- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
Today was the Lorenzo Snow lesson (see Ann’s history post). In our class the lesson took on the idea that living by the first two great commandments could have saved the church in Kirtland, and help in our lives today. This result probably wasn’t what the teacher had in mind, but the class input drove it that way, which I liked. At one point nearing the end an older sister took to the floor with a bold rebuke to the entire ward Relief Society. She began with the words, “You say your a Relief Society, but how many times do you reach out and meet someone new” She continued on for five minutes – I do not exaggerate – explaining that she had been to four separate wards and no one had ever bothered to greet her. That she would be introduced at the beginning of a meeting and be forgotten. She railed on women in our ward who always sit with their friends instead of mingling with other sisters in our ward. She said when she lived back east the wards went out of their way to friend new people and they had women’s meet-ups and events that included everybody.
The teacher, did a fantastic job of thanking the sister and commenting that yes we could work on that, there’s always room for improvement.
The lady that commented quieted down long enough to wrap up the lesson, close the meeting, but the minute Amen was uttered, she continued on for anyone who would listen. I happened to listen. It was remarkable. She really hit some nails dead on. I drove home and thought about how much I do that, how I slip in and out, or stay in my safe zone. I am guessing most people will dismiss it as an old lady rant, but I found some room for improvement in my life because of her boldness.
It was quite a day.
Yes, there’s a lot to think about in that message, especially for those who don’t feel they fit in very well overlooking, and therefore reinforcing, others who don’t feel they fit in very well. Thanks for making me think.
Old-Timer wrote:Yes, there’s a lot to think about in that message, especially for those who don’t feel they fit in very well overlooking, and therefore reinforcing, others who don’t feel they fit in very well.
Thanks for making me think.
A sister in her talk in SM said that if you are lonely reach out to the ward family and they will surround you. This has not been DW’s experience. I believe that this sister is telling the truth from her experience. There are probably many variables that affect why one person is embraced in fellowship while another can feel a cold shoulder.
Sometimes it seems like the core of the ward is pretty insular. Perhaps, that which makes us different also makes us uniquely qualified to reach others that feel that they are different.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.