I Know

Hey,

Last night I gave the family home evening lesson on President Monson's talk to the Young Women of last conference.  (May 2009 Ensign, pp. 123-127 or http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsphideNav=1&locale=59&sourceId=914c230bac7f0210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD )

It was so strong in its wording for the future that I woke at 4 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep.  So here I am sharing some of the prophet's words with you.

President Monson said, "As I contemplate all that you face...you...will need...courage....courage to: 1. Refrain from judging others; 2. Be chaste and virtuous, and 3. Stand firm for truth and righteousness."

A couple of very strong quotes are:

1. Refrain from judging others

"Cease to find fault one with another."  D & C 188:24

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." --Mother Teresa


2. Be chaste and virtuous

"Many voices are telling you that you are far too provincial or that there is something wrong with you if you still believe there is such a thing as immoral behavior. Isaiah declared, 'Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.' Isaiah 5:20." --President Monson

"Great courage will be required as you remain chaste and virtuous amid the accepted thinking of the times." --President Monson [I was a virgin at marriage, and you need to be, too. It's one of the greatest gifts to give your future husband. --Susan]

Ted Koppel (Of ABC's Nightline): Should I do drugs; have sex with anyone? "No.  The answer is no.  Not no because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward--but no, because it's wrong...    What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments.  Are, not were."

President Monson said, "Help in maintaining the proper perspective in these permissive times can come to you from many sources.  One valuable resource is your patriarchal blessing.  Read it frequently.  Study it carefully.  Be guided by its cautions.  Live to merit its promises."  [This is one thing that helped me a lot before marriage.  Mine said, "...keep your life clean and pure...."  --Susan]

The First Presidency, 1942; quoted by President Monson: "To the youth..., we plead with you to live clean [lives], for the unclean life leads only to suffering, misery, and woe physically,--and spiritually it is the path to destruction.  How glorious and near to the angels is youth that is clean; this youth has joy unspeakable here and eternal happiness hereafter.  Sexual purity is youth's most precious possession; it is the foundation of all righteousness." 


3. Stand firm for truth and righteousness

"...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."  --President Monson

"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."  --President Monson

[Then I was the rod of iron in Lehi's dream and Dad was the adversary.  Kallie held on to me and Dad tried to pull and intice her away.  What she spontaneously said applies to all of us, "No, it's safe and warm here."  IT IS.  HOLD ON. --Susan]

"And then Mordecai added this searching question [to Queen Esther]: "Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' Esther 4:14  ...You will probably not be called upon to put your life on the line, as did Esther, for that which you believe.  You will, however, most likely find yourself in situations where great courage will be required as you stand firm for truth and righteousness."  --President Monson

"You are some of our Heavenly Father's strongest children, and He has saved you to come to the earth 'for such a time as this.'  With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes.  Though the world may at times appear dark, you have the light of the gospel, which will be as a beacon to guide your way."  --President Monson

I know what the prophet says is true.  YOU are the strong ones; the ones to defend all.  I pray you will have to the strength and courage to always do it.

Love,

Mom (Susan)