General Women's Session: Latter-day Saints urged to be strong in their faith


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SALT LAKE CITY — A choir of young women opened the General Women's Session of the 186th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A member of the new Primary presidency urged women and girls to extend charity, not judgment, toward all people.

“We become focused on the Pinterest or Instagram versions of life or caught up in our school's or workplace's preoccupation with competition,” said Sister Jean B. Bingham, first counselor in the Primary General Presidency. “Young and not-so-young women everywhere can demonstrate charity as they choose to use words that build confidence and faith in others.”

For many, life can be filled with pain. Sister Carole Stephens, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, urged women to seek both spiritual and professional counseling.

"Many are victims of adultery and verbal, sexual and emotional abuse," she said.

Sister Bonnie Oscarson, Young Women general president, said we live in perilous times and that Latter-day Saint women should see themselves as essential participants in the work of the priesthood.

“Women in this church are presidents, counselors, teachers, members of councils, sisters and mothers, and the kingdom of God cannot function unless we rise up and fulfill our duties with faith,” said Sister Oscarson.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, spoke at the session and said faith is trust, and you have to keep seeking.

“My beloved sisters in Christ, God is real. He lives, he loves you. He knows you. He understands you. He knows the silent pleadings of your heart. He has not abandoned you. He will not forsake you,” President Uchtdorf said.

Women attending the session said the messages reaffirm one's faith.

“It just affirmed to me that God is real and that he loves us and it was such an amazing spiritual experience to be with little 8-year-olds up to 108-year-olds," said Katelyn Petitt, a resident of Idaho Falls who attended the session.

"I loved hearing all the different speakers and hearing their testimonies and hearing them talk about the church of Jesus Christ, and I know that it's real. I really loved it,” said session attendee Hannah Oliver.

The women in attendance said they look forward to more messages of hope coming up in general conference sessions next weekend.

Contributing: Xoel Cardenas

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