Sister Aburto Tells Relief Society Women “We Are in This Together”
Contributed By Jason Swensen, Church News staff writer
Sister Reyna I. Aburto gathers with Relief Society women prior to a November 19, 2017, devotional for Spanish-language units from Utah County.
Article Highlights
- Each sister in the Relief Society has something unique to offer.
- Relief Society is an opportunity to strengthen both ourselves and others.
“We are the Relief Society—seven days a week, 24 hours a day.” —Reyna I. Aburto of the Relief Society General Presidency
Related Links
OREM, UTAH
Relief Society is not a weekly Sabbath day class—it’s a divinely appointed, ancient institution that functions at all times and in all places.
“We are the Relief Society—seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” said Sister Reyna I. Aburto, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency.
Sister Aburto spoke Sunday, November 19, at a Spanish-language devotional attended by hundreds of women (and a notable number of men) from 21 Spanish-language wards in Utah County.
Enjoy the rich diversity found in the many units consisting largely of Latter-day Saints from many Latin American countries, she said. But also celebrate the unity that comes from shared testimonies and shared devotion to the gospel and Church service.
“It is important to know that we are different, but we are all beautiful,” she said. “We have great potential.”
And don’t fall into the trap of comparing one’s self to others, she added. Every Relief Society sister possesses a capacity to do great things.
Sister Aburto admitted to being a bit surprised when she was called to the Relief Society General Presidency last April. Her many duties in that calling can be overwhelming—so she focuses on completing one task at a time.
“Please don’t worry, just do the best you can,” she said. “When you are patient and do one thing at a time, you can see miracles.”
Find joy in observing the Sabbath day and renewing sacred covenants each week by partaking of the sacrament. The Lord promises to be with those who follow His commandments.
The Nicaraguan native said being an immigrant in a new country can be challenging. But the Lord will share His tender mercies with all who are faithful to His gospel.
Sister Aburto quoted President Thomas S. Monson’s prophetic promise to all who prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day:
“As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives” (“The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Apr. 2017 general conference).
The Relief Society leader spoke of her recent trip to Mexico to visit with people impacted by recent earthquakes (see related story). During a visit to a town that had been heavily damaged, she noticed a tiny, simple home that had withstood the rumblings. The modest abode survived the shaking because of a reinforced interior column that provided remarkable strength.
So it is in the lives of all who find their strength in the gospel. As taught in Helaman 5:12, Jesus Christ offers His followers “a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”
Strengthen others—and realize personal strength through Relief Society, an institution that has existed since ancient times.
Sister Aburto counseled the women to nurture those making the transition from Young Women to Relief Society.
“I feel bad for young women that are turning 18 and feel like Relief Society is a punishment. … Young women need to know we need them in Relief Society. They can help us in so many ways. Each one of us needs help.
“Sisters, we are in this together,” she said.
She concluded her devotional remarks by inviting the audience to remember the blessings that await them, as promised by King Benjamin in Mosiah 2:41: “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.”
Sister Reyna I. Aburto, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, exchanges hugs with women who attended the November 19, 2017, Relief Society devotional in Orem, Utah.
Sister Reyna I. Aburto, center, poses for a photo with women who attended the November 19, 2017, Relief Society devotional in Orem, Utah.
