Study Guide for "Certain Women"

In her General Conference talk titled "Certain Women," Sister Linda K. Burton, then Relief Society General President, explores the powerful examples set by faithful women throughout history. She highlights the unwavering faith and discipleship of women from the New Testament, the early days of the Restoration, and modern times. Sister Burton encourages all women to center their lives on Jesus Christ, keep their covenants, and be willing to make sacrifices as they bear their testimonies and serve others. Her message is a call to action for women to become "certain women" who are confident, firm, and assured in their faith.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to be a "certain woman" in the context of discipleship?
How have women in the New Testament demonstrated their faith in Jesus Christ?
What sacrifices have women made in the early days of the Restoration?
How can modern women live the gospel in a way that aligns with Sister Burton's message?
What role does service play in becoming a "certain woman"?

Topics

Center Your Life on the Savior Jesus Christ

Sister Burton discusses how women in the New Testament, such as Mary Magdalene and Martha, centered their lives on Jesus Christ. These women exercised faith, lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry and miracles. Their unwavering testimonies serve as examples for modern disciples.

The New Testament includes accounts of [certain] women, named and unnamed, who exercised faith in Jesus Christ [and in His Atonement], learned and lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry, miracles, and majesty.

We learn from these sisters that certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice.

What qualities did the "certain women" in the New Testament exhibit?
How did these women demonstrate their faith in Jesus Christ?
What can we learn from the testimonies of Mary Magdalene and Martha?
How can you center your life more fully on Jesus Christ?
In what ways can you testify of the Savior's ministry and miracles in your daily life?
Reflect on a time when your faith in Jesus Christ helped you through a challenging situation.

Be Willing to Make Sacrifices

Sister Burton highlights the sacrifices made by women in the early days of the Restoration, such as Drusilla Hendricks. These women endured persecution and hardship but remained faithful to their covenants. Their willingness to sacrifice is a key aspect of discipleship.

We learn from this certain woman that covenant-keeping discipleship requires our willingness to sacrifice.

How do you think to gain it save by making the greatest sacrifices?

What sacrifices did Drusilla Hendricks make for her faith?
Why is a willingness to sacrifice important in discipleship?
How do sacrifices strengthen our faith and commitment to covenants?
What sacrifices have you made or are willing to make to keep your covenants?
How can you find strength in the examples of early Latter-day Saint women?
Reflect on a time when you made a sacrifice for your faith. How did it impact your spiritual growth?

Keep Covenants Despite Challenges

Sister Burton shares stories of modern women who strive to live the gospel despite significant challenges. These "certain women" remain faithful, serve others, and bear their testimonies even in difficult circumstances.

Though confined to her wheelchair, she strives to be grateful and keeps up her "Can Can List."

Despite her illness, Jenny continued to serve valiantly as the ward Relief Society president.

How did the "certain women" mentioned by Sister Burton show their commitment to keeping covenants?
What role does service play in maintaining faith during difficult times?
How can gratitude help us stay faithful in challenging circumstances?
What challenges are you currently facing, and how can you remain faithful to your covenants?
How can you serve others despite your own difficulties?
Create your own "Can Can List" to focus on what you can do despite challenges.

Bear Witness of Jesus Christ

Sister Burton emphasizes the importance of bearing witness of Jesus Christ, as demonstrated by women in the New Testament and modern times. Sharing our testimonies can inspire and strengthen others, as well as ourselves.

Her testimony and invitation were so compelling that "many … believed on him."

May we remember Martha and declare our similar certain witness: "But I know … [and] I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God."

What impact did the testimonies of New Testament women have on those around them?
Why is it important to bear witness of Jesus Christ?
How can sharing our testimonies strengthen our own faith?
How can you bear witness of Jesus Christ in your daily interactions?
Reflect on a time when someone's testimony strengthened your faith.
What opportunities do you have to share your testimony with others?

Prepare for the Savior’s Return

Sister Burton calls on women to stay close to the Savior through prayer, scripture study, and partaking of the sacrament. By keeping covenants and serving others, we prepare ourselves to be part of the "certain women" who will celebrate His glorious return.

Let us be found staying close to Him in prayer and scripture study.

Let us draw ourselves near to Him by preparing for and partaking of the sacred emblems of His atoning sacrifice weekly during the ordinance of the sacrament and as we keep covenants by serving others in their times of need.

What daily practices can help us stay close to the Savior?
Why is partaking of the sacrament important in preparing for the Savior’s return?
How does serving others help us keep our covenants?
How can you improve your daily scripture study and prayer?
What can you do to make the sacrament more meaningful each week?
Identify ways you can serve others in your community to prepare for the Savior’s return.