Connecting with sisters in my ward through a video conferencing Relief Society meeting today meant so much to me! I hadn’t attended church for more than a year before the COVID-19 outbreak. Not attending church didn’t mean I was inactive or no longer cared about church but that physically I felt uncomfortable and therefore stopped going.

At least my Ministering Sisters visited me and periodically other church members stopped by to check in, but then COVID-19 hit and all human connection stopped. Since the outbreak I’ve received texts from my Ministering Sisters and Brothers but nothing beats meeting people face to face! Thankfully my spirituality  is maintained; many church resources contribute to that (websites, magazines, apps and videos) as well as scriptures and prayer.

Today’s meeting was special! I saw sisters I haven’t seen in a long time. When the Relief Society President opened up the meeting for comments and people could unmute themselves and say something I LOVED hearing their voices and was brought to tears! We need that human connection and I appreciated having it today!

I love being a member of my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and knowing that we strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, reach for eternal life, try to improve ourselves and show optimistic attitudes. The church has shaped who I am and the gospel of Jesus Christ is in every fiber of my being. I’m so very grateful for my relationship with God (through prayer), the Holy Ghost (through constant companionship), and Jesus Christ (through peace.)

My heart overflows with gratitude that church members give of themselves every week to make each other’s lives better. In this selfish world I’m glad to associate with those who see goodness, beauty and potential. I’m very glad for belonging to my people and my heart swelled with love today.