In an increasingly dark and challenging world, young women who live the gospel of Jesus Christ and remain true to its teachings become a shining light that will help lead them home to God while pointing the way for others.
That was the message from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to thousands of LDS young women Saturday, gathered both in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and in chapels across much of the world via satellite.
President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of the church, urged young women to "focus on Christ, rather than on the world." He recalled that Joan of Arc was but a teenager when she left home, determined to help fight for her country. Her leadership stood as a beacon of light to the oppressed, many of whom were liberated as she led thousands of soldiers in battle.
Joan was unique among her peers, and President Faust urged young women to "be different in order to maintain church standards. So I repeat, don't be afraid to be different, but be as good as you can be." He urged them to move beyond peer pressure and take personal responsibility for their actions.
Even simple actions like a smile can help lead others toward truth, he said, noting the story of an LDS young woman whose friendliness became the impetus for one family to join the church. Prayer, service, chastity and a desire to serve God become the oil that lights the lamp of spiritual preparedness, he said.
"Great opportunities await you. . . . Technology will continue to increase. The avenues for expressing your talents may exceed your fondest hopes and expectations. Challenges will come to each of you, but you can find happiness by doing all that you know to be right."
Sister Susan W. Tanner, general president of the Young Women, reminded girls that while they may receive honors and acclaim during their teenage and college years, the work of home and family "for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts. . . . Maybe some of us would rather help with hurricane relief than home relief. Both are important, but home relief is our primary and eternal responsibility."
Accolades may fade as young women become young mothers, "yet in no other capacity is there more opportunity to serve selflessly as Christ would do by taking care of hundreds of daily, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
"You will bring the light of the gospel into your homes, not to be seen of others but to build others." In so doing, young women find their focus on the things of eternity, she said.
As the world offers conflicting messages about what is most important, young women can know for themselves what God has in store for them by preparing to receive a patriarchal blessing, according to Sister Julie B. Beck, first counselor in the Young Women presidency.
Recalling her own experience, "I came away with a comforting assurance that the Lord loved me and knew me, and from that day onward, I began to think more often in terms of eternity rather than popularity."
Such a blessing can provide direction for life, particularly when some would try to discourage young women from reaching their goals. When a high school counselor told Sister Beck she wouldn't do well in college, her blessing provided the inspiration she needed to move ahead and earn a university diploma.
"When we know who we are and what we are supposed to do, it is easier to make important decisions about education, careers and marriage," as well as to dress modestly, avoid foul language, refrain from drugs and alcohol and to remain chaste.
Sister Elaine S. Dalton, second counselor, said those who "live close to God and his infinite grace (don't) have to tell, it will show in your face. . . . The light in your countenance comes because you have made and kept covenants with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."
Young women whose light becomes a "standard for the nations" are called to leadership, she said, "to lead out in decency, purity, modesty and holiness. . . . Can one righteous young woman change the world? The answer is a resounding 'Yes!'"
Led by inspiration, some are the only church members in their families or schools. "You are making a difference. You are leading in righteous ways. . . . The fact that you were born a girl is not by chance. Your divine characteristics will be magnified as you lead others and arise to your divine potential."
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