I never had a sister growing up. Not by blood. Though I was blessed with four brothers, I was definitely in the minority in my family. I had plenty of good female friends when I was young, but it wasn’t until I served as a missionary that I first tasted true sisterhood. As I studied and taught with, fasted and prayed with, sacrificed and served with my female mission companions, I developed a new kind of bond and caught the vision of what women can accomplish together when they are on the Lord’s errand.
In the decades since my mission, I have served in a wide variety of callings, but I am most drawn to the Relief Society. I feel a special connection to my church sisters who have blessed me with their humor, instructive gospel conversations, meaningful support in times of need, and examples of strength and grace while they have experienced significant loss and trials.
In the midst of one of my deepest sorrows, I sought comfort in the temple, and found it with the female ordinance workers. As my temple sisters placed their hands upon my head during the initiatory ordinance, I felt absolutely ministered to and enveloped by love. Such a sweet and sacred experience.
The prophets and apostles of our day have called upon the sisters of the church to rise up and be active participants in the Lord’s work during these turbulent times:
“There is a great need for women who can receive inspiration to guide them personally in their teaching and in their leadership responsibilities.
We need women with the gift of discernment who can view the trends in the world and detect those that, however popular, are shallow or dangerous. We need women who can discern those positions that may not be popular… but are right.” (1)
“… we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith and who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world. We need women who are devoted to shepherding God’s children along the covenant path toward exaltation; women who know how to receive personal revelation, who understand the power and peace of the temple endowment; women who know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen children and families; women who teach fearlessly.” (2)
As gospel sisters, actively keep the covenants we have made at baptism and in the temple, God blesses us with the spiritual gifts we need to do His work–even when our callings and assignments take us out of our comfort zones.
The story of Queen Esther demonstrates how one woman of great faith can have tremendous influence for good. When many covenant keeping women unite in faith, using their unique spiritual gifts to bless others, great things can be accomplished in families, congregations, and communities. Who knows how far those ripples of righteousness will extend out into the world? As Sheri L. Dew stated so powerfully, “If we could unleash the full influence of covenant-keeping women, the kingdom of God would change overnight.” (3)
When we understand our divine nature, and wholehearted follow Jesus Christ, there is no limit to the good we can accomplish. We sisters are uniquely united by our doctrine of a Heavenly Mother, and by the glorious truth that we can actually become like Her, through the great plan of happiness and the Savior’s Atonement.
Here I offer three songs in celebration of sacred sisterhood, and as a reminder of what the women of the Church have been called to do. Click on the mp3 to listen to a recording, then click on the other links to print out the free sheet music.
SISTERS, ARISE!
Words and Music by Lynne Perry Christofferson
Vocalist: Tammy Simister Robinson
Free sheet music download:
https://www.christoffersonmusic.com/_files/ugd/e7467c_f856b64dd647488191ab4891b9f26289.pdf
In an earlier time,
in a long-forgotten place,
as the daughters of God’s light
we were filled with truth
and reserved for latter-days
when we would need to shine.
Sisters, arise! Purify your lives,
reflecting what you believe.
Sisters, arise! So others recognize
that the gospel offers them peace.
In this present day,
in a dark and troubled world
with the constant call of night,
oh, how great the need
for the keepers of the flame
to hold their lamps up high.
Sisters, arise! Purify your lives,
reflecting what you believe.
Sisters, arise! So others recognize
that the gospel offers them peace.
We turn away from worldliness
as witnesses for Christ,
manifesting outwardly
the light we feel inside.
Sisters, arise! Purify your lives,
reflecting what you believe.
Sisters, arise! So others recognize
that the gospel offers them peace.
With virtuous minds,
and hope in our eyes,
oh, my Sisters,
sisters, arise!
COME SISTERS NOW, OF EVERY NATION
Words and music by Lynne Perry Christofferson
Vocalist: Tammy Simister Robinson
Free sheet music download:
https://www.christoffersonmusic.com/_files/ugd/e7467c_be401aa9ceef4ab88c57f2959860b5ec.pdf
Come sisters now, of every nation,
certain of your worth,
embrace the beauty of your station
and your role on earth.
Accept the truth of Heavenly Parents,
feel Their love’s caress,
and emanate Their light
as you arise in holiness.
Come sisters now, extend your hand
to those who ache with grief,
the hungry and oppressed among you,
offering relief.
Come minister as earthly angels,
softening despair,
consoling those in need of comfort,
giving tender care.
Come sisters now, unite your voices
in a worthy cause.
With charity and confidence
defend God’s holy laws–
employing true civility,
not arrogant, but bold.
Protectors of the weak among us,
whether young or old.
Come sisters now, declare your faith,
and witness from this hour
that righteousness increases strength,
and purity is power.
Come lay aside all worldliness,
the chains that hold you fast.
Experience the glory
of God’s liberty at last.
Nearly four decades ago, my mother, Janice Kapp Perry, was asked by the church music committee to write the musical setting for a text by pioneer Emily Woodmansee, who was a member of the Willie Handcart company. I love the fact that this song was written by two sisters who lived in very different times but have both used their spiritual gifts and influence for good. Years ago, I arranged this familiar hymn–As Sisters in Zion–for one of Mom’s albums:
AS SISTERS IN ZION
Text: Emily Woodmansee
Music: Janice Kapp Perry
Arrangement: Lynne Perry Christofferson
From the album When I Feel His Love
Free sheet music download:
https://www.christoffersonmusic.com/_files/ugd/e7467c_57efa50742eb4d7ca3aff41ab2d03a54.pdf
As sisters in Zion,
we’ll all work together;
The blessings of God
on our labors we’ll seek.
We’ll build up his kingdom
with earnest endeavor;
We’ll comfort the weary
and strengthen the weak.
The errand of angels
is given to women;
And this is a gift that,
as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever
is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless
in humanity’s name.
How vast is our purpose,
how broad is our mission,
If we but fulfill it
in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but
the Spirit’s divinest tuition
can give us the wisdom
to truly succeed.
Notes:
- Boyd K. Packer, “The Relief Society,” Ensign, Nov. 1978.
- Russell M. Nelson, “A Plea to My Sisters, Ensign, Nov. 2015.
Sheri Dew, Awake, Arise, and Come Unto Christ, address given May 1, 2008, BYU Women’s Conference.
Peggy StallingsMarch 21, 2024
Those songs were so beautifully ethereal and uplifting. They touched my soul, and resonated with my spirit, like I had heard them before in Heaven. I shared them online, and hope they will touch others as they did me. Thank you for sharing your gifts of light.