Editorial of the Relief Society Bulletin at the outbreak of World War I –

How helpless women feel in the face of such world-harrowing calamities. We may have a child – a son preaching the gospel – or a daughter studying music – out in that vortex of war excitement now in the nations of Europe. Our heart contracts, and we mothers know at once how the mothers of those Servian, German, French and English soldiers feel at even the suggestion of war. Men may fight and kill, but women must suffer and weep.

What shall we do, we women of the chosen people of God? I know what you will say – pray – pray to the God of battles that he will stay their hands – yet a little while. That our son, our daughter, may reach our home in safety and peace. And what of the Servian’s son and daughter? Ah. women of the Church of Jesus Christ, let us pray – for so many men and women in the world have not learned how to pray – that the God of peace will do what he has to do quickly, and bring his stubborn sons to their knees in every nation and amongst every kindred, tongue and people. We can pray – and wait – and trust. That is the mission of woman.