“Harmony is Being Different, Together” was the theme for the Women’s Conference of the Mesquite NV East and West Stake on April 29th. Kathryn Burrows, 1st Counselor in the West Stake Relief Society Stake Presidency, introduced the theme and defined harmony as the pleasing arrangement of parts; the weaving of different parts into a single narrative. We are all daughters of God. We each recognize the joy of being different and we can act in harmony.
The guest speaker, Debbie McEwen, was introduced by her lifelong friend, Kathy Abbott, West Stake Relief Society President. Debbie is mother of three and grandmother of nine. She has served in Relief Society and Young women’s leadership positions and has taught seminary.
Sister McEwen said some of our challengers are larger than life and loom over us like Goliath who was 9’ tall. David chose five stones but he only needed to use one. She said there are five stones that can help us maintain balance and respect the differences in people.
First Stone is the no-judgement stone: Sster McEwen quoted Romans 14: 2-3 For God received them both. She said we could build bridges of understanding and it is not required to be the same. We have one faith and one doctrine. The only label we will have when we get to heaven is “family” for all other labels will be removed.
Second Stone is love: She gave the example of her son who went on a mission but later had serious struggles. She and her husband always said, “we love you anyway.” This has created the greatest relationship – it is a harmonious relationship. He hasn’t returned to the lifestyle she would like. However, he is the one that always comes to family gatherings because he knows that there is always a place for him.
Third Stone is Kindness: You don’t have to know them or like them to be kind. She said kindness wields great power.
Fourth Stone is Faithful Hands – separating the wheat from the chaff: Blow away the chaff and keep the focus on the good someone does. Sister McEwen told the story of being with her young son waiting in a long slow line at the amusement rides when a large group of boys pushed their way in front of them. There was only one seat left and she hesitated to let him go by himself with the rowdy bunch of boys. She told him, “I don’t want you to be like them and cut in front of others in line.” He had trouble buckling his seat belt, but one of the boys got out and helped him and then when the ride was over, the boy returned to help him unbuckle. Debbie then changed her view and told her son, “I want you to be just like them! For they do know how to treat others.”
Sister McEwen quoted a poem –
A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one’s heart,
Chaff and grain together,
Knowing that a gentle hand will take and sift it and
Keep what is worth keeping
And with a breath of kindness
Blow the rest away. D.M Cralk
Fifth Stone is Asking: Many ask ‘Why is there so much pain and suffering?’ We are asking the wrong question, Debbie said, “What am I going to do about it - Is the question. “Moses asked, “Lord what are you going to do to help this people?” The Lord said,” I’m going to send you, Moses!” Sister McEwen said that the Lord is sending each one of us. We can ask ourselves -What am I going to do; can I be the solution?
Each of the sisters was given a paper with these words:
In an effort to have more harmony, I will defeat a Goliath that I have in my life by using the stone of: _________ and everyone was asked to write one of the five stones, wad it up and throw it at Goliath as he came by. Sister McEwen’s husband held up a 9’ drawing of Goliath and asked each one to make a “stone” and throw it at Goliath as he came by.
Pres. David Anderson, President of the East Stake was the concluding speaker. Harmony is a lot like Zion with an interweaving that comes to a oneness. King Benjamin in Mosiah 1 gathered the people into one place and then gave them a name – Zion.
He further asked how do we have unity? The natural man is an enemy but we must become a saint through the atonement of Christ and become as a child, full of love. He closed by saying “You have my permission to be good, you have my permission to be full of love.” He asked,” What if love was the driving force and only motive in every conversation? “
Many thanks to Jamie, Lydia, Brielle and Maren Wakefield for their music number, “Trust in the Lord.” Thank you to both stake Relief Society Presidencies for organizing the conference.
The cultural hall was like a flower garden with Floral decorations and large pictures of the Savior on the walls. The theme of Harmony is Being Different, together was displayed on a backdrop in a garden setting. Everyone was treated to a boxed breakfast of cinnamon roll, fresh fruit and yogurt. The tables were beautifully set with white cloths and vases of fresh flowers. Piano music was provided thanks to Jean Whipple.
