Sister-to-Sister Questions

We are deeply relational beings in a world filled with disconnection, individualism and lacking a sense of community.  BYU President C. Shane Reese taught, “The entire world and particularly the rising generation, is facing one of the most threatening epidemic[s] that we have ever seen…We are finding more and more evidence that loneliness is sharply increasing and that some human habits are reinforcing this epidemic of loneliness.” The solution for this epidemic is building covenant belonging. Elder Gerrit W. Gong taught, “Covenant belonging deepens as we come to each other and to the Lord in His inn. The Lord blesses us all when no one sits alone.” 

Questions: Why is connecting with each other so important to our health? How can I overcome feelings of being alone, even when I am surrounded by people telling me “You are never alone”? How can reaching out to others lessen my feelings of isolation and loneliness? How can coming unto Christ transform my loneliness into spiritual strength and connection?

The role of a mother is complex, challenging, beautiful, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding. As mothers we need many things: love, loyalty, energy, humor, flexibility, courage, friendship, support, and wisdom. Above all, we rely on an abundance of heavenly help, the constant influence of the Holy Ghost, the holy scriptures, and the words of our living prophets. Altogether they uplift and guide us so that we can parent with faith and not fear. President Jeffrey R. Holland shared this counsel, "To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle—and all will—I say, ‘Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion.’”

Questions: How can the words of living prophets and the guidance of the Holy Ghost strengthen me in the daily, busy challenges of motherhood? How can I better support other mothers? How can remembering patience and keeping a sense of humor transform exhausting moments into opportunities for joy? What has motherhood taught me about God’s love and how He nurtures His children? In what ways can choosing faith over fear transform the way I nurture and lead my family?

In John 15:12-15, the Savior said, "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you...I have called you friends." One of the greatest blessings of life is a good friend, someone who sees us as we are and helps bring out the best in us. BYU President C. Shane Reese taught, “Our lives become richer when we understand that our mortal relationships flow from God’s keen interest in our lives and reflect His divine plan for each of us. These divine orchestrations reveal God’s profound investment in our growth, development, and eternal welfare.” As we seek the best for each other in our friendships, we will see the Lord’s hand more clearly in our lives.

Questions: What are some ways I can strengthen my friendships by being a covenant disciple of Jesus Christ? What are ways I can extend myself and reach out to others in friendship? What are some examples from the Savior’s life that teach me how to be a good friend?

Resilience is more than surviving trials; it is becoming anti-fragile––stronger because of them. In Ether 6:6 the Jaredites faced “great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.” Bishop L. Todd Budge taught, “We [too] live in a world where…trials and afflictions of every kind break upon us. Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ and choosing to trust in Him…we can have the assurance that God never does cease to blow us toward our heavenly home.” Speaking to young adults, President Camille N. Johnson testified, "You have the capacity, the attributes, the desire, and the opportunity to draw upon God’s power to meet…challenges and solve them. Your potential is divine…as you make and keep covenants with Him, you can counter the negative and shine light in every corner of darkness."

Questions: The world teaches that we are fragile and should avoid pain and adversity. How does Christ’s life show me instead that trials can build resilience and deepen my trust in Him? What examples from the scriptures and modern-day Church leaders help us understand how the challenges I face can "work together for our good" instead of breaking me down? How do I, as President Johnson taught, “draw upon God’s power to meet challenges and solve them.”