This General Conference Odyssey post covers the General Women’s Meeting of October 1984. All the talks seem to support one another with one profound message: Striving Together.

Because we all have weaknesses that are known by Satan, we always have to be on our guard. But it’s exhausting. We need help from one another, and we need to be willing to accept help from one another, even when it’s a call to repentance.

Some of the talks mention the value of Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary leaders working together. How does that make us stronger? The gospel invites us to work together and care for one another. Since we all care for the children in these organizations, we should be willing to work together. After all, we’re all on the same team, seeking the same blessings.

While we are all surrounded by worldly rationalizations, it makes our lives easier if we can focus on a purpose. What is our purpose? To return to our Father in Heaven and bring our loved ones along with us. If we truly focus on that, we can overcome the world.

Covenants help us focus on our purpose. At baptism, we covenant to strive to be like Jesus. Our thoughts and actions are centered on Him. In our temple covenants, we promise specific ways to obey by keeping our lives clean and focused on the Savior.

Many people comment on how they love going to the temple because of the peace they find there. Why do you suppose there is peace in the temple? Yes, this is where we find our Savior, but this is also where we find like-minded people striving to keep their covenants. We are there sharing in the work for both the living and the dead. We are all striving together for the same purpose in the temple. Our spirits recognize this and yearn for that special feeling of unity.

This is how a Zion society is. Sis. Barbara W. Winder says a Zion society is where “our beliefs are transformed into action.” As we learn in the temple, we go home and act on what we’ve learned. And as we act in our own lives, we influence and help one another.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley says, “If we wish the blessing, we must pay the price.” What is the price? To sacrifice the world. I testify that God’s blessings easily outmatch anything the world might offer us.

I’m reminded of what Sharon Eubank says in her most recent conference address.

“When expectations overwhelm us, we can step back and ask Heavenly Father what to let go of. Part of our life experience is learning what not to do.”

Also, Becky Craven reminds us:

“The world is laden with distractions that can deceive even the elect, causing them to be casual in living their covenants—thus leading them near the tree, but not to it.”

Isn’t that a sobering thought? We have to figure out what we are willing to let go of so we can live our covenants with exactness. It can help to gather friends around and let go of the world together. Our power grows stronger in numbers.

Sisters, remember what you have covenanted and then remember them when the world confronts you. Work together as a sisterhood to push back when evil invades your space. Use the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet as a family, as a Primary, and as a youth activity. Strive together to gain power and strength as we combine forces with our testimonies, our action, and our influence.