The Invitation...

October 6, 2018

     Today in Women's Conference, President Russell M. Nelson gave us an invitation. It is this:

My dear sisters, we need you! We ‘need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices,’” said President Nelson. “We simply cannot gather Israel without you.”

Building on his invitation to youth to participate in “the greatest work on earth today” to “help gather Israel on both sides of the veil” the prophet called on the women of the Church to join the cause.

“Women shape the future,” he said. He invited them to help shape the gathering of Israel by doing four things:

1. Participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other negative or impure media. President Nelson encouraged women to notice how the fast affects their priorities and then to record and act on spiritual impressions they receive.
    
2. Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year. President Nelson suggested that as they read, they mark each verse that refers to the Savior and talk about Him with friends and family.
    
3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. Time in the temple can lead to greater understanding about how to draw upon God’s priesthood power, President Nelson said.
    
4. Participate fully in Relief Society. He added that studying the Relief Society purpose statement and the Relief Society declaration can help women understand who they are and who the Lord needs them to be.

As I listened to this challenge, I felt an energy begin to swell within my soul.  A week and a half ago I was prompted to go through the groups I follow on facebook and delete some.  They were positive groups, ones that supported callings or talked of Christ.  But, I was prompted to delete them.   I realized that they were distracting me from what was most important, my family, my life.

I distinctly heard the inspiration that I need to Look to the Lord in every thought, and that He would tell me all I needed to know.  It was amazing how that lifted "a load I didn't realize I was carrying".

As President Nelson extended the invitation, many thoughts filled my mind.  I remember when I did the challenge with the youth in June, having a 7 day fast from social media.  That was awakening and humbling to me.  I realized that every time I picked up my phone, I opened Safari and went to facebook.  It was a habit that I didn't realize I had.  I didn't have the facebook app, but that didn't stop me from going there almost subconsciously.

This time, I deleted apps and moved my safari to a page I had to swipe too.  It has been better this time around.  Instead of having my phone by me, I have kept my Book of Mormon near.  The difference is tangible.  I am more focused, more aware of those around me.

And that is just the beginning of what I have experienced, and I have only been doing it  a few days.  I am grateful for this invitation and the opportunity to become a better me.