Notable quotes:
Summary points:
- There is a mortal tendency in the middle of trials, troubles or afflictions to cry out, “Master, carest thou not that I perish? Save me.”
- Regardless of circumstances, a person’s faith in Christ can help strengthen them through mortal trials.
- As Jesus was with His disciples of old, He is there to help all who call on Him.
Talk summary:
In mortality, there is a tendency “when we find ourselves in the middle of trials, troubles or afflictions to cry out, ‘Master, carest thou not that I perish? Save me.'”
The disciples of the New Testament made such a cry while with the Savior on the Sea of Galilee. The Prophet Joseph Smith also pleaded in such a way while imprisoned and suffering at Liberty Jail.
“Certainly, the Savior of the world understands our mortal limitations, for He teaches us how to feel peace and calm even when the winds blow fiercely around us and billowing waves threaten to sink our hopes.”
For anyone with just the smallest particle of faith, Christ invites, saying, “Come unto me,” “Believe on my name,” “Learn of me, and “Listen to my words.”
Recent events around the globe have buffeted nations, communities and individuals with unforeseen trials. In such times of turmoil, “Our faith can feel stretched to the limits of our endurance and understanding.” But it is in these “rough stretches of our journey” that faith is often fortified.
“Regardless of our circumstances, we can intentionally make efforts to build and increase our faith in Jesus Christ. … Our faith increases as we choose to believe rather than doubt, forgive rather than judge, repent rather than rebel. Our faith is refined as we patiently rely on the merits and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah.”
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can help individuals sift through unimportant distractions and encourage them to keep moving along the covenant path. And even when prayerful pleas seem to go unanswered, “Our persistent faith in Jesus Christ produces patience, humility and the ability to reverently utter the words, ‘Thy will be done.’ “
“As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have taken upon us the name of Jesus Christ by covenant. … May we trust Him, obey His commandments and with faith hear Him say, ‘Peace, be still.’ “
In the news:
- As part of the Church News “Women of Covenant” series in June, Sister Lisa L. Harkness wrote about the blessings that come from making covenants with the Lord.
- On May 1, Sister Harkness joined Sister Reyna Isabel Aburto, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, and Sister Becky Craven, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, in a special virtual Sister to Sister event addressing emotional health, motherhood, comparison and other topics as part of BYU Women’s Conference.
About the speaker:
- Lisa L. Harkness was called to serve as the first counselor in the Primary general presidency on March 31, 2018.
- She has also served as a Primary general board member, stake Young Women president, ward Relief Society president, counselor in a ward Young Women presidency, Mia Maid adviser, Young Women camp director, stake family history director, ward family history consultant and gospel doctrine teacher.
- She married David S. Harkness on April 22, 1988, in the Salt Lake Temple, and they have five children and two grandchildren.
Recently on social:
- In a Sept. 30 Facebook post, Sister Lisa L. Harkness shared her excitement for general conference by reminiscing about attending conference with her family as a child.
- On Aug. 30, Sister Harkness posted on Facebook about her excitement for the launch of the Friend magazine in more languages. Children all around the world “will be able to use the magazine to share their belief in Jesus Christ with their friends,” she wrote.
- On Aug. 5, Sister Harkness posted a reminder on Facebook of the importance of choosing to serve the Lord.