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“Extraordinary occasions and pressing calls” Part 2 – The Work of Women in Our Time

Introduction

I recently wrote about Pioneer Women and their work then. Now, I’d love to talk about our work now. There are many stories of faithful women who do incredible things in our times. Remember that Emma Smith said in the first Female Relief Society, “we expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.” Every day women of Faith has some of those stories. Stories of faithful women and men can be found at global histories. This website tells the stories of the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world.

Laying a Spiritual Foundation for Women

The reality is that women have always been called on to be part of the work of God. Recently, I was working with a student who just didn’t understand her opportunities as a woman. So, I had her start with talks from President Nelson and President Kimball –

These talks lay a foundation and vision for righteous women. To take hold of our own spiritual gifts and assignments and to accomplish great things with the Lord.

An AMAZING Work and The Problem with Comparison

For many of us, though, we don’t act because of comparison. When I was a young mom, I was overwhelmed by a sister. Eliza Dushku had served in Bulgaria a few years before I had. She started a nonprofit called One Heart Bulgaria Non-Profit. Seeing the orphanage problems in Eastern Europe in the 1990s, she decided to go into those centers and help.

I remember going to those orphanages. The children sat in their cribs for hours in their own filth. I’m sure that the programs were underfunded and overwhelmed by needs. But Eliza saw the need and specifically chose Babas or grandmothers who would have time to hold the children. She knew that our money in the US would go further there. For example, the salary of the part-time baba is $100-130 monthly.

As usual though, I turned it to me – why hadn’t I thought of that? Why wasn’t I running a non-profit? Why was I so overwhelmed with life and unable to do … (fill-in the blank)?

Fortunately, the thought that came was simple and kind, Laryssa, that is not what you were called to do. I don’t need hundreds of Eliza Dushku programs, I just need hers. I have plenty of other needs that your specific talents and circumstances can meet.

I’m still in awe of Eliza. I have donated to her program when I can. But I am calm knowing that I have my own work to do. And so do you. The truth is that none of us will be able to fill our purpose here without the help of Heaven.

Finding Our Work

This quote was shared with me when I was in High School. It was first given when I was born, and reaffirmed by President Nelson, Overcome the World and Find Rest, Oct. 22.

Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life.”

(President Ezra Taft Benson, Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations, BYU Speeches, Dec. 10, 1974).

That quote made such a difference to me as I searched out what to do in my young adult years. Each time I would finish one activity, I’d go back to the Lord and counsel with Him about the next thing to do.

I believe all of us can unlock our potential by finding and embracing our spiritual gifts. I will write more about that in a separate post. 🤣 Writing about it was making this one pretty long!

The Power of Councils

One thing that has always been impressive to me is when ordinary people work together in generous and effective ways. For example, there is an account of this kind of work in an April 2009 talk. In This is Your Phone Call! Bishop Richard C. Edgely talks about an Elder’s Quorum who counseled together about a brother in their ward who needed a job. Within a short time, Phil’s Auto was created with help from all the members of the group.

In our wards we’ve been asked to have a time for counsel, and the ward I’m in faithfully does that in Relief Society. We talk about how we have been able to deal with various problems and issues. I think that time is very sacred because we can gain some ideas and perspective from others in our similar circumstances.

Another amazing group of women that I am in has a text group. We used to be a ward but our boundaries have changed. Since we’re in the same neighborhood though, we have continued to use the chat. In it, people are constantly posting things like “I’m getting rid of this ____ (fill in the blank), any one want it?” or “Does anyone have any recommendations for a plumber?”, “Does anyone have two eggs that I can borrow?” etc. (That last one is particularly helpful on a Sunday when you don’t want to go to the store, but forgot something for a recipe. 😁)

To show you what I’m talking about, here are a couple of examples with personal info redacted.

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I think this is an example of what Zion has the power to become. A place in which there is unity, righteousness, and charity. Kindness, help, love. Neighbors looking out for each other.

Several years ago, in my mother-in-law’s neighborhood, someone had made a little farmer’s market stand. It was for excess fruits and vegetables that the neighbors grew. That way they could share them with each other.

I was in another stake in which they had a “Zion’s Market”. On a Saturday, anyone who wanted to would bring items that they were done with (clothes that didn’t fit, decor that they were tired of, dishes that they didn’t need anymore, etc.) to the building. Then everyone could walk around and take whatever they needed.

Our current Stake has done somethings similar to that a few times with the Young Women. They’ve hosted a giant clothes swap. SO helpful for growing girls who just need something new.

I am edified by the things that good people have the power to do to bless the lives of others. I’m sure that with the Lord’s help more creative ideas will flow. Ordinary people, working with God have the power to do extraordinary things!

Other Examples of Amazing Women

So to end this post, I will share examples of Modern-day women that I think embody Emma’s idea of “Extraordinary occasions and pressing calls”.

In Closing

Years ago, Relief Society sister, Emmaline B. Wells was asked to help with a project to gather wheat. She didn’t know what she could possibly do because she didn’t farm, or have money. But she was prompted that she could write. So she wrote an article, asking the Relief Society Sisters to help in the gathering of wheat. 🌾 This effort became the beginning of the Church’s Welfare program.

Sister Dushku found her calling. I know mine. What about you? What cool experiences have you had? What have you been involved in? Or noticed that others have done? I know that with the help of God, you will be able to answer the needs. You will help with extraordinary occasions and pressing calls in our day.

Other Articles in this Series

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What do you think? I’d love to hear your ideas.