Our world is messed up!

But, then, we all know that. Even those who have their own moral code, outside of our traditional Judeo-Christian belief system, recognize the world is full of problems. We are all on the same page with one another.  

Satan is at the heart of all wickedness. He has power to influence in a way that traps people before they even realize they are stepping into darkness. Now, more than ever before, Satan is desperate to see each and every one of us fall, crash, burn, and be annihilated.

I don’t want to give Satan any stage time, so it is enough to say he wants to destroy us by influencing us to destroy ourselves.

All of the talks, in this General Women’s meeting, were about holding tight to your testimony. To stand strong and immovable. To not let Satan overcome you. We know there are dangers, but we can’t see them all coming. It’s hard to know exactly what to prepare against.

The best solution, then, is to play offense. If we fearlessly stand as God’s witnesses at all times, in all things, and in all places, we will always be ready to choose the right when a choice is placed before us.  

But, of course, making mistakes is inevitable. How wonderful that our Heavenly Father has provided us a way to return back home to Him. By choosing to study the gospel of Jesus Christ, and working at having a close relationship with Jesus Christ, we can know how to repent every day, continue on the path, and not let discouragement pull us off.

Having a testimony of Jesus Christ, and His unparalleled mercy on us, is worth every effort.

Having a testimony of Joseph Smith is almost as important. How blessed we are that through his unique calling, to bring about the restoration of Jesus Christ’s church and gospel, we all can put our face toward our Savior and leave all else behind.  

May we keep our testimonies bright, in order to pierce through the darkness.