Lesson for September 3, 2017

Today our lesson was given by Andrea Gerber and Emily Campbell as the presidency lesson about "The Strength of Women" and "Humanitarian Aid." Emily is the ward humanitarian aid and stake representative. Our responsibility as sisters, working together, we will get together for a large project to help others in a way that we can't do as individuals. We will meet at the stake center on October 3, from 2-8 p.m. Emily let us hear an excerpt from Sister Burton about those who helped the handcart companies. Such service brings unanimity. What we need to remember is that we need to make covenants and become better people. We become better y serving others. We read Matthew 25:35-36 about when Jesus said I was an hungered and ye gave me bread. The First Presidency wrote a letter about becoming part of the I Was A Stranger project. You can look on the lds.org web site to see what ways you can help. There are 60,000 refugees who live in our state, and our people were refugees as they came into this territory as pioneers, so we understand what it is like to be a refugee. We have an opportunity here with four projects. One is Days for Girls where women around the world, have their periods and have to stop working or gong to school when they have their periods. The project we're working on is a kit made out of felt fabric sewn into washable pads and clean underwear and soap and information to educate women about their menses. We need people. There is also a project to make quilts and teddy bears for children. We're working with Tabitha's Pantry to supply foods. We're trying to help these people simulate into our society. We are looking for donations for things they might need for people who are moving to Utah, such as cleaning supplies, cooking utensils, storage supplies, laundry supplies, personal care items, bicycles, art supplies, and other supplies. These people are like you and me with different experiences. This is our opportunity to love and serve. Emily said they understand that we cannot give everything, but the widow's mite is appropriate example. Andrea wants us to reflect on the power that we have as sisters. In America we are the most liberated women in the world. One of the powers that we have is chastity. Sheri Dew said she was invited to a World forum on women. She was able to speak to these women. She spoke about chastity and abstaining from all sexual relations outside marriage. She explained that she had never had to wonder about an abortion or a sexually transmitted disease or divorce. Women who don't have the gospel model in their lives dont have the assurance in their lives of men who want to be men with responsibility. We have a lot of influence in the family and a lot of power in society. Women can lead out to instigate activities and over our children's minds. Not all men and not all women understand the role of women. We understand that Eve was wise and far-seeing. If we want to change the world, it comes from the home. It is powerful to raise daughters and sons. To bear children is a power. To bear with children is another power. Even if you don't feel that they deserve it , we love them. Women have the power of love and long suffering. Moral authority is based on the gospel. We can back up our understanding of what is right or wrong with scripture and the words of the General Authorities. Temple power and the power of the endowment. We're armed with God's power. Joseph Fielding Smith said that all the blessings given to men are also given to women. We can be given strength beyond our own to face trials. Sheri Dew said that the moment we learn to unleash the full power of women in gospel territory, the landscape of the church will change. We're not just daughters of God, in the church we are women of God.