Modesty is More than Just Not Showing Skin

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the General Young Women session of the April 2007 conference.

Modesty has been a topic of conversation, blogs, YouTube videos, Pinterest photos, and much more for decades. Lots of opinions and counsel swirl around the internet. Often the discussion gets heated as opinions clash, offense is taken, and justifications are offered.

Sister Elaine S. Dalton, then Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency offered what I think is the best definition of modesty outside of scripture or prophetic/apostolic teachings.

Modesty is not a matter of being "hip." It is a matter of the heart and being holy. It is not about being fashionable. It is about being faithful. It is not about being cool. It is about being chaste and keeping covenants. It is not about being popular, but about being pure. Modesty has everything to do with keeping our footing securely on the path of chastity and virtue.

 

Measured against that description we, young, in the middle, or old, can know how to dress, speak, and behave. 

Even though I'm almost 67, I enjoy the counsel to the Young Women. In many ways, and especially compared to Heavenly Father, I feel like a teenager who needs encouragement and guidance. This particular Young Women presidency was one of powerfully spiritual women. Their instruction, encouragement and testimonies are still relevant.  

"Mom, Are We Christians?"

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the April 2007 conference.

I taught Primary for three years recently and began each year with spending a few minutes each Sunday teaching the children (they were 5-7 year olds, preparing for baptism) what I call "The Basics".

I'd start out asking "What is the name of our church?" The most common answer was "The Fairmont Branch". I'd then teach them the correct name of the church, and then ask, "Are we Christians?" Most children said, "No." Some of them emphatically! So I'd teach them the connection between the name of the church and who is the head of the church and who we worship. Then I'd ask "Who is the prophet and president of the church?" "Jesus!" They'd jubilantly proclaim. So I'd show them a photo of President Nelson and introduce them to the prophet. Then we'd learn the names of his counselors and what they looked like. We'd do this every week until all the children could give correct answers to all the questions. I wanted them to know without doubts that yes, we are Christians.

Elder Gary J. Coleman told of a 14 year old girl asking her mother, "Mom, are we Christians?" My heart went out to that girl and wondered how she'd gotten to be 14 without someone teaching her the connection between the name of the church, who is the head of the church, and who we worship. 

Elder Coleman tells his story of growing up in a devout Christian home having no question in his mind that they could define themselves as Christians. 

I think too many parents think their children will get it by osmosis rather than direct teaching in Family Home Evening. Feeling compassion for the children who weren't being taught at home guided my insistence on teaching them directly in Primary.

Elder Coleman bears his testimony saying, "As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you are a Christian, and I am too. I am a devout Christian who is exceedingly fortunate to have greater knowledge of the true "doctrine of Christ" since my conversion to the restored Church. These truths define this Church as having the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like other members of the Church, I now understand the true nature of the Godhead, I have access to additional scripture and revelation, and I can partake of the blessings of priesthood authority."

I so love to hear conversion stories and testimonies. I grew up in the church and have known it is true since I was a little girl. Lately I have wondered if I hadn't been born in a covenant home would I have felt a lack and consequently searched for the truth? I hope I would have. I can't imagine life without the truths of the Gospel, or the hope of eternal life to come.

What does it profit?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2007 conference.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin asked some pointed questions.

How do we know is we are wise or foolish? When we hear inspired counsel, we obey. That is the test of wise or foolish. What does it profit us if we listen to wise counsel and do not heed the words? Of what use is experience if we do not learn from it? What good are the scriptures if we do not cherish the words and incorporate them into our lives?

Having had a wonderful General Conference weekend earlier this month these questions seem pertinent and timely. 

 

Gratitude

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2007 conference.

I had forgotten what happened at this session, the rededication of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, so was pleasantly surprised to read the talks. Lots of reminiscing. I've chosen my favorite quote from Relief Society General President Bonnie Parkin's talk.

The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord--even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace.

 

Yes, I understand that sort of gratitude. 

More Than A Few Good Things

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the April 2007 conference.

So many memorable talks in this session. I'll share some of my highlights:

Elder Richard G. Scott spoke of prayer - Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. . . . Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. . . . A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly asking what He wants for you. . . . Each prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs resolution, as well as ample expression of gratitude for specific, recognized blessings. . . . What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of His trust. . . . When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision.

Elder Jay E. Jensen spoke of Hymns - [And aren't the new ones just lovely!] Hymns "create a feeling of reverence." The words reverence and revelation are like twins who like each other's company. . . . Singing hymns and listening to appropriate music begin at home.

Elder John B. Dickson spoke of Commitment to the Lord - (He was our Stake President in Washington) Your commitment can begin from where you are presently, whether young or old, including repenting and forsaking sin where mistakes have already been made. . . . As you commit now to do the will of the Lord, He will help and strengthen you. Your faith, trust, and desire to follow Him will be your greatest key to success.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of Words - We should honor the Savior's declaration to "be of good cheer." . . . Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. . . . no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse. . . . With such words [the encouraging ones], spoken under the influence of the Spirit, tears can be dried, hearts can be healed, lives can be elevated, hope can return, confidence can prevail.

Elder David A. Bednar gave the famous Parable of the Pickle - [Even my children remember this one!] After we come out of the waters of baptism, our souls need to be continuously immersed in and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior's gospel. Sporadic and shallow dipping in the doctrine of Christ and partial participation in His restored Church cannot produce the spiritual transformation that enable us to walk in a newness of life. Rather, fidelity to covenants, constancy of commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God are required if we are to receive the blessings of eternity.

President Thomas S. Monson spoke of the resurrection - Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.