"Whate'er thou art, act well thy part."

Sister Elaine Dalton, recently released General Young Women's President, shared this talk during the Saturday morning session of General Conference.  Isn't she lovely.?

Among other things, she talked about how parents can "instill in their daughter the ennobling and eternal truth that she is a daughter of God... How do we help her step out of the world and step into the kingdom of God?" Her answers? 

"Young women need women and men to 'stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.' Never before has this been more important than now. Young women need mothers and mentors who exemplify virtuous womanhood. Mothers, your relationship with your daughter is of paramount importance, and so is your example. How you love and honor her father, his priesthood, and his divine role will be reflected and perhaps amplified in your daughter’s attitudes and behavior."

Have you taken a look around at this world we live in?  People, in general, have very little respect for one another.  They go on public forums and social media, picking fights with friend and stranger alike.  People attack others for their views on religion, politics, and health.  They slander those of a different gender, skin color, or culture.  Colleges are teaching young women how to avoid getting raped instead of teaching young men not to rape.  Families are falling apart because of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as plain selfishness. Television and movies make sin appear heroic or ideal.  We have a desperate need for an internal change.  We need people to stand for what is right.  We need families to teach children by example how to respect one another, how to work for their living, how to live within their means.  We need young men and young women to "return to virtue" as a way of life.  

Sister Dalton asked, "What would the world be like if virtue—a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards, including chastity—were reinstated in our society as a most highly prized value?"  Can you imagine?! Wouldn't there be less of a problem with pornography and more a focus on modesty? Wouldn't family relationships be more valued and divorces happen less? Wouldn't abuses be rare and proper affection become commonplace?  What if the media chose to uphold high moral standards instead of the next trashy, more shocking thing?  Wouldn't women finally be treated properly?  Wouldn't righteousness begin to abound?  Wouldn't we feel safer allowing our children to play in the street?  Do you remember growing up and playing in the street with your friends until the street light came on?  Were your parents watching you intently the way you have to watch your children today? 

We really need to start thinking of each other as brothers and sisters, children of the same God.  We all have the same potential in this life.  We have a noble calling to help one another, instead of tearing each other down.  Satan is real and he is really trying to destroy God's plan for us.  He wants to tear down everything that is beautiful, lovely, kind, innocent, and sweet.  We can fight that.  We need to start in our own homes.  We need to be examples to our children of how to be kind and respectful and honest and true.  We need to take the time to hear what our children are saying to us so that we can help them through their troubles.  We need to listen to the needs of our community and country and world.  But first, we need to build up our own homes.  As moths are drawn to the light, so will the Light of Christ call to the souls who are so wanting it.  Neglected children will be drawn to your family because of the love and respect and boundaries they see there.