by Jill Hess
As I read this book it stirs within me a remembrance of what I must have been taught in the pre-mortal world. What Heavenly Father created me to do. It was not to look after myself but to look after others, and in doing so I find the inner peace and strength to move forward in the work and to reap my own salvation.
It reminds me of a talk I read when I was a leader in Young Women. I don't remember who gave the talk, but she mentioned to the YW of the church that it was not bad to look nice. She told them to spend the time each morning getting ready, looking your best, being your best. Then when you are done, walk out the door and forget yourself. That has always stuck with me. I believe we need to take time every morning to fill our tank: say our prayers, read our scriptures, etc. Then as we move on in our day we need to forget about ourselves and look to those in need, whether that is our husband, our kids, our neighbor, whomever. When we do this we find happiness and joy, and we get what we need to be happy and fulfilled.
I know that womanhood is a noble thing, and that we truly are His daughters. I am grateful for all the time and effort that was taken by individuals to have this book be in the hands of every Latter-day Saint woman. I know it will change lives, and it is a much-needed voice in a world where so many other “practices” are taught about womanhood. I know that our Heavenly Father loves His daughters, and I am grateful that I have that knowledge of my individual worth.
I know that our Heavenly Father is real and that His son Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Redeemer. I know that it is only through Him that we are saved. I know that as we follow the teachings of our Savior we will be happy. I know that He was more than just a man that taught good things here on the earth. I know that He was here to teach the gospel of repentance and salvation and to pay the ultimate price for each one of us so that we don't die in our sins. I know that His love is real. I know that He is acutely aware of each of us and understands perfectly what we feel.
I know that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and His Son. I know that the fullness of the gospel is here on the earth. I know that the priesthood is real. I have been the recipient of many priesthood blessings, and I know that it is truly God’s power here on the earth. I know that miracles happen and that angels are surrounding us to help lift and guide us. I know that the scriptures are true.
I know that as we act and are not acted upon, we find truth. As we search and ponder, we are filled with knowledge, truth, and power to overcome the adversary. I know that Satan is very real and is cunning and subtle. I know he wants nothing more than to make us as miserable as he is. I know that prayer is real and it is my lifeline. I know that as we go through trial and tribulation, if we seek God’s guidance, we are strengthened and blessed. I know His love is all-encompassing and is very sweet. I know that as we strive to live the commandments we are blessed.
I know that families can be together forever because of the blessing of temples here on the earth. I know that our testimony grows as we share it. When we go out and DO the work of the Lord we are blessed and strengthened. I know this work will go forward, and that the promises that the Lord makes to each one of us will be fulfilled if we just prove faithful.
