Guest post General Conference report: Friday and Saturday

By Kathryn Skaggs

Media Room: Trent Toone, Kathryn Skaggs

Saturday’s sessions of the April 2013 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), had me thoroughly engaged — every second, during each of the day’s meetings.

Perhaps I was unknowingly spiritually dehydrated? And one could easily blame it on the times we are living in, causing us all to feel as though the winds and the waves are literally refusing to obey — clearly heaving beyond their bounds. Also, I will confess, it could very well be that I was trying with all my might, mind and strength, to perform my social media duties with as much precision as humanly possible — no pressure!

Nevertheless, whatever the reason for my state of mind — even if all of the above — the words of living prophets and inspired leaders, when they began to come forth, for this famished soul, were like manna from heaven — and I did lap them up, not caring if I had to fall to the ground to consume every… last… word.

But wait. Let’s back things up a bit… because, at least for me (and I’m sure many of you will agree) that unusually, and not officially mind you, but this General Conference, actually began on Friday. That’s right. In case you missed it, on Friday, the Mormon Newsroom released back-to-back, two significant items of interest. And both, directly affecting the women of the Church.

The first, a 15 minute video discussion, featuring the three general President’s of each of the women’s auxiliaries, discussing equality and priesthood. And second, a press release, announcing a new Mission Leadership Council, which will utilize sister missionaries in the mission field, giving them much more responsibility for teaching and training sisters in the field, and counseling with priesthood leaders.

Both of these posts on the Newsroom were unexpected, especially the timing, coming the day before General Conference began, and affecting topics that many were hoping would be directly addressed, in specific ways, during the actual conference. In other words, this strategic move by the Church, has left itself open, in some people’s minds, to many interpretations. Although personally, I don’t feel that way at all.

Three Highest Ranking Mormon Women Speak Out On Equality and Priesthood
I loved listening to these great women of faith, speaking with such candor and understanding, on topics that needed to be addressed — and by our female leaders. I support these sisters and the positions they take on these matters.

Now, back to Saturday…  So, whether or not other women in the Church were affected by what was put up on the Mormon Newsroom, I can’t say, but as for me personally, I was, and in very positive ways — and especially going into General Conference.

Saturday morning walk to General Conference…

I was probably most impacted by listening to the video discussion, as it felt very familiar to me. Not that I’ve served with prophets and apostles, but rather that I’ve had the privilege of serving with LDS women whom I’ve shared very similar bonds of charity and testimony, and had similar discussions in which a spirit of testimony and love for priesthood power and authority were both understood, cherished and valued; not out of naivety, but despite it.

The point being, that for me, the tone of General Conference was clearly set on Friday, with the release of these two very important news release items — sending forth very strong messages, which for this woman, and I believe many other faithful LDS women, have been weighing heavily on our hearts and minds, over these last few months.

And with that, the opening session of April 2013 General Conference begins… and I,  already having felt such a sense of gratitude for my Heavenly Father… in knowing, with a surety, that he has heard the fervent prayers of so many of His daughters… and has responded to them… already… in preparation for this conference… and my heart is full. It was a surreal moment that is difficult to explain, but looking back on it now, it is even harder, because I fully understand it, and there really aren’t any words. And so, I will leave it at that.

My experience with General Conference has changed over the last few years as I’ve started to cover it through the lens of social media. As more of you are becoming aware I sit in the media room, by invitation, in the LDS Conference Center, and live broadcast over the Internet, the words of living prophets to all the world! And yes, that’s exactly how I see what I do. Deciding what parts of a prophet’s address to transcribe into the ether requires the guidance of the Spirit — which I take very serious — a prayer waiting to be answered perhaps? Investigators listening on Twitter?

Just yesterday, on my WBMW feed, two women shared that they have been less-active and are working to come back to Church and had been following the coverage on my Facebook page. Another sister shared with one of them, that she, too, had recently walked that same road and offered to help in any way she could. This is an important work. I probably, still, have no clue to what extent. However, when I am there and doing it, there are constant waves of confirmation that indeed this is the Lord’s work, and that no unhallowed hand is going to stop it — and the proceedings of the weekend’s conference made that more than evident to this particular Well-Behaved Mormon Woman…

It was wonderful to see President Monson looking so strong, and to hear his prophetic counsel. His instruction at the close of his opening remarks, particularly struck me, “I urge you to be attentive and receptive to the messages which we will hear. That we may do so is my prayer“, and which I, personally, took to heart throughout the entire conference.

I’m going to share only one quote from each of the Prophet’s talks, and perhaps a personal thought; if I feel inclined…

Saturday Morning Session:

President Boyd K. Packer –

“Latter-day Saints recognize the transcendent importance of the family and strive to live in such a way that the adversary cannot steal into our homes. We find safety and security for ourselves and our children by honoring covenants we have made and living up to the ordinary acts of obedience of the followers of Christ.”

If the Church were to introduce a ‘Family Theme’, I think that this beautiful statement could very well qualify. Going on to read the remainder of this talk, President Packer then teaches the important doctrine of the priesthood, that support these comforting promises. This is the testimony upon which I have raised my own family, and is the reason why these words, in particular, caught my attention.

Update: I have created a meme with quote — because I love it that much!

Elder M. Russel Ballard:

“The same priesthood power that created worlds, galaxies and the universe can and should be part of our lives to succor, strengthen and bless our families, our friends and our neighbors — in other words, to do things that the Savior would do if He were ministering among us today.  

And the primary purpose of this priesthood power is to bless, sanctify, and purify us so we can live together with our families in the presence of our heavenly parents, bound by priesthood sealings, participating in the marvelous work of God and Jesus Christ in forever expanding THEIR light and glory.”

I thought this was a beautiful illustration of the power and authority of priesthood intermingled. This is a beautiful talk.

President Henry B. Eyring:

“There is a glorious homecoming prepared for us. We will then see the fulfilled promise of the Lord we have loved. It is He who welcomes us into eternal life with Him and our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ described it this way: 

“Seek forth and establish Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.”

“And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” 

“For those that live shall inherit the earth, and those that die shall rest from all their labors, and their works shall follow them; and they shall receive a crown in the mansions of my Father , which I have prepared for them.”

Saturday Afternoon Session:

Elder Richard G. Scott:

“I have learned a truth that has been repeated so frequently in my life that I have come to know it is an absolute law. It defines the way obedience and service relate to the power of God. When we obey the commandments of the Lord and serve his children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God: power to do more than we can do by ourselves. Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord. His power is a fundamental component to establishing a home filled with peace.” (italics added)

In my opinion, when an apostle of the Lord says that he has learned a lesson repeated times, to the point in which he testifies to which he now knows that it is an absolute law — that is math, my friends. Learn it and apply!

Elder Quentin L. Cook:

“Some young people in the world say they are spiritual but not religious. Feeling spiritual is a good first step. However, it is in the Church that we are fellowshipped, taught, and nourished by the good word of God. More importantly it is priesthood authority in the Church that provides sacred ordinances and covenants that bind families together and qualify each of us to return to God, the Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom. These ordinances bring peace because they are covenants with the Lord.”