Joseph Smith taught the women, in those early meetings in Nauvoo, much about the principle of charity. As this is a woman’s sacred calling, we carry the “mantle of charity”. Where have we heard a similar phrase? The men carry the “mantle of the priesthood”. Likewise, we women carry this co-partner. Is that something to be enraged at because it is different from the men? Is it something to fight against?
No. It is our glorious responsibility, meant to bless the lives around us, and help carry out the work of the Lord.
The world has taught mankind to see women and men in an incorrect light. Of course, Satan would create his own definition. Of course, he would create something that is reminiscent of the truth, but still damaging to salvation. Of course, he would make it so attractive, perpetual, convoluted, and traditional that God’s way would appear unattractive, lost, forgotten, and exploitive. Satan knows if he can win the hearts of women, he can rule the world.
So, what is this mantle of charity Joseph Smith speaks of? In The Family: A Proclamation to the World, it follows this holy pattern:
“Male and Female—each has a divine nature and destiny…By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.”
Why do we get trapped into the world’s deception that women should be doing what men do? Whether we are capable or not is not the point. That we follow the pattern is.
Terms such as “weaker sex”, “helpless”, “simple minded” are fed to us by the world. The Lord calls us “Queens”,” Mothers in Israel”, “Saviors in Zion”.
On June 9th, 1842, at the Eleventh meeting of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, members of this organization were in the act of voting in new members. At this time, it took a vote and a nomination of two or three women to admit a new sister into the Society. This sister had to be found in good standing in the Church, as a woman of character; obedient and charitable. Apparently, there were some previous objections against Sis. Mahala Overton, but it was agreed that she could now enjoy membership into the Relief Society. Pres. Joseph Smith turned to her and said, “Sis. O. In the name of the Lord I now make you free.” Free? As a sister in this organization? Is that how we feel as members? As women of our Church, do we understand what that means?
Being caught up in the world, trying to serve two masters, we have lost sight of the freedoms that have already been given to us. Listen to these words from our prophet, David O. McKay:
“This question of being in the world but not of it, is a question of increasing concern-because, in effect, the world is ever shrinking in size-and we come ever closer to the influence and attitudes of others-and there is ever more compelling pressures to be as others are, to do as others do, with questions of compromise and of preserving principles-how far to go, how different to be, how to live comfortably among men. One of life’s most important problems is learning to get along with the people with whom we live in the world, without compromising principles, and one of the plausible ways of getting along with people is to make concessions pertaining to principle-to go the way of the world, whatever way that…abandoning principles is no solution to the problem of getting along with people. Indeed, it is false and foolish to suppose that compromising principles will win the respect or acceptance of anyone. Compromising principles isn’t getting along with people; it is simply surrender; it is simply self-betrayal. And he who betrays himself is never solidly accepted or respected anywhere by anyone.” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr 1959)
“Yesterday, in this Tabernacle, seven or eight thousand women gathered—our mothers, members of the Relief Society. I wish the whole Church might have partaken of the spirit of that great conference.” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, Oct 1953)
As an organization under God, we show strength, power, and true Womanhood. But as individuals, we often get pushed and pulled off our path. The world makes this life much harder. But as we focus on The Goal, stay true to our Covenants, shake off the bands of the world that would entrap us, and instead put on our Mantle of Charity, we are free to save ourselves, our families, and all of our friends and loved ones. Together, we can rise above the snares that cause us to forget and forsake the simple principles of the gospel. The privilege of this Mantle of Charity makes it possible.