Righteous women, who "hold the highest place of honor in human life," have a responsibility to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places, President James E. Faust declared during the General Young Women Meeting March 25.
Speaking in the Tabernacle on Temple Square, President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, quoted from a First Presidency statement issued during the administration of President Heber J. Grant: "The true spirit of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to woman the highest place of honor in human life. To maintain and to merit this high dignity she must possess those virtues which have always, and which will ever, demand the respect and love of mankind . . . [because] 'a beautiful chaste woman is the perfect workmanship of God.' "President Faust continued: "One of humankind's greatest blessings is for righteous womanhood to 'hold the highest place of honor in human life' and to be 'the perfect workmanship of God.' I love to hear my wife, Ruth, and our daughters say, 'I am glad I am a woman.' This tells me they have the vision of their divine destiny. Hopefully, you will find joy in your womanhood during all stages of your life."
Hundreds of young women gathered on Temple Square for the live satellite telecast of the general meeting, during which President Faust was the keynote speaker. Attending and presiding over the meeting was President Gordon B. Hinckley, who was accompanied by President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency. Also attending were Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder Harold G. Hillam of the Presidency of the Seventy. Along with President Faust, other speakers in the general meeting were Young Women Gen. Pres. Margaret D. Nadauld and her counselors in the Young Women general presidency, Carol B. Thomas and Sharon G. Larsen. (Please see related articles on page 5.)
In addition to those gathered in the Tabernacle, thousands more watched proceedings at meetinghouses throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. And, for the first time, the Internet offered an audio broadcast over www.LDSWorld.com.
Among many poignant moments during the warm spring evening was a video during which young women from throughout the world shared personal experiences of how they have stood as "witnesses of God at all times and in all places," the theme of the general meeting. A prevalent comment from those young people was, "I am a daughter of God."
Especially warming was a choir of young women from the Bennion and Taylorsville Utah stakes, directed by Merrilee Webb and accompanied by Bonnie Goodliffe. The choir performed a beautiful rendition of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," which began with the congregation and continued with the choir singing verses a cappella. Later, during a rendition of "Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee," eight young women -- Julia Zolman, Heather Buhler, Lora Gibson, Kimberly Sandberg, Cyndia Galze, Ashley Kaas, Brooke Hawse and Megan Thorup -- performed with violins.
Those attending listened intently to President Faust's address, as he admonished: "The basic element which should never change in the lives of righteous young women is giving service to others. . . . Serving others can begin at almost any age. Often the greatest service to others is one-on-one. It need not be on a grand scale and is noblest within the family.
"I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the 'highest place of honor' in the Church and in the world," President Faust continued. "One of your unique, precious and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possess it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty."
Urging the young women not to limit themselves, President Faust explained: "As you seek to know the will of our Heavenly Father in your life and become more spiritual, you will be far more attractive, even irresistible. You can use your smiling loveliness to bless those you love and all you meet, and spread great joy. You can, through your supernal gifts, bless the lives of children, women and men. Be proud of your womanhood. Enhance it. Use it to serve others."
Speaking of the Young Women requirements for personal progress awards, he admonished young women to have personal goals in addition to the "excellent goals outlined in the Young Women program. These goals, among others, should include education and skill training. Keep your hearts and minds open to know the overriding will of the Lord in your lives."
"Standing as a witness means many things," President Faust continued. "It encompasses the way we act, how we speak and how we dress."
He encouraged young ladies to dress modestly, and that immodesty "is not likely to win them the hand of a worthy, honorable young man who desires to marry a righteous young woman in the temple."
"My dear young sisters, your future is bright," President Faust said in his closing remarks. "Not everything that happens in your life will be as you have hoped or had planned. But if you live so as to know the Lord's will you will find peace in your soul and great happiness."
The evening's invocation was offered by Elaine Dalton of the Young Women general board, while Rebekah Egbert, a Laurel in the Salt Lake Holladay South Stake, gave the benediction.