Cheryl A. Esplin: Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth

I'm am starting this latest challenge with the first talk of Women's Conference. It was given by Cheryl A. Esplin. She is currently the second counselor in the Primary General Presidency.

Read the full talk here.

One of the first truths that Sister Esplin shared was this: "When filled with the Spirit and with gospel truth, we have the power to withstand the outside forces of the world that surround and push against us." This was a wonderful reminder for me. I couldn't help thinking back to President Hinckley's challenge a few years ago to reread the Book of Mormon before the end of the year. He gave the challenge in August, giving us five months to complete it. That was a wonderful period for me. I was reading roughly two chapters a day and I truly felt "filled' with the Spirit.  That challenge strengthened my testimony and brought peace into my life. 

Now, years later, after struggling to consistently maintain a daily scripture reading habit, I have to admit I have struggled spiritually. I knew there was a connection, but I wasn't acting on that knowledge, I wasn't working to develop that habit. Thank you, Sister Esplin, for this wonderful reminder. I truly know that I can bring more peace into my life by developing a daily scripture reading habit, by filling my heart and mind with the Spirit.  

Later in the talk, Sister Esplin shared a family history story. Her ancestor spoke about a time in her life when her faith was challenged. One particular moment in this story stuck me. Sister Esplin's ancestor said that "she felt she could not have defended her belief." When I read those words, I stopped, almost frozen. I couldn't help asking myself this question: can I, will I defend my faith? 

We live in a world where it is increasingly unpopular to stand up for Christian values, a world where leaders who have spoken out about the importance of freedom of religion are criticized. I have to admit that I have been, and continue to be, concerned about the possible loss of religious freedom. I know that some people will laugh at my beliefs, that some people will criticize me for them, but that doesn't make them untrue. As Joseph Smith said, "I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it."  

I never, never, want to be afraid to stand up and share my testimony. I suppose that's one of the reasons I gave myself this challenge. I want Heavenly Father to know, and I want to know, that I will always stand up for what I know to be true.