My friend Samuel Benson (2023 BYU grad, Boston RM, staff writer for the Deseret News), join us to talk more about his powerful BYU commencement speech call “Our Place in Zion”. Samuel (Sociology and Spanish major, pursuing a career in journalism, and author of an upcoming book about Latter-day Saint immigration) talks about creating Zion.

A Zion where all belong. A Zion which is “one of diversity and of peace, one of everlasting joy”. A “Zion defines itself in terms of inclusion, a mission to allow all to find belonging.” Samuel expands on his thoughtful speech with more insights, leader quotes, principles, and examples from the life of Christ to help everyone feel they belong. A Zion with differences and diversity—but unified.

I was deeply moved by Samuel’s insights. Samuel talks these big idea concepts and brings them into practical application to “lift where we stand.” Samuel concludes with his testimony and how he navigates the complicated issues to always be “led back” to the core of his testimony and be “tethered there.”

I encourage everyone to listen to Samuel’s speech and his podcast to better create Zion. Thank you, Samuel, for being on the podcast and your great work in our community.

Podcast Links:

Samuel’s speech on YouTube: https://speeches.byu.edu/speakers/samuel-b-benson/

Script of Samuel’s speech: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/samuel-b-benson/our-place-in-zion/

Wayfare Magazine article: https://www.wayfaremagazine.org/p/a-zion-for-all-of-us

Index of Podcasts: listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts