181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
Special 2011 General Young Women Video Presentation
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Through benevolence, the young women of the Church are pointing others to the Savior's light, said Sister Mary N. Cook, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency.
"Thank you for your benevolent lives: for including those who may be different; for your kindness to peers, the elderly, your family and little children; for being neighbors to those who are lonely and those who have challenges and heartache," she said,
Speaking during the General Young Women Meeting on March 26, Sister Cook asked Latter-day Saint youth worldwide to remember the phrase, "Kindness begins with me."
"Our Savior taught us about and lived a benevolent life," she said. "Jesus loved all and He served all. Centering our lives on Jesus Christ, will help us acquire this attribute of benevolence."
In order to develop Christ-like attributes, young women should learn about the Savior and follow in His ways, she said.
Church members, she added, can build unity as they offer "individual acts of kindness."
"Have you ever felt lonely? Do you notice those who are lonely, living in a black and white world? Young women, I've watched as you bring your unique color into the lives of others with your smiles, your kind words or a note of encouragement."
She promised the young women in the worldwide congregation that they can change the world by being benevolent.
"I would like to invite each of you to do at least one Samaritan-like act this coming week. It may require that you reach beyond your usual friends, or overcome your shyness. You may courageously choose to serve someone who doesn't treat you well. I promise that if you will extend yourself beyond what is easy to do, you will feel so good inside that kindness will start to become a part of your everyday life."
Not only did the Savior love all, He served all, Sister Cook said.
"Expand your goodness to many. Old and young can be greatly blessed by your kind service."
Sister Cook said sometimes being benevolent is the most difficult in families.
"Strong families require effort. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. Seek to be a peacemaker rather than to tease, fight and quarrel."
Sister Cook told the young women they may not know the impact their life and example may have on a little child.
In one instance, a little child saw a picture of the Savior in a young woman's locker. She said, "Look, Jesus is at our school."
Sister Cook concluded, "Young Women, you are changing the world by centering your life on Jesus Christ and you are becoming what He wants you to be."
