Stake President’s Challenge 2012
Several summers ago, I was serving as a Stake Youth Camp leader for our Young Women’s camp. It was the last night of camp, and so it was also the night to share testimonies. We were all sitting together around a fire that had been constructed and tended by several of the girls, with the beautiful stream flowing behind us.
I don’t remember any specific things that were said during the testimony meeting, but I recall it being a peaceful and spiritual one. What stood out to me personally was that all six of the second-year girls over whom I specifically was a leader bore their testimonies. Some were short and some were longer, but all were beautiful to me because of the love I felt for each of those precious girls.
When the meeting was over I remember sitting on a large rock and watching the stream flow beneath my feet. As I sat pondering, one of my second-year girls came up to me and asked what I was up to. I told her that I was thinking about how much it meant to me that I was able to hear each of my girls bear her testimony. I laughed and said I would like to think I got the credit of inspiring them to do it. I meant the comment in a light, joking manner and I was taken by surprise when the girl said to me, “Well, I don’t know about the other girls, but you inspired me.”
I remember thanking her before she walked away, but I knew I couldn’t express the gratitude I felt towards her when I realized that in a small and simple way, she had let me know that I was fulfilling my purpose here on earth. The words of my patriarchal blessing came back to me, that I was here…..to be someone who will make a difference…The difference you are here to make, is to strengthen and lift and encourage others, based on your own experiences. I know this has only just begun.