PROVO, Utah — Sister Bonnie D. Parkin shared with college-age Latter-day Saints worldwide some of her favorite motherly advice: "Remember who you are" and "To know is to do."
"There is power in these two phrases," said Sister Parkin, Relief Society general president. "Let me explain. When we know something — truly understand it — then we do it."
Speaking at a Church Educational System fireside March 7, Sister Parkin told the congregation that once they know who they are they must seek their place in God's kingdom.
Thousands of college-age young adults gathered in the BYU Marriott Center for the fireside, which was broadcast live via satellite to an estimated 150,000 others in 77 countries. The address, translated into 29 languages, will also be made available on videotape to institute students around the world.
"If you know and remember who you are, and remember your divine birthright, you will date noble people, wear modest clothing, use clean language, surf worthy Web sites, listen to good music, watch enriching movies, keep the Word of Wisdom, stay morally clean," said Sister Parkin, speaking of her favorite "Bonnie-isms."
"You'll study your scriptures, forgive each other, say your prayers, repent of your sins, serve others, magnify your callings and love one another."
But remembering, she added, can be tricky — especially for young adults. "You're pursuing so many worthwhile goals: an education, a job, an eternal companion. . . . And sometimes, in pursuit of such worthy goals, we lose sight of our eternal identity."
Sister Parkin told the young adults that gaining knowledge of their eternal identity happens right now, at their stage of life. "Part of seeking the kingdom first is seeking your specific place in the kingdom. That changes everything."
She asked the congregation to look to Moses as an example. After learning his true identity and the Lord's plan for him, Moses led his people out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea and received the Ten Commandments. He had innumerable spiritual experiences.
"Let's figure out firsthand what we must do to learn what Moses knew," she said. "As we talk about his journey, liken it unto yours, for what was promised to Moses is promised to you."
First, Sister Parkin asked the congregation to remove themselves from the world. To achieve this, Moses climbed a great mountain. "Separating ourselves from the world both in distance and in worthiness is an act of great struggle — like Moses scaling that mountain. But what incredible blessings await those who will."
Sister Parkin said it is also important for college-age young adults to learn why they are here. "What might your work be?" she asked. "You have unique talents and abilities to develop, you need to marry, to have a family, you have callings to fulfill, you have brothers and sisters to love and serve. You see, those gifts that are most unique are those that most require your energy. Some assignments can be accomplished by anyone, but others require someone special. Think of Jesus. Or Joseph Smith. Or Moses. And think of yourself."
A chief way a person can determine the Lord's course for them is a patriarchal blessing, she added.
"Your patriarchal blessing protects you from becoming weary of mind. It reminds you who you are. It is personal scripture of the work you have to do and what you need to know about yourself. . . .
"Have you received your patriarchal blessing? Do you read it often? Do you pray about it? I hope so, because it's pretty hard to do what you don't know. Right now is the time to discover your mission. And if you'll oppose the world's pull, Heavenly Father will show you."
Sister Parkin said even after life-changing experiences, students — like Moses — will still find opposition in all things, their highs will still be matched with deep lows.
"After all," she said, "it's easy to remain true to the faith without challenges to try that faith; true faith is only made manifest in the face of heart-piercing trials. Moses — like all of us — must prove and learn just how stalwart he is with his new knowledge."
Sister Parkin said Satan wants nothing more than for people to worship him, not Jesus.
"You are a chosen group of Heavenly Father's children, . . ." she said. "But, like Moses, this also makes you larger targets for the adversary. Every righteous soul that Satan seduces from the truth becomes a game hunter's trophy, prominently displayed and mounted on the walls of hell."
Sister Parkin said as God's temples spread across the earth, so do Satan's — places that are filthy, loud and dark. "You know where and what they are — they are all places where men and women are persuaded to 'do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him and serve not God (Moroni 7:17).' "
As Moses felt the love of the Lord in his life, his judgment was not impaired by Satan's deceptions and he cast Satan out with confidence, she said. "Make this your pattern, too." In times of trial, she added, the Lord does hear prayers.
"In your deepest times of temptation and fear, like Moses, you must plead with Heavenly Father as frequently and as long as necessary to retain your faith. If you do not, Satan will lurk nearby until your defenses drop and then return with enticings to worship him, and fears to stop your heart. It is not easy, but nothing of worth is. . . . You have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost, who testifies of the truth; you are entitled to His presence and direction according to your faithfulness. Let Him help you."
Closing, Sister Parkin encouraged the young adults.
"You can conquer," she said. "When you feel down, remember you don't have to do it alone. Many, like Moses, have gone before you and have successfully overcome hard things. You can too."
