Young Women Fireside Telecast

A new Young Women logo and new Beehive, Mia Maid, and Laurel symbols were introduced at a Young Women Fireside held Sunday, October 18, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. The fireside was telecast by satellite in English, Spanish, and French to more than a thousand locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

President Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, told the young women that true happiness comes to those who come unto Christ and follow him. To help the young women do that, President Monson gave them a code of conduct, divided into four parts:

“You have a heritage; honor it.

“You will meet sin; shun it.

“You have the truth; live it.

“You have a testimony; share it.”

“Remember,” said President Monson, “that you do not walk alone. The Lord has promised you: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up’ (D&C 84:88). …

“As you walk through life, always walk toward the light, and the shadows of life will fall behind you.”

Elder James M. Paramore of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy introduced the evening’s program. “You are bright and clean and wholesome and talent-laden,” he told the young women. “You have promise and opportunity [for] the constant companionship of the Lord.”

Elder Paramore advised the young women to heed the counsel of their parents and leaders and to listen to the Spirit as they walk through life.

Sister Ardeth G. Kapp, Young Women general president, introduced the new Young Women logo, which depicts a torch with an outline of a young woman’s head as a part of the flame. The logo bears the words, “Young Women Stand for Truth and Righteousness.”

“Let this Young Women logo become a symbolic reminder to each of you,” said Sister Kapp, “that as you stand for truth and righteousness, you will hold up the light of Christ.”

She urged Young Women to let the logo remind them that “every Christlike act, every kind word spoken, … every act of forgiveness, every effort to lift another will add to the light and … help light the way for others.”

“Through your obedience to God’s commandments, you will become acquainted with the whisperings of his Spirit,” Sister Kapp said. “In response to your asking, you will know and feel in your heart when to lead, when to follow, and when to turn away.”

She counseled each young woman to be prepared to bear her testimony when others ask life’s most basic questions: Who are you, what will you do, and why?

The seven values of Young Women were then presented. They are faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, and integrity.

Sister Kapp noted that since the gospel principles identified in the Young Women values were introduced, “We have received hundreds of reports and letters from young women around the world [telling] how these values are affecting their lives.”

Speaking to parents and leaders, Sister Kapp noted that young women need to receive love and have their accomplishments acknowledged. She then warned that if we, as well-meaning parents or leaders, encouraged young women “to move prematurely into social life with too much attention on popularity, physical attractiveness, and popular fashions … we may unthinkingly train their appetites to hunger after the things of the world.”

Sister Kapp advised leaders and parents, “Live what you want them to learn. Be role models.”

Sister Elaine L. Jack, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency directed her remarks to the twelve- and thirteen-year-old Beehive age group, while Sister Jayne B. Malan, first counselor, spoke to the Mia Maids, who are fourteen and fifteen years old. Sister Kapp then addressed the Laurel age group of sixteen and seventeen.

“This is the time to learn the gospel and to grow in your understanding of the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Sister Jack said. “This is the time to … choose the truth and speak the truth. This is the time to learn how to share your love and talents with your family and friends.”

The Beehive symbol depicting a young woman in prayer was displayed, along with its accompanying legend: “A young woman seeks to know the truth through prayer.”

Referring to Heavenly Father as a friend, Sister Jack said, “He is anxious for you to learn to hear the promptings of his Spirit so he can teach you, guide you, and comfort you.”

Pointing to the Mia Maid symbol, an open book of scriptures, Sister Malan noted, “The scriptures are priceless gifts from your Father in Heaven to you. … Search and study the scriptures so that you can teach your family and others and bear testimony of the things you know to be true.”

Sister Kapp told Laurels to be a righteous example and to pray regularly. “To begin a day without prayer might be likened to beginning a journey across the desert without water. Kneel down each morning. … Talk to your Father in Heaven and ask to have his Spirit to be with you. Carry your prayer in your heart all day.”

Noting that this age is an important time in a young woman’s life, Sister Kapp advised Laurels to make the choices now that will determine their future life and opportunities. “Talk with your parents and with the Lord,” she said. “No one knows and loves you more. …

“Set your heart and mind on one day entering the temple of our God. This will help fortify you against the power of the adversary.”

The Laurel symbol shows temple spires topped by a statue of the angel Moroni. The accompanying legend reads: “The temple spires remind us of sacred ordinances and covenants that lead to exaltation.”

As she addressed all Young Women and their parents, Sister Kapp stressed the importance of the Personal Progress program, which “provides an opportunity for parents to encourage their daughters and share in their progress.

The Young Womanhood Medallion, which is awarded to young women who complete the program and accomplish their goals, was then highlighted. The medallion “symbolizes a young woman of the Church who has made a commitment to honor her covenants and to stand for truth and righteousness,” Sister Kapp said.

Addressing the parents, Sister Kapp pledged, “We, the leaders of young women, are committed to assist you, to help protect and strengthen your daughters in every appropriate way. We honor your sacred trust and join with you in helping each young woman come unto Christ.”

Counseling young women to enjoy their “precious youthful years” and “this wonderful time of learning and discovering,” Sister Kapp said, “There has never been a better time to be young, nor greater opportunity … to make a difference.”