Charity Never Faileth

In our church, there is a familiar saying that is the motto for the Relief Society (women's group) which is, "Charity never faileth".

I have been thinking about this simple phrase quite a bit lately and asked myself, what does it really mean? Is it really a true saying and does charity ever fail?

I have observed a lot of ugliness lately in the world in which we all live and I have been very disturbed by what I have seen. I have seen families turn on each other over silly misunderstandings. I have seen long-time friends expel unkind words that cut deep and bruise the soul. I have seen simple strangers exchange glaring glances over minor traffic infractions. I have watched as kind gestures have been mocked or ignored. I could go on, but you get the point

So what is charity? We are taught that Charity is the Pure Love of Christ... If that's really true, as I believe it is, then it can NEVER fail...it's simply impossible!

I don't want to see the ugliness in the world. I want to see the beauty and the love that I KNOW is out there..so how do I do that? It has to start with me...bottom line. So I have been really working on how I can become a more gentle, kind, loving and unconditional person...I'm a work in progress.

My dear friend, Connie, recently sent me a beautiful email filled with beautiful sayings by Marjorie Pay Hinckley. This was perhaps the most timely email I have ever received that touched my heart deeper than even I could have imagined. The pictures in the email were beautiful so I have included some of them as well.

"Be a Mother who is committed to loving her children into standing on higher ground than the enviroment surrounding them. Mother's are endowed with a love that is unlike any other love on the face of the earth."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"The family is eternal. Love must be nurtured. It must be spoken. We must put away our pride, our haughtiness, our shyness, our misunderstandings, and with humility say, "I love you. Is there something I can do to help you?" You can never be completely happy under any other circumstances."


-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Charity Never Faileth

"Think about your particular assignment at this time in your life. It may be to get an education, it may be to rear children, it may be to be a grandparent, it may be to care for an relieve the suffering of someone you love, it may be to do a job in the most excellent way possible, it may be to support someone who has a difficult assignment of their own. Our assignments are varied and they change from time to time. Don't take them lightly. Give them your full heart and energy. Do them with enthusiasm. Do whatever you have to do this week with your whole heart and soul. To do less than this will leave you with an empty feeling."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead"


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"I know it is hard for you young mothers to believe that almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with your husband. You had better be sure you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring. Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important. Encourage him. Be kind. It is a rough world, and he, like everyone else, is fighting to survive. Be cheerful. Don't be a whiner."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

There are some years in our lives that we would not want to live again. But even these years will pass away, and the lessons learned will be a future blessing."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said, "We are here in mortality, and the only way to go is through; there isn't any around!" I would add, the only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."


— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

It's true...Charity Never Faileth!