Young Women Lesson on Unity

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!