At the beginning of her keynote address at BYU Women’s Conference in May 2024, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson declared: “It is a glorious time to be a woman, a covenant woman, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
She then explained what gives her such optimism.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by a mighty prophet of God, President Russell M. Nelson, who is the Lord’s mouthpiece on the earth today — not only for members of the Church but for the whole world,” President Johnson testified.
President Johnson said she feels “comforted, inspired, hopeful and loved” when she studies President Nelson’s words and hears him speak because he speaks for the Savior, whose Church he leads.
“President Nelson’s words are His words, spoken as a prophet to prompt us to change and draw closer to Jesus Christ,” President Johnson said.
I humbly add my testimony to President Johnson’s conviction that President Nelson is the Lord’s prophet on earth today and through whom He directs His Church. Listening to President Nelson’s words and following his counsel helps me draw closer to Jesus Christ.
This month marks seven years since President Nelson was set apart as 17th President of the Church on Jan. 14, 2018.
Writing for the Church News has given me an opportunity to dive deep into President Nelson’s words as I have attempted to compile and summarize some of his prophetic teachings — including his invitations to Latter-day Saints, his focus on personal revelation, his addresses to women, his messages about forgiveness and his promises about time in the temple.
I’ve written about President Nelson’s life and legacy, his leadership as President of the Church, adjustments made in the Church under his direction and his efforts to preserve Church history. I’ve also done countless articles on his general conference talks, his social media posts, his teachings to new mission leaders and his devotional messages.
As I spend time listening to and reading President Nelson’s words — not only for Church News assignments but, more importantly, for my own personal study — the Spirit confirms to me the reality of his prophetic role and his witness of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I feel the truth of what Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “A prophet does not stand between you and the Savior. Rather, he stands beside you and points the way to the Savior.”
President Nelson teaches me about Jesus Christ and leads me to Him.
When I feel distant from the Savior, I know where I can go to find Him. “Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find Him in the temple,” President Nelson said.
When I feel overwhelmed and exhausted, I know how to find rest. “Those who live the higher laws of Jesus Christ have access to His higher power. Thus, covenant keepers are entitled to a special kind of rest that comes to them through their covenantal relationship with God,” President Nelson said.
When I feel worried about the future, I know I can seek personal revelation. “Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son. Because when we seek to hear — truly hear — His Son, we will be guided to know what to do in any circumstance,” President Nelson said.
When I struggle to stay positive, I know how to change my mindset. “As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light,” President Nelson said.
When I doubt myself and my abilities, I can feel empowered by remembering I have been endowed with priesthood power. “The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood. … Sisters, you have the right to draw liberally upon the Savior’s power to help your family and others you love,” President Nelson said.
When I need answers, I know where to turn. “Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ,” President Nelson said.
At a time when I feel bombarded with messages telling me what I should do and who I should be, I am grateful for the words of a living prophet that help me draw closer to Jesus Christ and give me confidence as a covenant woman in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
