I was asked in November to teach all the Young Women together for the first Sunday and the topic we chose as a Presidency was Unity. Before the lesson started, I cut out and taped on the chalkboard in a "V" formation, 11 geese using this image:
Start off the lesson by playing the hands game (also called the human knot)
What
did we learn?
Each of you have your
own special way of showing someone that you care, that is part of your
INDIVIDUAL WORTH. And, it may be
different from the person you are sitting next to, which is good, because
variety is what makes a group of young women working together so powerful and
successful in following the Savior’s example; to love one another!
He commanded them that …"they should look forward with one eye, having
… their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another." (Mosiah 18:21)
This Fall, when you see geese heading south for
the winter flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what
science has discovered as to why they fly that way.
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FACT: As each bird flaps its
wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird immediately following. By
flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock has at least 71% greater
flying range than if each bird flew alone.
LESSON: People who share a common
direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier
because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
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FACT: When a goose flies out of
formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It
quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the
bird in front of it. (move a taped bird out and then back into formation)
LESSON: If we have as much common
sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
What
can each of you do to help and show that you care for each other? (write answers on chalkboard)
Say
HI
Talk
to her
Get to know her
Sit by her
Include in the group
Give a hug
Work together
Help her
Respect
Smile and make eye
contact
Ask about them in a
caring but non-invasive way
Show concern
Keep trust
Listen and keep
confidences shared with you
Make or do something
nice for someone
Call & talk on
the phone
Remember birthdays
& other important dates
Write uplifting notes
or letters or text
Try to cheer someone
up when they are down
Notice when someone
has a new hairstyle or outfit
Look for something
you have in common with one another
Refuse to gossip, but
speak kindly of others
Look for ways to
include others
Be prayerful &
sensitive to the spirit
Show empathy &
compassion
Visit at her house
Love her
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FACT: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the
formation, and another goose flies to the point position. (move a taped geese up to the point)
LESSON: It makes sense to take
turns doing the hard tasks and share leadership. As with geese, people are
interdependent on each others skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of
gifts, talents or resources.
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FACT: The geese flying in
formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
LESSON: We need to make sure our
honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production
is much greater. The power of encouragement is the quality of honking we seek.
What
things can we do that aren’t encouraging and might make someone feel unloved?
Whispering
Laughing
Grouping off, not
mixing
Texting
Gossiping
Playing pranks
Teasing
Dirty & mean looks
Purposely not
inviting
Bragging
Rudeness
WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL
NOT TO DO THESE THINGS. WE NEED TO CARE
FOR AND NURTURE ONE ANOTHER. Keep the
“honking” positive and encouraging!
We
want our Young Women’s to be a soft place to land, a place where everyone
including non-member friends feel welcome.
We want everyone to be able to feel and know how very special you each
are. We want the Spirit to be able to be here.
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FACT: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two other geese
will drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay
with the fallen goose until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch
out with another formation to catch up with their flock. (take 2 taped geese down to the ground)
LESSON: If we have as much sense as
the geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we
are strong!
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"Unity is a spiritual quality. It’s the
sweet feelings of peace and purpose that come from
belonging to a family.…It’s wanting the best for others as much as you want it
for yourself.…
It’s knowing that no one is out to harm you. It means you will never be lonely."
- Mary N.Cook, "Remember Kindness Begins With Me", April 2011
General YW Conference
"I believe our
Heavenly Father's everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by
the small and simple things we do for one another." -Elder M. Russell
Ballard
I
hope we can all do extra, and be extra for each other! The difference between an ordinary YW group
and extraordinary YW group, is that little extra!
So this is similar to the handout (this one I made back in April of 2012) I gave to each of the girls and leaders but the saying were the words above the picture. I guess I forgot to take a picture before I handed them all out. Attach to a pack of EXTRA gum!
