Daughters in My Kingdom: A Lesson Plan Series Dedicated to International Women’s Day
In this marriage of International Women’s Day and the history of the Relief Society, we invite you to learn, engage and develop the history and concepts of Daughters in My Kingdom. These lesson plans are intended to assist Relief Society teachers who are specifically teaching DiMK, as well as for use as resources ascribed here, including use in Family Home Evenings, home teaching, visiting teaching and for men and women preparing to serve a mission.
Daughters in My Kingdom: Relief Society, a Restoration of an Ancient Pattern (Chapter 1)
The subtitle of this chapter states that Relief Society is a restoration of an ancient pattern.
What pattern is do you think the manual is referring to here?
The manual reads, “The women in the ancient Church were dignified and noble, needed and valued. They served others, increased in personal holiness, and participated in the great work of saving souls” (pg 7).
Eliza R. Snow once said, “Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the church anciently” (pg 7).
Daughters in My Kingdom: “Something Better”: The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo (Chapter 2)
There are some beautiful gems within this chapter, but as our history is rich, I would teach this particular lesson with Daughters in My Kingdom in my left hand, and the Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book in my right. (Metaphorically, of course.) I would also draw upon Mormon Enigma and “A Gift Given, A Gift Taken,“ if I had time.
Daughters in My Kingdom: Cleave unto the Covenants: Exodus, Migration + Settlement (Chapter 3)
Although there was no formal Relief Society organization from 1844 until 1866, Emmaline Wells wrote “Sister Eliza R Snow brought with her the records from Nauvoo which proves that this association was never discontinued since its first organization.” (Woman’s Exponent, October 1911, 24.) For Wells, it seems that because Eliza had cared for the physical records, the revelation of the Relief Society was still intact, though a general leadership has ceased. Indeed, in the years between formal Relief Societies, there are dozens of records of individual groups of Mormon women who gathered to be of service in gathering materials, funds and sewing for benevolent purposes.
Daughters in My Kingdom: “A Wide and Extensive Sphere of Action” (Chapter 4)
The restored gospel is, at its very center, feminist. We have a lot of misguided practice and now-ingrained tradition to wade through, but remember that Joseph Smith was concerned about bringing all of the saving ordinances to men and women; that when he organized the Relief Society he switched the women’s own written constitution for “something better,” which was a presidency with the right to revelation from God; that Eliza R. Snow recorded his words at the formation of the Nauvoo Relief Society as “I now turn the key to you in the name of God”–signifying that the women in this endeavor held the keys necessary to do the work.
http://www.the-exponent.com/daughters-in-my-kingdom-a-wide-and-extensive-sphere-of-action-chapter-4/
Daughters in My Kingdom: “Charity Never Faileth” (Chapter 5)
The beginning of this chapter mentions that it was Emmeline B. Wells, fifth general RS President, and her presidency that decided on the motto, “Charity Never Faileth.” Show a picture of the RS seal and ask, “What symbols do you see in this image? Why do you think they chose these particular symbols?”
http://www.the-exponent.com/daughters-in-my-kingdom-charity-never-faileth-chapter-5/
Daughters in My Kingdom: A Worldwide Circle of Sisterhood (Chapter 6)
“This great circle of sisters will be a protection for each of you and for your families. The Relief Society might be likened unto a refuge–the place of safety and protection–the sanctuary of ancient times. You will be safe within it. It encircles each sister like a protecting wall.”
http://www.the-exponent.com/daughters-in-my-kingdom-a-worldwide-circle-of-sisterhood/
Daughters in My Kingdom: “Pure Religion” – Watchcare and Ministering through Visiting Teaching (Chapter 7)
In 1944, eight years after the implementation of the Church’s welfare plan, Visiting Teaching changed to focus on service and spirituality. General Relief Society President Amy Lyman questioned the Relief Society’s role in collecting donations – and it was decided that the Presiding Bishopric would take on welfare responsibilities. The Brethern then dictated a new role for the Relief Society: “You will be a service organization, not a financing organization of charity relief.” Some women thought this would be the end of Visiting Teaching, but the Relief Society Presidency saw it as a rebirth.
Daughters in my Kingdom: Blessings of the Priesthood for All: An Inseparable Connection with the Priesthood (Chapter 8)
Prest. Smith continued the subject by adverting to the commission given to the ancient apostles “Go ye into all the world” &c.— no matter who believeth; these signs, such as healing the sick, casting out devils &c. should follow all that believe whether male or female. He ask’d the Society if they could not see by this sweeping stroke, that wherein they are ordained, it is the privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority which is confer’d on them— and if the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let every thing roll on. RS Minutes 33
Daughters in My Kingdom: “Guardians of the Hearth”: Establishing, Nurturing, and Defending the Family (Chapter 9)
We should be willing to stand up against those things that do threaten the family. You may want to ask members of the class what some of these things are but be careful to sty away from divisive topics such as gay marriage and the mommy wars as they are guaranteed to alienate members of the class. When I taught this lesson I focused on more concrete problems that hurt the family such as domestic violence, inadequate education, poverty…things that we can be instrumental in addressing.
Daughters in My Kingdom: “Live Up to Your Privilege” (Chapter 10)
“Lead the World… in Everything that is Praiseworthy”
This is the rally cry and ultimate urging of this book: band together, pick up your tools, and be amazing. The heading for this section is not passive and is not timid, and neither should we be. What I really like is the phrase “everything that is praiseworthy.” If you think about all the things that are praiseworthy… well, it’s a lot of things! Art, science, performance, parenting, mediating, etc. I can’t think of too many non-criminal activities that aren’t praiseworthy. So take charge and live the best you can.
www.the-exponent.com/live-up-to-your-privilege
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