This is where Latter-day Saint women meet and discuss all sorts of secrets. Once a month the Relief Society meets for Enrichment — a continuation of the secret meetings.

Men and children alike are aware of these meetings, strictly off limits to them, of course, and wonder what goes on behind those closed doors. Their curiosity is only spiked when the doors open 15 minutes after church is supposed to be over, and the majority of the women are crying or trying to hold back tears.

In truth, the secrets of Relief Society cannot be told. Not because of the secret society rules of silence, but because they must be felt.

Last week in Relief Society I had one of the best lessons I have ever had. The lesson consisted of two sisters each telling a personal story about forgiveness. Each story hit me deeply, and I knew I wasn’t the only one affected. Many girls had tears dripping down their cheeks. All looked touched and deep in thought.

Both sisters had shared a part of their life that was emotionally and physically hard. That is the beauty of Relief Society. It is one of the few places women can gather together and share hard things. They are accepted, loved and understood. 

Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society general president, related this following story in her talk entitled “How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?”

“She [her mother] carried a heavy load. Her marriage was difficult, and I now know that she was discouraged at times, but I didn’t know it then. I didn’t realize until later that the sisters in our ward were her strength. … She loved her friends there. I never thought of them as the ladies of Relief Society; they were simply Mom’s sisters. They cared about her and loved her. She had all brothers and all sons. She found the sisters she wanted and needed in our ward. I know she shared her feelings with them — feelings she couldn’t express anywhere else,” Parkin said.

I can remember this same scene with my own mother. She has spent a lot of time on her knees pleading with the Lord on behalf of her children.

When my family gathers together on Sunday nights for a special family prayer, my mom is always says it. She spends a couple minutes on each child, telling us how much we are loved and appreciated, begging for help in making us a better and closer family.

While we groan at the prospect of another marathon prayer from mom, she is instilling in us how much she loves us and the importance of prayer in her life and in our life as a family.

Unless you have been there in Relief Society, felt the overwhelming spirit and shed your own tears, you can’t understand what happens when those doors close.

Hopefully the next time you see teary-eyed women emerging from Relief Society, holding tablecloths, flowers and ornate handouts, you will have some idea of what went on behind the doors.