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RS: Re: Brigham Young  lessons
Bonnie M. Wuensche
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Hi, I have suffered for you as I have read the many posts from sisters who have struggled with these lessons.  I generally just lurk here, since I am on several lists, and my mailbox is full most of the time.  But, even now, as the topic has not died down, I add another post.

We, like you, live in what I consider a great area for the church, and would be happy to live in any of the units of our Stake. The teachers in RS are well chosen, and much care is made in that consideration.  I have been asked to substitute in our ward, and a couple times when we traveled in the Stake, (where I served as Sec'y) to present the lesson.  A couple of times, it was on very short, (minutes) notice.  That is the worst scenario, but with a prayer, and a lick and a promise, all went well.

The concern you show for your sisters is really impressive.  I would dare to guess that the feeling of inadequacy, or the troubles that have been shared here are really the result of having done a great job on your calling.  I have always found that like little children, people sometimes hold the teacher (SS, YW, RS PR or whatever) to a standard that the teacher isn't even aware of.  We have had some lessons presented, and I use that word with discipline, for they are in fact presented to us, that have been so special and so perfect, that we as the sisters sitting in the class have very little to contribute, because are hearts are being pricked.

One thing I observed early on in RS is that no one in attendance is there who doesn't chose to be. A mother can drop her child at Primary's door, or a loving leader can corral the YW back from the hall into opening exercises - but Relief Society - ah, they are there because it's the best place in town!

I hear some of you try to involve the sisters in your class, and worry about their participation. I've seen some suggested ideas regarding handouts, dividing into groups, etc.  Myself, while these things are nice, I  like a class where the teacher is so well prepared, that I didn't mind just listening to her speak. She (or he as in SS) made me sad the lesson was going to end, as I glanced at the clock, and thought, where did all the time go?  I feel a special amount of preparation going into this year's new curriculum is not only required, but appreciated. As I heard one of our YW Presidency say, (a professional teacher, with Ph.D. in History) she was looking for a way to make the YW feel they were sitting at the Savior's feet, and hunger for more knowledge.

Sometimes involving the class can be a disaster - leading to off-topic discussions, and opinions. The comment that one sister on this list made, regarding she wished she knew if the writings of a certain author are "the Word of the Lord" - I say wait! Remember you have the title of the handbook to go from - "Teachings of Presidents of the Church".  It just happens that this first volume is Brigham Young.  Their should be no other authority needed. He was a prophet then, and died a prophet.  What may seem hard to understand about his teachings is he was addressing a different audience.  I believe the membership of his day struggled at times just to make it from day to day. We have the privilege of knowing that many of them did, and we can read and re-live the teachings that inspired them to push on.  If it worked in their time, it can be of comfort to realize that it can work in ours:  We have the blessing of knowing that it was worth it, and the survival and growth of the church is a witness of that.

I was visiting my aunt in another state, who is not a member. Would you believe that during my short visit, there was an article in the paper about the new manual changing the teachings of the history of the Church to fit modern times, and suggested that we are expecting Brigham Young to be a latter-day Gordon B. Hinckley! It wasn't so much the article, as the opportune timing - it presented me with a teaching moment.  It worked to my advantage, because I was prepared, even though when I woke up that morning, I had no idea I would be defending President Young at the breakfast table!

The references of the quotes are clearly given.  I might suggest that you read some of the sermons that the lessons have been drawn from - the book, the Discourses of Brigham Young, which is so often referenced is a good place to start. To take it a little further, you could explore the Journal of Discourses, which is the original source of the compilation DBY.  And then there are the scriptures, of course.  Remember the course of study for the Melchizedek Priesthood manual  titled "When Thou Art Converted, Strengthen Thy Brethern"?   There was a once a time (and still lingers within and without the Church) when some wished that we would be called to hold or attend priesthood!  Others have questioned why we as women don't.  Sisters, this your opportunity to get the very same lessons that our fathers, husbands, brothers, sons and for that matter, all the leadership of the Church - is currently studying.

I believe the new Brigham Young lessons are  the Lord's answer to today's problems.  We now can share in the lessons and talk about them at home together around the table.  What a blessing!  Surely we live in good times, and are given this material to pull our families together.  I don't even suggest that we know why it impressed the leadership to make this shift in study , but wow, this is meat!  Even if we have to eat it a bite at a time, it is here.  We have surely received a blessing this time - now we have to stretch to prove worthy.  I can fervently bear my testimony to the inspiration of our leadership, and say, thank you Lord, if this manual is the only trial we have been called upon to bear.

Also, if I may, put in a good word for the wonderful and prolific writings of Elder Bruce R. McConkie!  His volumes have come out of his love for the Lord, and his zeal to share the Gospel with others.  A close observation will reveal how many of the topics he covers are actually fully documented, and referenced to the writings of other Presidents of the Church.  He was the compiler of the sermons and teachings of President Joseph Fielding Smith, that we know as the 3 volume Doctrines of Salvation.  To complete the work on these volumes would require and therefore takes on a spirit of careful study.  Gospel Scholarship is manifest in the exact recording of President Smith's legacy of knowledge, and the one of the Masters of the Gospel and its many little details. Elder McConkie even wrote a song, "I Believe in Christ", (hymns # 134).  Don't take it for granted that Elder McConkie was knowledgeable in many facets of the gospel - he had a gift.  A thoughtful reading of his last testimony will show to us his commitment and desire.  To quote from the preface of Mormon Doctrine:

"Since it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance of God and his laws, and since man is saved no faster than he gains knowledge of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation, it follows that men are obligated at their peril to learn and apply the true doctrines of the gospel".

Yes, yes, I suppose I am rambling, and ranting. . .

May I wish the best to you sisters who have been called to be a part of this new light in our times, and pray that you will have the Lord's blessing as you present the material to your sisters; and for those of us sitting before you, that we may come prepared, well read and anxiously awaiting the teachings that have been prepared for growth in each of our own little corner of the vineyard.

Bonnie M. Wuensche, Little Flock Ward, Rogers Arkansas Stake