Our Thoughts on Sisterhood
See what people have to say about this topic below. (If you would like to share your thoughts on this topic, please include them in the comment section. You can include your favorite scripture or quote along with your thoughts. Comments are moderated, so they will not appear immediately.)
I was recently asked to speak on a topic in my church that, admittedly, I struggled with. “Sisterhood”. But, not just Sisterhood, it was Sisterhood that is passed on from generation to generation.
Sadly, others are speaking on how Sisterhood uplifts and inspires us, Sisterhood in the scriptures and pioneers, and how Relief Society has blessed their lives. My “Sisterhood” topic has left me feeling very void.
I didn’t come from a family that had the gospel in their home. My mother wasn’t active in the church. The only person that touched my life with the gospel was my Grandmother.
I do not have any daughters to pass the gospel on to, but only sons. Does anyone believe that Sisterhood ends with Sisters alone? Or is it something greater than that? I will never have the opportunity to have more children and my sons are the legacy that I leave. How do I talk about passing on Sisterhood from generation to generation if it’s something I won’t be able to do? Or, can I? Will one day my sons look back and see that I as their mother, fullfilled the role of Sisterhood,by taking meals to families in the ward when mothers were ill. Cleaned their homes, washed their clothes, Did their gardening, watched their children?
These are things I see Sisters doing every day. Not because they are asked to, or have to. Because they want to. Am I passing on a “message” of Sisterhood to them? I hope that it allows them to see that they need to let their hearts be softened. Be greatful for all the service given when it is provided. Love all those around you. Pray for those who need help, and help those you see struggle. Respect the woman in your life that struggles to to good for others, when her own burdens are so heavy she can barely stand to carry them.
I searched everywhere for stories of the gospel blessing peoples lives and how from one generation to the next it had been passed down. But, I was unsuccessful. Has this happened to anyone?
Does anyone else have the same worries I do, or maybe they are hopes.
abryson
March 4, 2009
(Just so you know, this is an older version of our site. You can find more updated material at mormonwoman.org)
But here are a couple of thoughts, for what it’s worth.
-My mother-in-law is probably one of the most influential women in my life. I feel her service, example, testimony and life definitely will pass on through generations, even though I am not her blood daughter. You can have much potential for influence on generations to come as your sons marry (thus bringing daughters into your life), and bring the next generation of children into the gospel. Some of this influence will just take time to unfold. I watch the sisterhood developing now between my daughters and my mother-in-law. It’s all powerful. Sisterhood in extended family can be something so marvelous…even if you didn’t have that growing up, you can create a legacy that can last for generations.
- You can affect generations going the other direction by doing work for your sisters (in and out of your family) in the temple, be it through baptisms or through endowments and sealings. Generations are blessed through temple work, and sisterhood of a different type can be extended in the temple. (If your children are grown, have you considered working in the temple?)
-Generations are affected through our service as sisters, even outside of our own family circles. As you serve neighbors, friends (in and out of the Church), as well as in callings, you will be helping current and future generations, even if you won’t see the affects directly. I can think of many people who, through their service, strengthen me so that I can do more to bless my family. Our lives are all so interconnected!
And lastly, no service offered goes unnoticed by God, and I believe He blesses us and our posterity for our efforts to stay on the path and to serve Him. As Elder Holland recently said in Conference: “I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He “would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.” And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to “search diligently, pray always, and be believing[. Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.”
Take heart, dear sister. I don’t know how it all works, but I do believe that the Lord can and will multiply our efforts, and that we simply never know how our faith and service can and will bless others.
Another scripture comes to mind: “Be not weary in well-doing , for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” Doctrine and Covenants 64:33
And know that even though we don’t know you personally, one reason we created this site is because we care about our sisters. Hang in there. Keep up your good work, and trust that the Lord knows your heart and will bless you and your family for your faith…and you can bless other families, other ‘generations,’ as well.
And maybe this isn’t the kind of answer you are looking for. If not, I am sorry, but know that I do genuinely care and hope you can find some peace in your struggles and questions as you pray and search for answers.
mormonwomen
March 6, 2009