Virtuous young women embody traits of righteousness that set them apart from the world and allow them to stand "steadfast" and "press forward" in their quest for eternal life.
That is according to leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who spoke Saturday to tens of thousands of teenage girls and their mothers, gathered in the Conference Center and in LDS meetinghouses throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean for the annual Young Women's meeting.
At the Conference Center, those attending were ushered through metal detectors set up at every entrance. The last time the detectors were used at the center was during the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Inside, President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of the church, suggested 10 virtues that young women should pursue in their quest for happiness.
Faith (1) is most important, he said, for by exercising faith, "we become cheerful and optimistic, charitable and courageous, because faith is the moving cause of all of the (other nine) virtues."
Honesty (2) begins within oneself, he said, for "you cannot be honest with others unless you are first honest with yourself."
Chastity (3) is vital for young women to avoid "feelings of guilt as well as deep emotional and physical hurt." Moral cleanliness (4) and fidelity are "a sacred passport to self-respect and happiness for everyone."
Humility (5) keeps one teachable, he said. "Learn to say, 'I don't know.' If used when appropriate, it will be often." Self-discipline (6) includes the principle of work, and will "become part of the makeup of your character for the rest of your lives."
Fairness (7) with others, cleanliness in dress and speech, and moderation (8) in dress, hairstyles, makeup, conduct, speech and music help young women stay "close to the center" of appropriate conduct and self-respect, he said.
Courageous young women will have the courage (9) to stand up to peer pressure, and the scriptural admonition to "grow in grace" (10) means "a disposition to be kind and to do good," he said.
By employing such virtues, young women will come to understand that each can make a "great difference for good," President Faust said, adding that he believes they, like the biblical Esther who saved her people from extermination, have come to earth now "for such a time as this."
Sister Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president, said girls who keep the covenants they made with God at baptism "press forward with hope and love" as they face life's challenges.
"When you promise to take (Christ's) name and characteristics upon you, it means you should speak a little softer, act a little kinder, serve your siblings more selflessly, and appreciate and help your parents more openly."
Being one's "best self" is often most difficult within one's own home, she said. "But when you keep your covenant, you will learn to more fully love those to whom you are eternally bound. Then you will also be able to extend your love beyond that circle to others."
Young women who understand the gospel know they have three things to hope for, according to Sister Julie B. Beck, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency. The atonement of Christ, the power of his resurrection and the promise of eternal life are all gifts made possible through the Savior.
The atonement helps young women literally "bury their old ways" when they seek to follow Christ. She told of two girls who owned some immodest clothing, "so they dug a deep hole in the ground . . . and buried it!"
Sister Beck's 20-year old niece was killed in an auto accident four years ago, and shortly before she died, she wrote of the importance of staying close to the Lord, gaining knowledge about the gospel, and trying to be like Jesus. By living in such a way, she said, sickness, death, poverty and other afflictions won't be overwhelming. "The Lord will take care of you."
Because the world challenges young women to lower themselves to a worldly standard, girls must understand that "pressing forward with a perfect brightness of hope" implies resistance, according to Sister Elaine S. Dalton, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency.
Having a vision of the future helps young women move forward in the present, much like knowing what it is like to cross the finish line in a marathon keeps runners moving forward, she said. Through baptism, LDS girls have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost, which "sets you apart from the world."
By listening to the influence of that spirit, young women serve as examples for their male friends, helping them to prepare for serving a mission and remaining morally clean. "Your daily decisions will influence generations."
E-mail: carrie@desnews.com
