Young Women Encouraged to Radiate the Light of Christ By Brittany Karford, Church Magazines The light emanating from the faces of the young women of the Church did not escape the remarks of the speakers Saturday night at the 2006 Young Women general broadcast. That light, said President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, comes from radiating the light of the Lord in their lives. Appropriately, the theme of the broadcast, “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations,” addressed how young women can be a light in their homes and families, with their friends, and to the rest of the world—even with something as simple as a smile. “You can let the sunshine that is in your heart show on your face,” President Faust said. “You young women can be bearers of light.” Referring to teachings of President Spencer W. Kimball, President Faust said that just as in the parable of the 10 virgins, the young women can prepare to bear light by adding oil to their lamps drop by drop in daily living—a drop from family prayer, a drop from fasting, a drop from service, a drop from paying tithing, a drop from living chastely (see President Spencer W. Kimball, Sept. 2, 1978, Kansas City Mo. T Civic Center Auditorium). “Many of you put oil into your lamps last year when you followed President Hinckley's challenge to read the Book of Mormon,” President Faust said. “You can continue to do so every time you read the scriptures, partake of the sacrament, and offer your daily prayers.” Sister Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president, emphasized how young women can be a light in their homes. She said that some young women are born into families with more difficult problems than others, but in either case, a young woman can be a light as a peacemaker, teacher, and example. “Is there anyone who needs your light as much as your families?” Sister Tanner asked. She shared a story of Raluca, a 17-year-old young woman in Romania who spread light in her family. After her baptism, she shed light by showing Christlike love to her family. That light softened her father's heart and eventually brought her entire family into the Church. “As you share your light, others will find greater light too,” Sister Tanner said. Following Sister Tanner's comments, young women heard the voices of their peers—young women living the gospel all over the world—in a short video presentation. Here President Gordon B. Hinckley shared a message with the young women of the Church. “You dear, wonderful girls. I speak with a father's love for you,” the prophet said in the video. “I thank you that you've traveled so well, so far. I plead with you to never let down, to establish a purpose and hold to the line and move forward undeterred by any opposing temptation or force that may cross your path. You live in many lands, you speak various languages, and every one of you has something divine within you. You are second to none. You are daughters of God.” This noble birthright, said Sister Julie B. Beck, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, is one the young women cannot forget, and she counseled them to prepare to receive their patriarchal blessings. She said this additional guidance is important in a season of life when the young women are making some of their most important decisions. “I am glad I received my blessing before I was too heavily influenced by the confusing and incorrect messages in the world,” Sister Beck said. Sister Elaine S. Dalton, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, praised the strength of young women she has encountered worldwide, marveling at their strength in “an ever-darkening world.” “Some of you are the only members in your family or your school,” she noted. “You are making a difference. You are leading in righteous ways.” She reminded them that they distinguished themselves in the premortal existence and were not born as girls by chance. “I can see a day when the world will look to you and say, ‘Who are you? Who are these young women who radiate this light? Why are you so happy?’ ” she said. “And you will arise and stand on your feet and say with conviction, ‘We are daughters of a Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love him.’ ”