I Was A Stranger

Charlie and I were reading our nightly General Conference talk last night, and I kept thinking how well it relates to our Stake Humanitarian efforts. We were reading the talk from April 2016 conference "I Was a Stranger" by Linda K. Burton, about how we can serve in our communities, especially helping refugees.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the talk: (I underlined my favorite parts!)

On the day Relief Society was organized, Emma Smith declared: “We are going to do something extraordinary. … We expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom has taught, “The divine nature within us ignites our desire to reach out to others and prompts us to act.”9

Recognizing our divine nature, President Russell M. Nelson urged:

“We need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world … ; women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families. …

“… Married or single, you sisters possess distinctive capabilities and special intuition you have received as gifts from God. We brethren cannot duplicate your unique influence.”10

The Savior lovingly acknowledged the widow whose contribution was only two mites because she did what she could.17 He also told the parable of the good Samaritan, which He concluded saying, “Go, and do thou likewise.”18 Sometimes reaching out is inconvenient. But when we work together in love and unity, we can expect heaven’s help.

At the funeral services for a remarkable daughter of God, someone shared that this sister, as stake Relief Society president, worked with others in her stake to contribute quilts to give warmth to suffering people in Kosovo during the 1990s. And like the good Samaritan, she went out of her way to do more as she and her daughter drove a truck filled with those quilts from London to Kosovo. On her journey home she received an unmistakable spiritual impression that sank deep into her heart. The impression was this: “What you have done is a very good thing. Now go home, walk across the street, and serve your neighbor!”19

President Henry B. Eyring bore this powerful testimony to the women of the Church:

“Heavenly Father hears and answers your prayers of faith for guidance and for help to endure in your service for Him.

“The Holy Ghost is sent to you and to those you care for. You will be strengthened and yet inspired to know the limits and extent of your ability to serve. The Spirit will comfort you when you may wonder, ‘Did I do enough?’”20

As we consider the “pressing calls” of those who need our help, let’s ask ourselves, “What if their story were my story?” May we then seek inspiration, act on impressions we receive, and reach out in unity to help those in need as we are able and inspired to do so. Perhaps then it might be said of us, as the Savior said of a loving sister who ministered to Him: “She hath wrought a good work. … She hath done what she could.”21 I call that extraordinary!

Back to Juli: What a great talk! Whether you come to our Stake Humanitarian projects to quilt and sew, serve your neighbor, or do something with the "I Was a Stranger" initiative, the Lord will help strengthen you, comfort you, and make your efforts something extraordinary.