PROVO, UTAH
Focusing on the importance of education, Sister Mary N. Cook, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, shared personal stories from her life during a lecture held in the McKay Building on the BYU Campus Oct. 22. Sister Cook, who received three degrees from the David O. McKay School of Education, spoke in connection with BYU Homecoming Week as the 2009 recipient of the school of education's College Award.
"I feel that my education did prepare me well for my leadership opportunities, in my career in the Church and the communities in which I live," Sister Cook said. "My professional education has been the solid foundation that has really helped me in everything that has come since."
In speaking about the importance of education, Sister Cook shared the connection of education to serving in the kingdom of the Lord.
"Getting an education is a very important part of mortality," Sister Cook said. "It is one of the ways we become more fit for the kingdom [of the Lord]. We have our agency, we can make many choices that will prepare ourselves to be great teachers, parents and leaders. Rarely do we really know or understand what the Lord has in mind for us."
Sister Cook shared ways for individuals to prepare for the responsibility of building the kingdom through service in their homes, service in the Church and service in the community. As individuals are prepared, opportunities will come, she said.
Service at home
Sister Cook spoke of the importance of individuals learning all they can about being a wife and a husband and a father and mother.
"Education is your first step to strengthening your home and family," she said. "To provide you need an education. To protect your family from harm you must be aware of all the physical and spiritual dangers that are there."
Speaking specifically of the importance of motherhood, Sister Cook spoke of the education needed to run a home. Cooking, cleaning, communication and child care are only a few of the areas that lead to a more effective home. As mothers get as much education as they can — exceeding just a formal education — they are more able to protect and strengthen their families, as well as serve in the kingdom.
"Those who are prepared and are more able to adapt … can then do the work in the kingdom," she said. "Learn all that you can about everything you can, this is part of becoming fit for the kingdom. You never know when you will need it. …
"Remember, your family and your home will be your sphere of greatest influence of building the kingdom."
Service in the Church
"Your education and the choices that you are making right now will be a valuable asset as the Lord determines how He will use you," she said.
Drawing from her own experience, Sister Cook shared when she and her husband, Elder Richard E. Cook, were called to Mongolia to open the door to missionary work. Because of her higher education and qualifications as an educator, Sister Cook was able to serve in the Mongolian education community while her husband's qualifications as a certified accountant helped in the government community in Mongolia. Their abilities helped to bring missionaries to the country as they later became the first couple to preside over the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission.
"I know your education will help you to serve in the Church but, more important, I know it will help you to be an instrument in His hands to minister to the one."
Service in the community
"Your greatest influence will be in the community and it's who you are," she said. "It is our unique opportunity to be an influence for good."
Drawing from the example of Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon as he lifted the Title of Liberty in defense of his religion, Sister Cook said it is time for individuals to do the same.
"We have got to raise our titles of liberty and we have got to be bold," she said.
She listed how members can raise their banners to be a good influence throughout communities around the world to be "more used by the Lord."
— Listen first, and be willing to ask others about their beliefs.
— Know the doctrine and be prepared to explain.
— Live the standards and be consistent in living them, be an example of the believers.
— Be a good neighbor, show you are a Christian.
— Open your mouths, learn to have natural conversations about the Church.
— Be bold, but not overbearing.
As individuals focus on becoming "more fit for the kingdom," the Lord will give them opportunities to be directed and used by the Lord, Sister Cook said.
"Remember that being more fit for the kingdom is up to you," Sister Cook said. "The choices you make will help you become a better mother or father, will help you become a better husband or wife, it will help you become a better teacher, it will help you become a better servant of the Lord. Education of any and every type will qualify you to be more used by the Lord."
