“Opening Message (excerpts),” New Era, May 2020, 4–5.
Opening Message (excerpts)
As you know, attendance at this general conference has been strictly limited. …
Though today’s restrictions relate to a virulent virus, life’s personal trials stretch far beyond this pandemic. …
How can we endure such trials? The Lord has told us that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” [Doctrine and Covenants 38:30]. Of course, we can store our own reserves of food, water, and savings. But equally crucial is our need to fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony. …
This year, we commemorate the 200th anniversary of one of the most significant events in the history of the world—namely, the appearance of God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to Joseph Smith. During that singular vision, God the Father pointed to Jesus Christ and said: “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” [Joseph Smith—History 1:17].
That admonition given to Joseph is for each of us. We are to seek, in every way we can, to hear Jesus Christ, who speaks to us through the power and ministering of the Holy Ghost.
The purpose of this and every general conference is to help us to hear Him. We have prayed, and invite you to pray, that the Spirit of the Lord will be with us in such rich abundance that you can hear the messages that the Savior has especially for you—messages that will bring peace to your soul. Messages that will heal your broken heart. Messages that will illuminate your mind. Messages that will help you know what to do as you move ahead through times of turmoil and trial.