The Relief Society is the Women's Organization of the LDS Church. Worldwide, it has about 6 million members and is one of the oldest and largest Women's Organizations in the World. I've been part of this amazing sisterhood for nearly 20 years now; it's a huge part of my life and where most of my dearest relationships are formed. It's not just an educational part of church where the women are taught and instructed in a one hour meeting on Sundays; another primary function of the group is to offer relief to others, just like the title states. So, it was no surprise when Eric was originally diagnosed in 2012, these ladies where immediately on the job! Calling, checking in, stopping by, offering help in many ways... they kept me in great supply of my beloved Diet Cokes, even dropped by cookie dough and treats for the kids. Probably most importantly, by being present... it seemed someone was always there when I needed to cry. They also offered to bring in meals on Fridays through that first Summer. Although I hesitated, (as no one EVER wants to have THEIR name on a clipboard...) but deep down I knew it would be a welcomed relief when the meals were delivered. As soon as I gave the go-ahead... they wasted no time getting organized and the next time they met, they passed around a sign-up sheet on a clipboard with about 12 Fridays laid out on the list.
I wasn't in there that day - as my volunteer assignment had me on the other side of the building with the children - but what I heard both warmed my heart and taught me a lesson I will never forget. My friend Camilla called me later that afternoon and explained to me what had happened. As is customary when announcements are made at the beginning of the meeting, the clipboard and "the plan" to help was announced to the group. The sign-up sheet was then passed around and by the time it got to Camilla's row, all 12 Fridays had been filled. I wish you could hear the cute animation in her darling Brazilian accent as she relayed to me how she reacted to this list being full. She said something like, "I was so mad! I'd been waiting for an opportunity to help and when the clipboard moved about the room I was anxiously waiting for my turn to pick a week. When it got to me, it was filled! I thought to myself - WHAT?!! I have to wait clear until September to feed the Bomsta's?!! No way, I am so mad!!" She continued to tell me that on the way home from church that day she complained to her husband that BECAUSE SHE WAS SITTING IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM she lost her opportunity to help and was mad the days had been grabbed so quickly. Had she known, she'd have sat right in the front!
Lovingly, and perfectly... her husband said to her, "Camilla. Do you think the Bomsta's eat on other days of the week? I'm just thinking out loud here... but maybe you could just call her and offer to bring in a meal on another day. I don't know... like on a Wednesday?"
Oh my word! As she was telling me this whole story, we were both laughing and I could see the whole thing "going down" in my mind. What a fun sight... it not only relieved my worry about being a burden to others, it helped me see how many willing friends were around us... just waiting for a turn to help. I love her sweet husband for pointing out, in such a sweet way... that a whole new level of angelic service is going beyond the clipboard.
Camilla, on the errand of angels, brought us a delicious, authentic Brazilian feast just a few days later...
"When we speak of those who are
instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from
the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with — here,
now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. ... Indeed heaven
never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness
and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to
mind." - Elder Holland, LDS Church Apostle
