"Courage"

I had the privilege of going to Utah and accompanying my daughter to a wonderful, spiritual meeting - the General Young Women's Meeting.

It's a yearly event for LDS teenage girls and their moms where talks full of hope, love, expectations and encouragement are given just to them. We were accompanied by my wonderful sis in law, Janet and her adorable daughter Lolly (Ok, Lauren, but we all call her Lolly). We had an amazing time!!

Les said that her favorite talk was the one given by President Monson,
our prophet and president.

Her reason was that it felt like it was given "just for her". I think it will bless her life for a long time. Here are a few quotes from that talk, and a few photos.

"Although this is a remarkable period when opportunities abound, you also face challenges which are unique to this time. For instance, the very technological tools I have mentioned provide opportunities for the adversary to tempt you and to ensnare you in his web of deceit, thereby hoping to take possession of your destiny."

"May I speak first about the courage to refrain from judging others. Oh, you may ask, “Does this really take courage?” And I would reply that I believe there are many times when refraining from judgment—or gossip or criticism, which are certainly akin to judgment—takes an act of courage.
"Unfortunately, there are those who feel it necessary to criticize and to belittle others. You have, no doubt, been with such people, as you will be in the future. My dear young friends, we are not left to wonder what our behavior should be in such situations. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior declared, “Judge not.” At a later time He admonished, “Cease to find fault one with another.” It will take real courage when you are surrounded by your peers and feeling the pressure to participate in such criticisms and judgments to refrain from joining in.

"I would venture to say that there are young women around you who, because of your unkind comments and criticism, are often left out. It seems to be the pattern, particularly at this time in your lives, to avoid or to be unkind to those who might be judged different, those who don’t fit the mold of what we or others think they should be.
"The Savior said: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another. . . .“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” ...True love can alter human lives and change human nature.
"My precious young sisters, I plead with you to have the courage to refrain from judging and criticizing those around you, as well as the courage to make certain everyone is included and feels loved and valued.

"Great courage will be required as you remain chaste and virtuous amid the accepted thinking of the times.

"In the world’s view today there is little thought that young men and young women will remain morally clean and pure before marriage. Does this make immoral behavior acceptable? Absolutely not!

"The commandments of our Heavenly Father are not negotiable!

"My final plea tonight is that you have the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness. Because the trend in society today is away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, you will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which you believe. Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith. When firmly planted, your testimony of the gospel, of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father will influence all that you do throughout your life. The adversary would like nothing better than for you to allow derisive comments and criticism of the Church to cause you to question and doubt.

"Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe."