Latter Day Saint Keep on Trying

"We all make mistakes. … It is then in our nature to feel guilt and humiliation and suffering, which we alone cannot cure. That is when the healing power of the Atonement will help."

Boyd K. Packer was an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-saints from 1970 until his death in 2015. He served as acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1994 -2008 and President from 2008 until his death. An educator by profession, his career included service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church, Elder Packer was known for his ability to teach gospel principles and his steadfastness in following them. Elder Packer’s love of, and use of, the scriptures in leadership roles influenced the direction of the entire Church. 

"Once in my life, I had the feelings of being left out. I now share the companionship of incomparable brotherhood and sisterhood, a feeling of belonging, of being useful, and I recognize that it comes only from sincere striving to live the commandments of the Lord."

Richard G. Scott was an American scientist and religious leader who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Scott was a noted speaker, known for his compassion and understanding, often expounding on topics such as repentance, change, and the forgiveness. 

"The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ … is available for every affliction in mortality."

Dallin H. Oaks is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a former jurist and educator who since 2018 has been the first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is currently the second most senior apostle by years of service and President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"You simply must understand this, because you were born to lead by virtue of who you are, the covenants you have made, and the fact that you are here now in the 11th hour."

Sheri Drew is an American author, publisher, businesswoman, and inspirational speaker. Sister Dew served as a counsellor in the general Relief Society presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1997-2002, the first unmarried woman called to this position. As an author, she was the authorized biographer for three church presidents: Ezra Taft Benson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Russell M. Nelson. 

"Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays. But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come."

Joseph B. Wirthlin was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sustained to the Twelve on October 4, 1986, and ordained an apostle by Thomas S. Monson following the death of President Spencer W. Kimball. 

"I plead with each one of us to stay permanently and faithfully in the choir."

Jeffrey R. Holland is an American educator and religious leader. He served as the ninth President of Brigham Young University and is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"You’ve likely read the scripture in 2 Nephi 25:23 that says, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." But who is the "we"? Does it simply refer to me and you? Or does the word "we" represent something more?"

This talk was given at 2009 BYU Campus Education Week. Brad Wilcox is an associate professor in the Department of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University. Brother Wilcox has served as a member of the Sunday School General Board of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was sustained as the second counsellor in the Young Men general presidency on April 4, 2020.

"You don’t have to experience the sorrow caused by sin, the pain caused by others’ actions, or the painful realities of mortality—alone."

Carole M. Stephens was named as the First Counsellor in the Relief Society general presidency in 2012, serving alongside Linda K. Burton and Linda S. Reeves.

As one of Sister Stephens’ first speaking assignments, she participated in an open discussion with Sister Burton and Sister Reeves at the 2012 BYU Women's Conference, discussing how difficult life experiences have strengthened them, including topics such as unemployment, cancer, drug addiction, miscarriages, infertility, death, twins, divorce, adoptions, disability, financial loss, depression, alcohol addiction, and pornography.

“These experiences have strengthened our testimonies, and they have created opportunities for us to rely on, and be strengthened through the atoning power of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” Sister Stephens told the group.

"Healing is much more than “getting better” or “having our problems go away.” Healing is growth, development, and maturation. In a word, healing is change. It takes time and energy and struggle, but healing teaches us."

Jonathan G. Sandberg, PhD, is a professor in the BYU School of Family Life, where his primary teaching responsibility is training marriage and family therapy graduate students.

"Keeping covenants unlocks the power of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice to provide strength and even joy to you who suffer."

Anthony D. Perkins was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 1, 2006 and currently serves at Church headquarters as executive director of the Correlation Department and as a member of the Correlation Executive Committee. He also serves on the Middle East / Africa North Area desk.