The transformation from a Young Woman to a Relief Society sister

by Erin Zane ZAN04001@BYUI.EDU Religion Asst. Editor

One might think the entire Laurels class in Young Women’s was dying when they heard the moaning from inside the room. No, no deaths here. Just the thought of having to go to Relief Society-- a place where lessons were boring, quilts were sewn, and disgusting casseroles were made for everything!

Unfortunately, that is a realistic representation of how young women view Relief Society.

However, the “repulsive” organization somehow works magic on young women after being a part of the program for a very short time.

Megan Johnstun, a freshman from Rexburg, admits the transition from Young Women’s to Relief Society was awkward for her. She’d always viewed Relief Society as an organization that was wonderful for older women, but had no meaning in her life. Even after coming to college, she perceived Relief Society as an organization for beautiful, mature girls helping each other.

“I thought it was cool, and really, really weird, but then I got into it and it was cool,” Johnstun said.

The changing point for her was when she received her calling as the second counselor in her Relief Society.

As she was set apart, she felt a huge change in herself. She said instantly a feeling of love for every sister in her Relief Society came into her heart. Johnstun knows that feeling came from the Lord to help her.

Emily Finlayson, a freshman from Rancho Santa Margarita, Cali., is also a greenie in the Relief Society world. She is the visiting teaching supervisor in her ward, and knows from personal experience the time and thought that goes into putting companionships together.

“This it a really inspired program, just trying to figure out who to put with who,” Finlayson said. “[Companionships] are put with each other for a reason. You are there to help and lift someone, and they lift you as well.”

As young women step into Relief Society, perhaps the most significant thing to learn about is the name. That two word phrase encompass the entire purpose of the organization.

“We don’t think about the name, ‘Relief Society’ that much, but [the organization is] there for us to relieve each other of our burdens... It’s important for us to know now, that Relief Society is exactly what we revolve around,” Johnstun said. “We revolve around relieving each other and serving each other.”