Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon spoke during the Saturday morning session of April 2023 general conference about drawing close to Christ in real, personal ways. The following is a summary of what she said.
President Cordon’s conference talk summary
When President Cordon’s father was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2011, he told her something that has stuck with her: “Bonnie, never give up an opportunity to testify of Christ.” This advice impressed on her the importance of drawing close to the Savior in real, personal ways.
When Christ visited the Nephites, His invitation wasn’t to stand at a distance, but to draw near to Him. “While we may not enjoy the same physical proximity as those who walked with Christ during His early ministry, through the Holy Ghost we can experience His power every day. As much as we need.”
Personal closeness to Christ grows through frequent temple worship, daily repentance, scripture study, attending church and seminary, pondering patriarchal blessings, receiving ordinances, honoring covenants and testifying of Him.
The adversary can make it difficult to hear the Lord’s voice. “Our world, our challenges, our circumstances will not get quieter, but we can and must hunger and thirst after the things of Christ to ‘hear Him’ with clarity. We will want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day. … Look for Christ everywhere ― I promise He is there.”
Notable quotes
“While we may not enjoy the same physical proximity as those who walked with Christ during His early ministry, through the Holy Ghost we can experience His power every day!”
“We will want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day.”
“Look for Christ everywhere ― I promise He is there!”
See the full text of President Cordon’s talk: ‘Never Give Up an Opportunity to Testify of Christ’
Who is President Cordon?
- President Cordon was named the Young Women general president on March 31, 2018.
- Sister Cordon served a full-time mission in the Portugal Lisbon Mission and later served with her husband from 2010 to 2013 as he presided over the Brazil Curitiba Mission.
- She met her husband, Derek Cordon, at BYU, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1986. They have four children and four grandchildren.
What has President Cordon done recently?
- Along with Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson, President Cordon visited people in Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Congo over the space of nine days in March.
- In January, she spoke to BYU-Idaho students about trusting in the Lord.
- During the October 2021 general conference, she highlighted two truths that are foundational to a youth’s “grand and glorious work.”
Read more of President Cordon’s general conference addresses, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
