Young women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were reminded of Joshua, the prophet following Moses in the Old Testament. The girls, ages 12 to 18, gathered in the Conference Center and in meetinghouses around the world during the annual meeting Saturday, 27 March 2010.
Remarks from the three members of the Church’s Young Women general presidency focused on this year’s theme found in Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.”
Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president, asked the young women to have the courage to stand out. She reminded them of the story of King Louis XVI of France’s son, who was tempted with every kind of moral sin so he could be dethroned. He steadfastly refused to ever give in because he knew who he was and who he was born to be.
“Like the king’s son, each of you has inherited a royal birthright. Each of you has a divine heritage,” Sister Dalton said.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, also addressed the audience. He spoke about children’s stories and fairy tales, telling the young women that as beautiful as the words in stories may be, the promises of Heavenly Father are even more remarkable because they are true.
He then mentioned a few common fairy tales to demonstrate that even in stories, adversity and trial are always part of the journey. He asked, “Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow?”
“As stories as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise,” he said. Adversity, he said, teaches us to appreciate the talents we work on, become better and stronger individuals, and truly appreciate joy.
“It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop,” he said.
The Church leader told the young women to learn the Young Women values and live the standards of the Church rather than attempt to find their way alone.
President Uchtdorf told the young women that the gospel is the way to happiness and living according to its teachings would prepare them for the temple. He also promised that the Lord would bless them and help them overcome trials.