A very Nice Visit

Sisters and Mom with Sister Beck, in her beautiful blue office downtown

Sister in Law Jody (second from left) works downtown as the right arm to the audio/visual department of our church. Neat video clips during general conference? thanks to Jody. Beautifully crafted floral arrangements at the podium at conference? You can thank Jody for those too. She has been working "down town" for more than 15 years, and she is well respected and much appreciated for all the work she does.

Because of Jody's work, she gets to meet neat people, Like Julie B. Beck; general Relief Society President. Because she is respected, Jody gets to introduce us to neat people too. We all, save California-living sis in law Katie, got to meet and visit with Sister Beck last week.

It was the end of her day. She was tired. She didn't want to give advice, she wanted to listen to who we are and why we are trying to be good Christians.

She was very real. She spoke of time she does not have to play with her grandkids, because of assignments she has due to her position. She spoke of prominent women she's met (Mrs. Obama's photo is on the wall, with Sister Beck beside her...it is reported that she indeed is as charming as she appears.). I felt a compassion for her sacrifices, and a gratitude for her service.

I have felt a very deep respect for Sister Beck for a very long time. She speaks up for the kind of person I am trying to be. She fiercely defends the family values I am trying to promote in my home. She calls us women to action; to be strong and to be willing to be different. To be one who puts the teaching of her children first, the nurturing of her marriage paramount, and the testimony of her Savior primary and predominate in all she says and does. It is a lofty ideal to live up to. For alot of us we feel we cannot be all that we are called to be when we listen to her speak; but Sister Beck also reminds us that with God on our side, and with us in His corner, He can make of us more than we are.

And that He wants to.

Thanks to Jody for a chance to meet a personal hero, and one who I consider a valiant servant and defender of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To read a classic Julie B. Beck, go right here