BEHOLD THY HANDMAID

I am captivated by the reverence of Mary.  It was the depth of her love for God which governed her life.  She was humble and submissive and willing to give all.  The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and  greeted her by saying, "Hail, thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women."  Mary, in her humility, cannot even comprehend why he is addressing her in that way.  

The angel tells Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God and how this will be accomplished.  Mary, understanding the consequences of this act simply says, "For with God nothing shall be impossible...behold thy handmaid...be it unto me according to thy word."  

It is in the first and second chapters of Luke where we are introduced to Mary and where we learn the simple beauty of her spirit.  I want to exemplify Mary's character.  Her reverence, her solitude, her peace.  One day I will meet her and I will embrace her as the mother of my Savior and the heroin of my soul.

WOMEN OF RELIEF SOCIETY

This is a long weekend and so there were many visitors at church today.  The Relief Society room was packed with sisters.  I was scheduled to give the lesson so I was feeling quite connected to the spirit.  As I waited for the meeting to start, I sat quietly listening to the chatter of women around me.  Women speaking of their children and grandchildren and of their humanitarian projects.  

My mind wandered back to Tuesday of this past week.  I had to attend the Business and Professional Women's luncheon.  Another room full of women but with a completely different spirit.  Here the glitter of painted faces, greeting each other with compliments of outward appearance - "I love your jacket", "What a beautiful necklace".  These are women connected for networking purposes.  Furthering their personal agendas.

In contrast the LDS organization of women called Relief Society carries a motto - Charity Never Faileth.

The spirit in the room on this Sunday was peaceful and touching.  There were angels among us and they were felt.  This was a wonderful thing as I stepped to the podium to share the lesson I had prepared.  The topic today was on fasting.

I learned so much in my preparation the greatest of which is a quote from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin - "Fasting and prayer can help develop within us courage and confidence.  It can strengthen our character and build self-restraint and discipline.  Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power.  Testimonies grow.  We mature spiritually and emotionally and sanctify our souls.  Each time we fast, we gain a little more control over our worldly appetites and passions." 

If this is the reward for a sincere fast then I would choose to be anxiously engaged.