“NO ORDINARY WOMEN: Making a Difference Through Righteous Influence,” by Elaine S. Dalton, Deseret Book, $16.99, 117 pages (nf)
Sister Elaine S. Dalton, former Young Women general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares an empowering message in her recent book “No Ordinary Women: Making a Difference Through Righteous Influence.”
“These are not ordinary times and you are not ordinary women,” she writes. “Each of you has a part to play in this great and marvelous work.”
Divided into two parts, the first part of “No Ordinary Women” includes chapters on “Act Well Thy Part,” “He Knows Us” and “The Influence of a Righteous Woman.” The second part, with six chapters, looks at specific attributes or actions, including doing hard things, being led by the Spirit, being a disciple of Christ, and being a covenant woman who seeks purity and virtue.
Sister Dalton includes experiences from her life and family history, the scriptures, other LDS Church leaders and other notable figures in history as she explores different principles and encourages readers. She also highlights notable women from history, including those from the scriptures, such as Esther and Moses’ mother, and others from history, such as Joan of Arc and Mother Teresa.
Several of the stories and experiences may be familiar to those who have heard her speak and others are ones that will be new.
At the end of each part, she includes several “small and simple” ways to reflect and invitations to act, from daily pondering and remembering to goal setting.
Each chapter is short — about 10 to 15 pages long — yet each is packed with her testimony, examples and encouragement as Sister Dalton explores each topic.
Whether read in one sitting, or taken a chapter at a time, there is plenty to ponder as Sister Dalton encourages women of all ages to continue to be strong and work to improve — and that through small ways, women can work to help change their world.
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