Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
When Sister Reyna Aburto, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, walked into President Russell M. Nelson’s office one morning, she wasn’t expecting what came next.
Out of the blue, an unplanned meeting appeared on her calendar:
“Relief Society Presidency — President Nelson’s Office.”
What followed was one of the most humbling experiences of her life. President Nelson had already written his first message to the women of the Church as prophet, but before giving it, he handed each of them a printed draft.
Then he said:
“This is the message I’m going to give to the sisters. I want you to read it and tell me what you think.”
In this touching story, Sister Aburto shares how President Nelson’s humility and deep respect for women shaped that historic address—“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel.”
She recalls his tenderness, openness to feedback, and genuine desire to listen to women across the world.
This powerful memory paints a portrait of a prophet who not only spoke with authority, but led with love.
When Sister Reyna Aburto, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, walked into President Russell M. Nelson’s office one morning, she wasn’t expecting what came next.
Out of the blue, an unplanned meeting appeared on her calendar:
“Relief Society Presidency — President Nelson’s Office.”
What followed was one of the most humbling experiences of her life. President Nelson had already written his first message to the women of the Church as prophet, but before giving it, he handed each of them a printed draft.
Then he said:
“This is the message I’m going to give to the sisters. I want you to read it and tell me what you think.”
In this touching story, Sister Aburto shares how President Nelson’s humility and deep respect for women shaped that historic address—“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel.”
She recalls his tenderness, openness to feedback, and genuine desire to listen to women across the world.
This powerful memory paints a portrait of a prophet who not only spoke with authority, but led with love.
