We sometimes wonder what do we, as sisters, have to offer each other. We are so diversified in age, interests, size of family if any, married, widowed, single or divorced. We may be diversified in some areas, but we can be unified in spirit.

When the prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society, there were l8 women present, three of them young women which is a clear indication that Relief Society is not only for the "older" sisters. They were instructed to "cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together" (Minutes of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, 24 March 1842 as quoted in the March 2000 Ensign, pg. 7l)

When a young woman turns l8 and begins to attend Relief Society she is excited and yet a little nervous. I can remember walking into Relief Society the first time and wondering, "What do I have to offer these sisters? They have so much more experience in life, have greater wisdom, and are on a much higher spiritual level." I worried about who I would sit by and what if I said something stupid.

I soon found that I was accepted for who I was and was amazed at what I could offer. The age barrier was only a problem if I allowed it to be. Some of the older sisters had the funniest sense of humor – something you didn’t get to see when sitting together in Gospel Doctrine classes - and they would have me rolling on the floor with laughter. Homemaking meetings seemed to bring out the "girl" in everyone.

When I look at the young women of the world today – I see great strength. I see young women who have been diligently filling their lamps and have "light" to share. They have tremendous talents to offer in the areas of compassionate service and charity. They understand who they are – daughters of God and can help us remember who we are – daughters of God - united in purpose and devotion to Christ. They understand what it means to Stand as a Witness of Christ at all times, in all things, and in all places. They stand with their feet firmly planted in fresh soil and need each of us to embrace and strengthen their roots.

Sister Hinckley said it so well when she said, "We need each other….those of us who are old need you who are young. And hopefully, you who are young, need some of us who are old". (As Women of Faith, Talks Selected from the BYU 1989 Women’s Conference)

Yes, we need each other. Sister Barbara B. Smith encouraged us to be the "connecting link". The chain can only become longer and stronger as we continually accept each other, combine our strengths, and link arms in our service to the Lord.