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SALT LAKE CITY -- Tens of thousands of young Latter-day Saint women gathered at the Conference Center Saturday evening for their annual meeting. They heard from their leaders how to be strong and courageous in their faith in today's challenging world.
Whether in Salt Lake City or at meetinghouses throughout the world, millions of young Latter-day Saint women, 12 to 18 years old, came together to hear words of encouragement.
This year's theme comes from the Old Testament in Joshua: "Be strong and of a good courage."
"No matter what you may face in your personal journey, the first guide found in Joshua reminds us to pray, be patient and remember God's promise -- ‘I will not forsake thee,'" said Ann M. Dibb, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
First Counselor Mary N. Cook encouraged the young women to stay strong and hold to their virtue.
"Is it really possible to remain virtuous in today's world? The answer, my young friends, is 'yes,'" she said. "My counsel to you is one similar to that given by Winston Churchill during World War II -- 'Never, never, never give up!'"
Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton reminded the young women of the Church to remain worthy.
"This is a magnificent time to be on earth and to be a young woman. Our vision remains the same. It is to be worthy to make and keep sacred covenants and receive the ordinances of the temple," she said.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the Church's First Presidency, told them stories of his 'once upon a time' dream to marry a lovely young woman named Harriet. He won her hand, he said, by being worthy.
"Some may wonder why they attend church meetings, or why it is so important to read scriptures regularly or pray to Heavenly Father daily. Here is my answer: you do these things because they are part of God's path for you," he said.
He told them not to be confused by glamorous magazine ads or product endorsements but to stand for truth and seek goodness.
The Church's annual General Conference takes place next weekend with sessions both Saturday and Sunday. You can watch them on KSL 5.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
