I am thrilled to be here with my husband and these wonderful people, to join with you, especially here tonight. I am so grateful that you are here, and that we can share tonight in the spirit of aloha at BYU—Hawaii. Thank you for coming with the sweet spirit that you bring that blesses us.
I was taught a valuable lesson by a personal experience with President Nelson a number of years ago when my husband served as the senior president of the seven presidents of the Seventy. President Nelson was the Quorum President of the Twelve Apostles at the time. We were at an annual mission leadership seminar in Provo, Utah. I happened to come late into one of the meetings focused on counseling the sister mission leaders. The room was full of our devoted sisters. I stepped in toward the back of the room, looking for a seat I could slip into quietly. Straight up the aisle from where I stood my eye caught Elder Nelson on the stand, and he smiled. I smiled back despite my embarrassment for being late and that he had caught me. Elder Nelson held my gaze, and he took his finger and he pointed to me and pointed to a seat on the front row. I kind of shrugged, not wanting to make a scene or in any way disrupt the meeting, and I took my finger and indicated a seat that I could sit down on, a seat right beside me. Elder Nelson smiled, and with his pointing finger he beckoned me once again to come forward and take my seat on the front row with my name on it.
Well, I think by then I probably disrupted the meeting enough, and I smiled back, this time with a timid determination to do as he asked. So, I literally took a deep breath and walked the long walk to the seat awaiting me on the front row.
After the meeting I bolted from my seat to catch Elder Nelson and ask his forgiveness as I feebly tried to repent for not responding to his request the first time. Elder Nelson smiled, and in loving forgiveness he simply said, "Thank you for being obedient."
I've thought a lot about that single experience, and what it taught me about myself, about obedience, and about following our ordained leaders.
President Nelson understands the importance of obedience as he has taught, "Obedience paves the way for a joyful life for you today and a grand, eternal reward tomorrow." [1]
I also learned about our dear prophet, President Nelson, his kindness, his caring, and most of all, his patience. He has been ministering all his life, one by one, and surely did so to me that day, one amidst hundreds. President Nelson's request of me was a loving invitation, one to come forward and be where I was asked to be, to not just settle on a seat near the back but step up and to be accountable for who I am and serve in a holier way. Our prophet is inviting each of us to be willing to stand out, step up, and more fully, often courageously as it was in my case, step into our role as sons and daughters of God in these last days; to gather and build God's Kingdom on both sides of the veil, and prepare for the return of the Son of God that we not be lulled into easy contentment, but be diligent, watchful, and ready to be all that we can be and do what is needed to be done.
He has invited us to hear Him, our Savior Jesus Christ, and seek, listen for, and heed personal revelation; to be more grateful, to be kind and a peacemaker, and build bridges of understanding with others; to gather Israel on both sides of the veil which includes giving more time devoted to temple service. You’re so blessed to have a temple so close. It should be used often. All these things will help us individually to stay on the covenant path, to put Christ first and "let God prevail" in our lives. [2] With these wonderful invitations established in our hearts and actions it is more natural for us to "think celestial!" his latest invitation. [3]
The Son of God has also invited each one of us to "come unto Him" to step up and be like Him. The Lord taught, lifted, blessed, forgave, and loved, ministering one by one, just like President Nelson did for me, just like we can do for others.
Our New York City mission scripture came from 3rd Nephi 18:24, as our Redeemer said, "Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do." [4]
He is speaking to us to stand tall bearing His light in an ever-darkening world. President Nelson has always held up the Lord's light and led by example. He has shared, “If I have learned anything in my life, it is that our ultimate security and our only enduring happiness lies in holding onto the iron rod of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, complete with its covenants and ordinances. When we do so, we can safely navigate through rough waters because we have access to God’s power.” [5]
As we live and serve with a desire to be obedient, we will find protection from the adversary's enticings, and peace amidst troubling times, while becoming a holier people prepared to meet our Lord and Savior and Redeemer when He comes again, whenever that may be.
This is the true Church restored of Jesus Christ on the earth. I bear testimony that He was, that He is, and that He is to come. I testify that He has given us and directs a living, loving prophet to truly guide us in this our day, our dear President Nelson, whom we love and sustain! May we be obedient to our prophet's invitations in all things, welcoming our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ to truly prevail in our lives.
We love you. We thank you. We’re so glad to be with you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,” Liahona, October 2023
[2] Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, October 2020
[3] Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,” Liahona, October 2023
[4] 3 Nephi 18:24
[5] Russell M. Nelson, in “President Nelson Shares 5 ‘Lessons Life Has Taught Me’ with 49,000 in Safeco Field”