Study Guide for "Turn On Your Light"

In her General Conference talk, "Turn On Your Light," Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, reflects on a prophetic statement by President Spencer W. Kimball given nearly 40 years ago. She emphasizes the unique and powerful role women in the Church play in the growth and spiritual strength of the Church. Eubank outlines five key attributes that women should embody to fulfill this prophecy: being righteous, articulate, different, distinct, and doing all these in happy ways. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, she inspires women to embrace their divine potential and influence the world around them.

Before Reading

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

What prophecy did President Spencer W. Kimball give about women in the Church?
How can women of the Church influence the growth of the Church?
What are the five attributes Sharon Eubank emphasizes in her talk?
How does being articulate about your faith impact those around you?
What does it mean to be distinct and different in the context of living the gospel?

Topics

Embrace Righteousness

Sharon Eubank discusses the importance of developing an inner connection with God and repenting of our sins and mistakes. She shares a powerful story of a woman who overcame addiction and chaos through repentance and reliance on Jesus Christ, illustrating how righteousness can change the course of history.

Being righteous doesn’t mean being perfect or never making mistakes. It means developing an inner connection with God, repenting of our sins and mistakes, and freely helping others.

Women who have repented change the course of history.

What does it mean to be righteous according to Sharon Eubank?
How can repentance change the course of one's life?
In what ways can you develop a stronger inner connection with God?
Reflect on a time when repentance brought positive change in your life. How did it affect you and those around you?

Be Articulate About Your Faith

Eubank emphasizes the need for women to clearly express their beliefs and reasons for their faith. She shares an example of a non-member articulating Christian values and encourages women to use their voices in various settings to testify of their beliefs.

Each of us needs to be better at articulating the reasons for our faith.

Use your voice and your power to articulate what you know and feel—on social media, in quiet conversations with your friends, when you’re chatting with your grandchildren.

Why is it important to articulate your faith?
How can sharing your beliefs impact others?
How can you become more articulate about your faith in your daily interactions?
Think of a recent opportunity you had to share your beliefs. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time?

Embrace Being Different

Eubank recounts a story of a human chain formed to rescue swimmers caught in a rip current, highlighting the importance of thinking differently. She explains that being different through keeping covenants and seeking inspiration can provide unique solutions and serve as a lifeline to others.

Innovation and creation are spiritual gifts.

We aren’t always going to fit in with the world, but being different in positive ways can be a lifeline to others who are struggling.

What does it mean to be different in the context of the gospel?
How can being different positively impact those around you?
Consider a time when you felt different because of your faith. How did you handle it?
How can you use your unique gifts and perspectives to help others?

Be Distinct in Living the Gospel

Eubank talks about the importance of being recognizably well-defined in living the gospel. Using the example of Jessica Mae Simmons, who used her distinct swimming skills to save lives, she encourages women to practice living the gospel so they can be strong and ready to help others.

The restored gospel is recognizably well defined. But we have to be distinct about how we follow it.

We need to practice living the gospel before the emergency so that, unafraid, we will be strong enough to help when others are being swept away by the current.

What does it mean to be distinct in living the gospel?
How can practicing gospel principles prepare you for future challenges?
What specific gospel principles can you focus on practicing more diligently?
Reflect on a time when your distinct understanding of the gospel helped you or someone else. How did it make a difference?

Be Happy and Optimistic

Eubank highlights the importance of maintaining happiness and optimism, even amid trials. She shares the story of a young girl named Elsa, whose optimism about moving to a new place was bolstered by the welcoming spirit of new friends. Eubank encourages women to build and lift others, as it creates an energy that blesses everyone.

Being happy doesn’t mean to slap a plastic smile on your face no matter what is going on. But it does mean keeping the laws of God and building and lifting others.

There is an energy that comes from happiness and optimism that doesn’t just bless us—it builds everyone around us.

What does true happiness and optimism look like according to Sharon Eubank?
How can maintaining a positive outlook bless those around you?
In what ways can you cultivate happiness and optimism in your life?
Think of someone who needs lifting. How can you bring happiness and optimism into their life?