Sylvia Allred

Sister Sylvia Allred from the General Relief Society Presidency came to Nashville yesterday. She was accompanied by Elder Robert Hymas of the Seventy. What started out as a visit to address the Spanish-speaking sisters in this region for a fireside turned into a full day of meetings and learning from this wonderful lady! It started early when she met with the missionaries, then she held a general session for all Relief Society sisters, then a training for Relief Society Presidencies. Then she addressed the Spanish-speaking sisters and provided dinner for them.

We went for the 10am session, went to lunch, and came back for the RS Presidency training. The general session was standing room only.  I was sitting on the stand, and it was amazing to look at the crowd filling the chapel, the cultural hall, and the stage all the way to the back wall! They also had the meeting piped into the Relief Society and Primary rooms.

I had the privilege of singing just prior to Sister Allred's comments. I sang one of my favorite songs, "The Shepherd of My Soul" -- accompanied by Susie Kartchner, and it went well.  (Side note: the microphone was lifted WAAY up for this long tall singer -- and had to literally be brought down about a foot for that tiny little lady afterward!)

Me & Susie-Q

It was such a wonderful, enriching, inspiring day! I was impressed with Elder Hymas' comments -- I've heard him speak several times with visiting general authorities, including Elder Christofferson last October (see HERE) and always enjoy his gentle spirit and strong messages.

Sister Allred's comments focused on the three-fold purpose of the church, the new "Daughters in My Kingdom" book and the blessings of Relief Society. The training centered our callings as sisters and leaders in Relief Society to "MINISTER" to the needs of our sisters and families. She framed things in such a way to make it seem very 'easy' to do what's needed, even when we feel overwhelmed and questioning our ability to do all that is being asked of us. She stated several different ways that 'whom the Lord calls, He qualifies.' 

In talking about the mantle we hold in our callings, she said we listen to her because she has the mantle of the General Relief Society. We listen to general authorities because they are General Authories. And we listen to our Stake and Ward leaders because they have the mantle of leadership for our areas. Then she said, something like, "When they're released, you listen to them not so much."  (laughter) She has such a fun personality, great sense of humor, and was able to answer what I considered touchy or difficult questions during the training with ease. You could tell she really knows her stuff, and has been called to do this work.

I got to meet Sister Allred, as she spent time after each meeting shaking hands and talking with the sisters. And I got to hang out with my RS Pres-sisters...What a great day!