Julie B. Beck

At the opening of the 2019 BYU Women's Conference, Sister Reyna I. Aburto, second counselor in the general Relief Society presidency, stood to quote Ether 12:16, “and even all they who wrought miracles wrought them by faith.”

Sister Julie B. Beck was serving as first counselor in the Young Women general presidency when she was called as general president of the Relief Society in the spring of 2007, succeeding Sister Bonnie D. Parkin. Serving approximately six million women in 170 countries can seem like an insurmountable task, but Sister Beck found strength to continue the Relief Society’s legacy of love and service by studying its history and the lives of her predecessors and by relying on the Atonement. In a 2012 interview with LDS Living, Sister Beck shared some lessons she learned during her time as Relief Society general president. In celebration of the 176th anniversary of the Relief Society, we are sharing them again.

Brigham Young University and the Church History Department are co-sponsoring a Church History Symposium, “Beyond Biography: Sources in Context for Mormon Women’s History.” It will be held Thursday, March 3, at Brigham Young University, and Friday, March 4, at the Conference Center Little Theater.

In honor of Mother’s Day, here is a collection of thoughts, stories, memories and tributes to mothers by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Continuing the Legacy

I learned a lesson on Sunday. Actually, I learned a few, and some of them were even during church, but this one happened afterward. I was heading back into the church for choir practice, walking fast because I didn’t want to be late and also because it was cold. The glare on the glass door reflected the outdoor image, making it hard to see into the building. I pulled the door open before realizing that at the same time a man and woman were on their way out.

To honor the 170th anniversary of the organization of the Relief Society, which takes place on March 17, 2012, members of the organization around the world are invited to participate in activities that engage them in the work of Relief Society. This anniversary is significant, said the Relief Society general presidency, because it follows the publication of Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, and it presents a natural opportunity for sisters to reinforce in their lives the purposes taught in the book.

Quorums and Relief Societies are meant to be a safety and a refuge in these difficult days and to support and strengthen the identity, roles and responsibilities of Heavenly Father's sons and daughters, said Sister Julie B. Beck on Jan. 17. "What the Lord envisioned regarding quorums and Relief Society has not yet been fully utilized," said the Church's Relief Society general president. "Many quorums and Relief Societies are at present much like sleeping giants waiting for you to breathe new life into them."

If you could ask Sister Julie B. Beck, the General Relief Society President, any question what would it be?

Sister Julie B. Beck relates a childhood experience and invites Relief Society sisters to open the gift they have received.

This is meant to be a look at the women "written by the women themeselves"--the first time that has been done, says Sister Beck.