Please see a member of the Relief Society Presidency if you have not received your copy of this important book. You can read it online or download the book by clicking here. Sister Chris gave a wonderful lesson about the importance of this manual in Relief Society Today so we thought we would share those words here for everyone to read.
"It will unify and align a worldwide sisterhood with the purposes of Relief Society and the patterns and privileges of disciples. It is a witness of women's essential roles in our Father's plan of happiness, and it provides an immovable standard of what we believe, what we do and what we will defend"
"This book can teach Latter-day Saint women who they are and of their importance to the Lord." - Sister Julie B. Beck
There are many important themes that surface throughout the book. These themes teach about identity and purpose. Some of the themes are:
- Relief Society strengthens and supports women in their identity as daughters of God.
- Relief Society is a restoration of an ancient pattern of discipleship
- Relief Society, when it functions properly, is a manifestation of charity.
- The history of Relief Society is a history of noble, faithful women.
- Through Relief Society, women learn about and are strengthened by an inseparable connection with the priesthood.
- Relief Society is a way of life, not just a Sunday class. It is the way that the Lord organizes His daughters into a discipleship.
- Relief Society is a place of influence, a worldwide sisterhood. It is not a place filled with old ladies and knitting and cliches. It is where we can, together, have a greater influence than doing things alone.
- History confirms that members of the Relief Society have always cared about significant issues. Relief Society sisters have been thought of as "sweet but uninformed." The Lord has always expected His daughters to lead and influence for good, to make significant contributions to home and family and their communities, and to further His work.
- The Lord values the contributions of women. If any woman in the Church feels that she does not measure up to what is expected of her this book will help her remember that righteous offerings are acceptable to God. Busyness and competition are not the same as consecration and our best efforts.
- Relief Society provides a way for women to fulfill the Lord's plan. The world teaches women that everything is about them. Through Relief Society we learn the Lord has expectations and responsibilities that are eternal and not negotiable.
- Women have played an important part in His Church from the beginning. The history of the Church is filled with powerful stories about women. The Lord has always valued women.
A lot of thought and detail went into this book. The Church wanted this book to be something that was special and unique for the sisters and something that would help them realize how special and unique they are. To accomplish this, several design elements were implemented:
- The corners of the book are rounded
- There is a lot of color throughout the book (see page 105)
- The books is the same height as the international scriptures.
- The book stays open when it is laid flat, making it easier to read.
"This great circle of sisters will be a protection for each of you and for your families. The Relief Society might be likened to a refuge—the place of safety and protection—the sanctuary of ancient times. You will be safe within it. It encircles each sister like a protecting wall." - Boyd K. Packer
In 1980, President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Donna, visited a Relief Society in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia). He later recalled:
“It was not easy to obtain visas, and we used great care so as not to jeopardize the safety and well-being of our members, who for generations had struggled to keep their faith alive under conditions of unspeakable oppression.
“The most memorable meeting was held in an upper room. The blinds were drawn. Even at night, those attending came at different times, one from one direction and one from another, so as to not call attention to themselves.
“There were in attendance 12 sisters. We sang the hymns of Zion from songbooks—words without music—printed more than 50 years before. [A lesson] was reverently given from the pages of a handmade manual. …
“I told those sisters that they belonged to the largest and by all measure the greatest women’s organization on earth. I quoted the Prophet Joseph Smith when he and the Brethren organized the Relief Society. …
“The Spirit was there. The lovely sister who had conducted with gentility and reverence wept openly.
“I told them that upon our return I was assigned to speak at a Relief Society conference; could I deliver a message from them? Several of them made notes; each expression, every one, was in the spirit of giving—not of asking for anything. I shall never forget what one sister wrote: ‘A small circle of sisters send their own hearts and thoughts to all the sisters and begs the Lord to help us go forward.’
“Those words, circle of sisters, inspired me. I could see them standing in a circle that reached beyond that room and circled the world.”
Recalling that meeting, President Packer said, “I stood, for a moment, in that circle and felt the impulses of faith and courage and love coming and going on either side.”
In the book the Relief Society is likened to a fabric of lace spread across the continents. The tighter the threads in a fabric are woven together, the stronger the fabric becomes. It is the same with women in the church. The more we work together the stronger we become.
Fabric is something that is international. No matter where you are you wear some kind of clothing or you have some textiles in your home. A fabric/texture design element is featured on each chapter headiing page.
Nicole Erickson, a Church employee who helped with the manual, said that working on the project changed the way she views herself. "I always knew I was a daughter of Heavenly Father, but I didn't really realize what that meant. I know now after working on this book that He will take care of me no matter what." Nicole also said that she sees other women differently now. "I see them as strong daughters of God with great power and potential to do great things on this earth."
Relief Society, she said, "is a group of women who are organized or come together wherever they may be to help those around them, to help themselves better understand the gospel and to better themselves so they can help their families and their communities."
More than 98.5 percent of Relief Society sisters will have a copy of Daughters in My Kingdom in their own language by January 2012. Sister Beck said this book is not a manual or a course of study. It is a personal and family resource for us to have in our homes. She said "it is expected of you that you read it . . .you will know how to use it once you have read it."
Sister Beck said that we all face challenges and have many questions - for example - "How do I soften my heart so my anger goes away? How do I manage helping my children reach their spiritual potential while I am just trying to get by? "
Sister Beck said that no matter the question, answers will come with the help of studying the scriptures and this new book. Through these two resources sisters are able to strengthen their own faith as well as the faith of those around them. "You are doing better than you think you are, but we can be better."
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