Him.
