Working to obtain a living testimony is vital for young women, just as it is for all members of the Church, President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said during the General Young Women Meeting on Saturday, March 26, 2011.
“Testimony will come to you in pieces as parts of the whole truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ are confirmed,” President Eyring said. “For instance, as you read and ponder the Book of Mormon, verses you have read before will appear new to you and bring new ideas. Your testimony will grow in breadth and depth as the Holy Ghost confirms that they are true. Your living testimony will expand as you study, pray, and ponder in the scriptures.”
Claim the Promise Often
Referring to Moroni 10:3-5, he said, “I hope that you have all proved that promise for yourself or that you will do it soon. The answer may not come in a single and powerful spiritual experience. For me it came quietly at first. But it comes ever more forcefully each time I have read and prayed over the Book of Mormon.”
He noted that a testimony must be constantly rekindled. “I do not depend on what has happened in the past,” he said. “To keep my living testimony of the Book of Mormon secure, I claim the promise of Moroni often. I don’t take that blessing of a testimony for granted as a perpetual entitlement.”
“Testimony requires nurturing by the prayer of faith, the hungering for the word of God in the scripture, and obedience to the truth we have received,” President Eyring said. “There is danger in neglecting prayer. There is danger to our testimony in only casual study and reading of the scriptures. They are necessary nutrients for our testimony.”
Look Forward
Reminding the young women that they were asked to visualize mirrors in the sealing room of the temple facing each other in a “seemingly endless chain of light,“ he said of their wedding day , “If you can look forward to such a day with enough desire born of testimony, you will be strengthened to resist the temptations of the world. Each time you choose to try to live more like the Savior you will have your testimony strengthened. You will come in time to know for yourself that He is the light of the world.”
And once young women have gained that light, they will then “be a light to the world as you share your testimony with others. You will reflect to others the light of Christ in your life. The Lord will find ways for that light to touch those you love. And through the combined faith and testimony of His daughters, God will touch the lives of millions in His kingdom and across the world with His light.”
President Eyring gave the keynote address at the meeting, which is held under the direction of the First Presidency. Young women in the Church, their mothers, and Young Women leaders were invited to attend.
President Monson Thanks Young Women
During the meeting a short video was presented, which included a message from President Thomas S. Monson. In the video, President Monson reminded young women that they are daughters of Heavenly Father, thanked them for seeking to follow the Savior, and expressed appreciation “for the small and simple things you do daily to strengthen your testimonies, and to help and serve others.”
Sister Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president, Sister Mary N. Cook, first counselor, and Sister Ann M. Dibb, second counselor, also gave messages. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve was also in attendance.
- Watch the entire General Young Women Meeting.
- Watch video of quotes from General Young Women Meeting speakers.
- Watch the video featured during the meeting, which includes comments from President Monson.
- Listen to and find sheet music for a song for Young Women.
- Text of President Eyring’s message will be posted when available.
