Title Lesson; Developing Self-Reliance
What is Self-Reliance
"Self-reliance means using all of our blessings from
Heavenly Father to care for ourselves and our families
and to find solutions for our own problems.”
Each of us has a responsibility to try to avoid problems before
they happen and to learn to overcome challenges
when they occur.”
SISTER BECK
6 Areas of Focus(Latter-Day Women Manual B) that can help us become Self-Reliant
Employment
"Preparing for the future also includes obtaining an
education or vocational training and finding gainful
employment. If you are currently employed, do all
that you can to be a valued, essential part of the organization you work for. Work hard and be a “labourer
. . . worthy of [your] hire” (Luke 10:7; see also D&C
31:5; 70:12; 84:79; 106:3).
As companies continue to downsize or close, even
ideal employees may find themselves needing to find
new employment. This is an opportunity to rely on
the Lord, to grow, and to be strengthened. If you are
seeking a new job, increase your faith in the Lord’s
desire and power to bless you. Also seek counsel from
those you trust, and don’t be afraid to network and
ask for help in finding a new job. If necessary, change
your lifestyle—and possibly your place of residence—
to live within your means. Willingly seek additional
training and learn new skills, regardless of your age.
Maintain your health and stay close to your spouse
and children. And, above all, be grateful. Express your
gratitude in prayer for all that has been given to you. 3
Heavenly Father loves you. His Son has promised,
“All these things shall give [you] experience, and shall
be for [your] good” (D&C 122:7)."
ROBERT D. HALES
Physical Health
Our physical bodies are sacred, and it is important that we keep them clean, strong, and healthy. We should follow proper rules for maintaining good physical health. As revealed in the Word of Wisdom, we should eat nutritious foods and not consume alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances (see D&C 89). To avoid disease we should keep our homes and yards clean and receive the immunizations recommended for our area. We should get proper rest, and we should exercise regularly, according to our needs and limitations. As we keep our bodies healthy we are better able to care for our own needs and serve others.
•Why do we need strong bodies? Why is it especially important for potential mothers to care for their health? What can we do to improve our family’s health? (See lesson 21, “Planning Healthful Meals,” and lesson 22, “Maternal and Infant Care,” in this manual.)
Spiritual, Emotional, and Social Health
We need to strengthen ourselves and our families spiritually, emotionally, and socially. As we do so we will be better prepared to work through problems and sorrows
Education
We can teach our children the importance of education by setting an example for them. Each of us should learn to read, write, and do basic mathematics and then teach these skills to our children. We should study the scriptures regularly, as well as other good books, and read them with our children. We can take advantage of public and other educational opportunities, and we can encourage our children to do the same.
Financial Stability
To be prepared financially, we should learn how to live within our income. This requires setting up and managing a budget. A working budget includes making practical financial goals, paying tithes and offerings, and avoiding debt. In addition to a budget, wise management of our income includes buying food and other essential items when they are least expensive, avoiding waste, and, if possible, developing a savings fund to provide for emergency financial needs.
Emergency Preparedness
It is our duty to care for the members of our family. We are to provide for, love, and strengthen one another in our righteous endeavors. When problems arise, we are to help each other solve those problems. The duty to help one another “rests upon individuals for themselves, upon parents for their children, upon children for their aged parents and grandparents” (Victor L. Brown, “The Church and the Family in Welfare Services,” Ensign,May 1976, 112).
It takes preparation to demonstrate proper care for others. Every family should plan and prepare to care for one another in all circumstances and emergencies.
•For what changes in our lives do we need to prepare? (Aging, ill health, relocating ourselves, losing the one who supports the family, losing our job, caring for elderly parents or children with disabilities)
The Lord has warned that calamities will come: a hailstorm to destroy the crops (see D&C 29:16); desolating sickness to cover the land (see D&C 45:31); wars upon the face of the earth (see D&C 63:33); and also famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (see Matthew 24:7).
•For what emergencies do we need to prepare? In what ways can we prepare our families for these emergencies?
Where legal and when possible, each person and family should have enough food to take care of basic needs for a minimum of one year. This means that we should grow and preserve food and then use and replace that food to avoid spoilage. We should also know how to make and mend clothing and, if possible, store fuel and medical supplies. Production and storage help us care for ourselves, our own families, and others in times of need.
click here for Pamphlet on Basics of Welfare/Self-Reliance
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