Ballard - Be an Example of the Believers - October 1991

In October 1991, Elder Ballard spoke during the General Women's Meeting and offered some great advice to the sisters of the church.  He starts by saying there are challenges in life and that we shouldn't put ourselves down because we can't do everything all the time.

• Remember, sisters, we all have our own challenges to work out while passing the tests of mortality, and we probably often think ours are the most difficult. Recognize limitations; no one can do everything. When you have done the best you can, be satisfied and don’t look back and secondguess, wondering how you could have done more. Be at peace within yourselves. Rather than berate yourself for what you didn’t do, congratulate yourself for what you did.

He speaks about the vital role that women play in the church and how women are crucial to helping grow firm testimonies in others.  He also speaks about how each sister in the church is known of God and is precious in His sight.

• Regardless of your present circumstances, you devoted women in this great sisterhood throughout  the world are, in your unique way, performing a remarkable service in helping to establish and strengthen the Church. Women play a crucial role in helping people accept the gospel and establish firm testimonies in their hearts.
• The strength of this Church from its beginning in 1830 has been and will continue to be enhanced through the faithful service of good women and young women like you.
• To each and every one of you, please know how much your leaders love you and pray for you. Also know that we understand your challenges, and be assured that regardless of your circumstances at the moment, each one of you is precious to your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Elder Ballard gives insight into the thoughts that the General Authorities have about the role that women have in the church.

• Be patient with the Brethren, and know that the General Authorities are teaching priesthood leaders in stakes and wards to listen to you and to counsel with you on matters pertaining to the needs of young and older women. Your opinions are valuable, even essential, to the Brethren because no one else has your perspective and insights. You have much to offer in strengthening the homes and families of the Church. We marvel at your strength, we value your service, and we rejoice in your faithful quest for eternal life.
• Through your faith and personal righteousness in keeping the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ, you can qualify for all of the blessings our Heavenly Father has promised to His obedient children. Some of you may not have an opportunity in mortality to fulfill every righteous desire of your heart. But you can be certain that no eternal blessing will be denied you if you remain faithful and live the principles of the gospel throughout your earthly life.

He gives advise on using our agency properly.  Obedience will open paths for us to find true happiness and peace in this life.

• Moral agency enables the children of God to choose what they will believe and how they will live in mortality. Based on your obedience in living gospel principles, you will be judged according to your works. With the marvelous gift of moral agency, you can study the scriptures and the teachings of the leaders of the Church and, through the promptings of the Spirit, make correct choices that will bring peace and eternal joy to your souls.

He concludes talking about the impact that sin has on our self image.

• Transgression of any kind is always accompanied by a loss of self-esteem. You young women have a responsibility to live exemplary lives so the young men will respect your values and treat you as daughters of God deserve to be treated. Righteous daughters of God, our Eternal Father, are absolutely essential if the Church is to fulfill its destiny in preparing the earth for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Elder Ballard offers great advice to the sisters of the church.  He makes it very clear how important the sisters are to the success of moving the work of the church forward.  I am grateful to the women in my life that are so valiant and strong in their obedience and testimonies.  I echo Elder Ballard's comments that the women of the church play a crucial role in helping to build the testimonies of others.  I have seen the influence that great women have had on me and my family and I am thankful for their influence and example that they share with my family.