Refugees need the help of Latter-day Saint women in order to find further meaning in life according to Sister Cheryl A. Esplin.
Speaking during the General Women’s Session of the 186th Annual General Conference, Sister Esplin addressed the topic, “He Asks Us to Be His Hands.”
“True Christlike service is selfless and focuses on others,” she said.
Sister Esplin, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focused her remarks on the divine nature that is found within each individual, as the first speaker at the Women’s Session of LDS General Conference.
She encouraged women of the church to follow Christ’s example of love.
Sister Esplin quoted President Thomas S. Monson, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who also encouraged women to follow the admonition of love. “‘I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and . . . lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish — and in effect save their lives.'”
She also referenced an experience shared by Sister Sondra D. Heaston during a BYU devotional. She recounted Sister Heaston calling up a young woman and having her look at herself in a mirror while they tried to have a conversation. She explained that the conversation was not heartfelt.
The young woman became her focal point when the mirror was replaced with a window. She said that true service requires that women focus on the needs of someone else in need.
Sister Esplin also reminded women of the LDS Church that last year children around the world were invited to perform acts of service and “be the Lord’s hand.”
“When children learn how to love and serve others when they are young, they set a pattern of service for the rest of their lives,” she said.
As young children, the church teaches youth to “reach out in love and service in even the smallest ways,” Esplin said.
“Sometimes, however, because of the countless people all about us who need help and relief from burdens, it can be difficult to meet the many pressing needs.
“Sisters, some of you listening may feel stretched to capacity ministering to the needs of family members. Remember, in those routine and often mundane tasks, you are ‘in the service of your God.'”
When faced with opposition to serve, Sister Esplin reminded women to pray and ask the Lord in order to feel that all things are possible.
Sister Esplin testified in closing, that as one turns to God and serves others, each will feel the “Lord’s love for that person” and for oneself.
