Perfect Faith Not Required

 So I was recently released from my church calling as primary teacher (teaching the kids), and instead sustained as a counselor in the Relief Society Presidency (the women’s organization). People keep asking me how I feel about this and I don’t really even know how to answer.

I often find that I find comfort in Primary callings because it’s all about gospel basics. It’s like a gentle reminder that no matter where I am in my faith, no matter how much doubt I find myself having, I still believe the small and simple things. I have often felt like I have been put in Primary callings when I needed to go back to basics, when my faith in the bigger things was wavering. So in that sense, I’m not 100% sure I’m ready to leave primary. Part of me feels like the bigger question is how will others feel about me serving in the capacity of Relief Society counselor, when my faith is less than perfect. How do I lead others in the covenant path when I lack confidence in those truths? 

However, I saw a quote today from the prophet, President Russell M. Nelson:

“The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to his perfect power. But he does ask us to believe.”

I find myself often whispering in silent prayer these days… “Lord I believe. Help thou my unbelief” 

Last week someone stood up in church and spoke about how our definition of “poor” in the commandment to look after the poor and needy is far too limited. And they broadened the concept to include “poor in friends, poor in spirit, poor in time” etc. And I felt that. Because I have felt buoyed by fellow church members when I have been poor in spirit. And relieved by my husband when I was poor in joy or motivation or focus. And supported by friends and family when I have felt poor in self-esteem. And far more of us have it in us to show up and help “the poor” if we broaden that term beyond just the monetary. I feel ill-equipped to lead with faith. But I feel well equipped to love with faith. Which is perhaps, more the point than we sometimes realize. So I'll take comfort in that.

And so I step forward, with faith that there’s a reason, and with hope that I can live up to it. And remember to do what I can with what I have before worrying about what I lack.