“Women of Faith,” For the Strength of Youth, June 2022.
Come, Follow Me
Women of Faith
Though they lived long ago, women from the Bible set examples of faith, service, and friendship, which can also be found in young women today.
Deborah
from the Bible
When the Canaanites oppressed Israel, many of the Israelites had turned to evil ways. But Deborah was a faithful woman. She was a judge and was called a prophetess (see Judges 4–5), meaning that she had a testimony of the Lord and the spirit of revelation (see Revelation 19:10). She had a great influence on the Israelites. She received inspiration from the Lord to help deliver Israel from the Canaanites.
Deborah’s example shows us the blessings that come from trusting in Jesus Christ.
Francisca
from Ghana and Idaho, USA
Like Deborah, Francisca puts her trust in the Lord.
Francisca is from Ghana. She joined the Church after she and her twin brother were adopted by a family in Idaho. She loves going to youth activities, but sometimes Francisca finds herself asking God if she truly belongs.
“I struggle to find my place in this world,” Francisca says. “But when I need help most, Jesus Christ is there to help me find my way. Jesus Christ has helped me through my struggles and has helped me find peace and comfort in my life. I know this Church is true, and I love my Savior who died for us.”
Both Deborah and Francisca are examples of steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.
Ruth
from the Bible
When Ruth’s husband died, her mother-in-law, Naomi, urged her to return to her family in her native land so they could take care of her. But Ruth decided to stay and take care of Naomi. Ruth was loyal and committed to serving her mother-in-law. Ruth ministered to Naomi in many ways, including providing food for her (see Ruth 2:17–18).
Read more about Ruth and Naomi in this issue.
Daynalee
from Massachusetts, USA
Like Ruth, Daynalee has learned the importance of service.
Daynalee started volunteering at a soup kitchen three years ago. Though it means giving up some of her time every Saturday, she sees it as an opportunity for her to learn new things and help people in need.
Volunteering at the soup kitchen has helped her learn to be more responsible and communicate with different people, Daynalee says. “I feel very calm and happy knowing I’m serving others,” she says. “I know Heavenly Father is happy when I serve, and that makes me happy.”
Ruth and Daynalee both took the opportunity to serve others. God is pleased when we choose to serve His children.
Naomi
from the Bible
Naomi was Ruth’s mother-in-law. Not only did Ruth serve Naomi, but Naomi also helped Ruth. Naomi introduced Ruth to new people and helped take care of Ruth’s baby (see Ruth 4:16). They supported each other and valued their friendship.
Eunice
from the Philippines
Like Naomi, Eunice learned the importance of good friends.
Before Eunice joined the Church, she was very shy. When she received a calling to serve as Young Women class president in her ward, she was hesitant to accept the call. But she trusted the Lord and accepted the calling.
Although she was shy, Eunice didn’t wait for others to come to her. She made the first move to make friends with other youth. Eunice says, “This is one of the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ—having eternal friends who will endure with you in the covenant path and help you live the gospel.”
God sends friends to help us in hard times. Like Naomi and Eunice, you can reach out to others and serve them.