Relief Society

Lakewood Sisters,

Message from President Nichol Dowell

Dear Lakewood Sisters,

I was in Utah last week visiting my kids. All 4 of my adult kids live in Utah and not even near each other, so I regularly have the chance to drive up and down the 1-15 corridor. Utah drivers are a conglomerate of drivers from all over the United States so it makes sense that driving there is a little tricky, but the one thing all Utah drivers seem to have in common is that they do not use the far left lane as a passing lane. They just occupy that lane as any other lane. One morning I was rushing a bit to get to my daughters house to help her before I was to head back home and I could not get around 4 trucks that were going equal speed in all 4 lanes of the 1-15. It was crazy. Traffic slowed behind them and it was steady that way for several painful minutes and then one of them dropped back just a bit and just for a few seconds, but long enough for me to squeeze in front of the other truck and then drive on a luxuriously empty freeway in front of the 4 trucks that were holding everyone else hostage. I looked back in my rearview mirror to see if they would free traffic, but they did not. I wish I could have taken a picture for you to see the spectacle, but I wanted to obey traffic laws and didn’t feel it was safe. I have been thinking about those trucks all week. Sisters, we are carrying a tremendous load… like each of those big trucks. In doing so, we each build strength and confidence. We are empowered with decisions about how to use that strength and power every day. Do we use it for our own power, or do accomplish the will of the Lord. Sometimes I do have to ask myself… “am I aiding to move traffic toward Him, or am I causing others to be stuck behind me as I use my power and opportunity as I see fit?” If I am roadblocking, my spouse, my children, or the sisters or community around me, is there someone who is trying to tell me? Am I letting pride be the driver, or the Lord?

I loved learning about Joseph from Genesis 42-50 as a type of Christ. He had been put away by His brothers. His humble time removed from his family was a fruitful time as he learned to listen to the Lord, utilize his strengths for the benefit of others and eventually remove his pride, offer forgiveness and be united with his family again. When his brother Reuben, who had been a part of selling Joseph into slavery approached Joseph with somber remorse, Joseph responded “Fear not: for am I in the place of God?” He no longer blamed his brothers for his situation, but saw that it was where he must be to serve the Lord and ultimately deliver his own family.

Sisters, as we barrel through with great understanding and power, let us not roadblock the progress of those around us. We can understand our power and how to use it by learning in the temple. We can assist access for our families and other sisters in the fast lane, when we put down selfish desires and appetites to look impressive and serve the Lord, often quietly and slowly with no fanfare. When lanes are open to change, improve, repent and heal in church and in His holy house, the flow of traffic can accommodate travelers of every speed. The Lord doesn’t care about the speed of our progress as much as he cares about us helping others along the path towards Him. Thank you for ministering and loving your sisters so beautifully. You inspire us in the way you make room for all kinds of travelers. We would love to receive a selfie of you and the sisters you minister to. Please text one to someone in the presidency.

All our love,

Sister Nichol Dowell

Announcements At A Glance

Weekly Join President Nichol Dowell in the temple. Updates for day and time are posted by Nichol in the Facebook group each week plus a few listed here below
Tuesdays weekly 7pm Scripture class in the Relief Society room with the missionaries
Thursday self reilance class will resume June 4th
April 25-26 Tempe West Stake conference
April 28 5pm-7pm Craft Club with Lisa Taylor
May 7 7pm Mask and Mingle Game night RS activity
May 10 Mother's Day Brunch during Relief Society
June 19 7/7:30pm Temple initiatory invitation with foothills (they are going 6:30/7:00 )