The New Young Women Value Virtue

In November Sister Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, announced that a new value would be added to the Young Women program... that value is VIRTUE.

In a talk called “A Return to Virtue” she explained exactly what virtue is:

“Virtue ‘is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.’ It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost.”

Isn’t that Kool? I love how she explains that virtue is strength! In a world where many people view LDS girls as “weak” we are taught that in our virtue we are strong. That strength allows us to have the confidence we need to “stand for truth and righteousness.” It doesn’t matter what age you are “a virtuous woman is above the price of rubies.”

How do we return to virtue and stay strong in the world today?

President Hinckley explained, “I offer you a very simple recipe which, if observed, will assure your happiness. It is a simple four-point program. It is as follows: (1) pray, (2) study, (3) pay your tithing, and (4) attend your meetings.”

It sounds so simple right? It really is.... and the promises are so great when you do.

“Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever”

Virtue=Strength