Do you remember 1980?
A quick Google search revealed that in 1980, affluent men were asking each other for Grey Poupon, prime-time television was asking who shot JR, and Luke Skywalker learned the truth about his father.
Also in 1980, the women of the Church were asked in the General Women’s Meeting to consider how the Relief Society could be a resource for single LDS women. The video below is Addie Fuhrimann’s address Singleness: How the Relief Society Can Help.
Though given over 30 years ago, Sister Fuhriman could have presented this talk at the most recent General Conference as the concepts and needs are still relevant today.
[blockquote align=”center” variation=”teal” cite=”Addie Fuhriman”][It] takes faith to plant—and to be planted. All conditions and circumstances in life cannot be controlled—influenced at times, but controlled, no! So the faith to adapt and grow in the places where we are planted or have planted ourselves becomes critical.[/blockquote]
- How do you adapt and grow where you are currently planted?
- Do you agree that faith is critical to this process?
[blockquote align=”center” variation=”teal” cite=”Addie Fuhriman”]I am aware of the struggle it is for one to be hurt, lonely, or in pain, and to have to wonder if there is someone who knows you well enough that he or she will respond to you. But if you assume that part of another’s responding to your needs lies in your willingness to share your ideas, feelings, and values, then faith becomes a blessing that fortifies you in sharing yourself with others. Sharing and responding are the process of sisterhood.[/blockquote]
- How do you respond to this statement? Does it ring true to you?
- What are your experiences with cultivating sisterhood through sharing and responding?
- How can we use these same principles with gender dynamics in the Church?
[blockquote align=”center” variation=”teal” cite=”Addie Fuhriman”]It is incapacitating to wonder if I can ever contribute to a whole, a unit, or help build parts that make the whole better than it is, when I don’t see myself as originating a family or similar unit. But if stake and ward Relief Society presidents will call and include us, and if we have vision and risk ourselves and extend charity, we will find within the boundaries of our present lives a sisterhood, ward, and community that needs, welcomes, and comes to rely upon us for their completeness.[/blockquote]
- Can you empathize or relate to Sister Fuhriman’s concern of whether or not her contribution is needed or enough?
- How can we utilize all members of our wards as a way to achieve completeness?
- What more can the Relief Society do to utilize all the women in all stages of their life?
What were some of your take-aways from this talk?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download