Tonight was the Young Women General Broadcast. All of the talks were great and the music was just beautiful. The moment I walked into the chapel and heard Sister Dalton talking I could feel the Spirit. She became emotional right at the start and so obviously, being a woman, so did I. I didn't want to cry though, so I gave myself a headache trying to prevent it haha...anyway, it was so uplifting and what I needed after such an awful beginning to the week.
The first speaker was Sister Ann Dibb; she spoke on the theme, Stand Ye In Holy Places, and how we can make any place we're in or at be a holy place. She said a "place" can be a condition or state of mind so it provides limitless opportunities to in or create a holy place. Even in the worst of circumstances or trials a holy place can be created and provide significant learning. She used Joseph Smith and Liberty Jail as an example.
Sister Mary Cook spoke next. She spoke of a young woman who chose at a very young age to be virtuous and stand in holy places. She had some difficult times but she put the Lord first and her adversity led to beautiful blessings and growth.
Sister Dalton then spoke on 3 ways to stand against the temptations and winds of the adversary. I didn't quite catch all of them but there were a few things that stood out to me besides those. She spoke of a statue that she had on her desk of a girl named Kristina. The statue is one where the girl is standing firm and steadfast looking into the distance while her skirts are being blown around her legs and her hair is straight back with the wind coming at her. She used this statue to relate to the young women of today: how they are standing on the edge of great decisions which will affect not only themselves but generations, facing extreme winds of opposition but standing firm. Another point that I liked was this: "the power to create life is an EXALTED power; the role of a mother is an EXALTED role." I thought that that was a neat statement.
Then, President Deiter F. Uchtdorf spoke. He's a popular speaker amongst women *smile* But his talk was the one that rang home the most. His didn't necessarily apply to the young women but to all of us. He talked about how there are many stories about journeys, even referencing the Hobbit as an example. He said that each of us is writing our own journey story. He told us to ask ourselves, How is my journey going? Am I where I wanted to be? Am I on the right course? Am I making correct choices? Am I worthy of the Holy Ghost's guidance?
He talked a little bit more on journeys and then segway'd (i made that word up) into 3 lessons that the Lord wishes us to know here on our journey.
Lesson #1: Do not fear, for I the Lord am with you.
He said that the Lord knows us and doesn't leave us alone. Help comes in many forms. We can do anything because the Lord is with us.
Lesson #2: Love one another, as I have loved you.
Pres. Uchtdorf asked, Was there a universal language that we all spoke in the pre-mortal existence? I have a feeling it was German! (he got some laughs for that haha). But then he came back to saying that the universal language is love and that we should have that towards everyone. He mentioned looking around and looking, really looking, at the people we see every day and realize that because they were here, they were valiant and made the choice to follow the Savior and come to this earth. They could've been a role model for us! So we should treat everyone with the love of the Savior and see them as He sees them.
Lesson #3: Be of good cheer.
This is the one that it felt like he was talking directly to me. He said that if we really wanted to we could live our lives miserable and focusing on the bad things that happen in life but that is not how we want our journey to be written and that isn't what the Lord had in mind for us either. There are going to be bumps in the road, but don't focus on them. Walk with confidence and joy. The Lord has commanded us to be of good cheer!
As he continued his talk I mentally went back to the original questions that he'd asked. I answered those questions to myself as honestly as I could and they were all happy answers! So why have I been feeling the opposite! I am a pessimist. That's all there is to it. I have been focusing on the things/blessings that haven't been coming to me that I feel like I've been going through the motions of life and not enjoying it. So I made a little personal goal for me to try and see things more positively - to do what Pres. Uchtdorf was saying and not focus on the bumps in the road.
The Lord wants us to be happy, just like Pres. Uchtdorf said - the Lord envisioned a happy journey for us - that's what this whole weekend is about! We celebrate Easter because of the hope and joy that the Savior's Atonement provides us. He died and He lives! The Savior gives us a reason to be happy. We're going to go through *stuff* but there is always a sunrise, there is always spring, there is always a Sunday (See: Sunday Will Come by Joseph B. Wirthlin) There is always hope and happiness in the Savior.
So I just thought I would share that. I'm so grateful for the Easter season that reminds me, yet again, that there is hope. The Savior took upon my pain, my sin, my suffering, my illnesses, my follies; He cried over me, and He died for me. And on the third day He rose. He lives! I know that He is MY Savior and I can lean on Him for support ( I just need to remember this all the time!) I'm so grateful that He did that so that I can have the blessings of seeing Him again and living with Him and my loved ones again.
