Young Women in the Work
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How can young women contribute to the work of salvation in the Church?
- What are some specific responsibilities young women have from the time they are baptized?
- How can leaders and families help young women feel valued and essential in the work of the Lord?
- What are some examples of young women successfully fulfilling their roles in the Church?
Topics
Recognize the Importance of Young Women's Contributions
Sister Oscarson emphasizes that young women are essential in the work of salvation, just like their male counterparts. She shares personal experiences and doctrinal insights to illustrate how young women can contribute significantly to their wards and branches.
Each member should know how much he or she is needed. Each person has something important to contribute and has unique talents and abilities that help move this important work along.
Every young woman in the Church should feel valued, have opportunities to serve, and feel that she has something of worth to contribute to this work.
- Why is it important for each member, including young women, to feel needed in the Church?
- What unique talents and abilities do young women bring to the work of salvation?
- How can you help young women in your ward feel valued and essential?
- What are some ways you can recognize and utilize the talents of young women in your family or ward?
Involve Young Women in All Areas of Church Work
The talk highlights that young women should be involved in all areas of Church work, including member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel. Sister Oscarson provides examples of young women successfully fulfilling these roles.
For many years now, our presidency has been asking the question "Which of these areas mentioned should our young women not be involved in?" The answer is that they have something to contribute in all areas of this work.
They were glowing with enthusiasm about being able to teach and help members of their ward find their ancestors.
- What areas of Church work can young women contribute to?
- Why is it important for young women to be involved in all areas of Church work?
- How can you involve young women in various areas of Church work in your ward?
- What specific tasks or roles can you assign to young women to help them contribute more fully?
Provide Meaningful Opportunities for Service
Sister Oscarson encourages leaders to provide young women with meaningful opportunities for service. She shares examples of young women who have taken on significant responsibilities and how these experiences have helped them grow and develop their testimonies.
These opportunities to serve in meaningful ways bless them much more than activities in which they are just entertained.
One of the best ways to increase feelings of self-worth is to show, through our concern and service to others, that we have much of worth to contribute.
- Why are meaningful service opportunities important for young women?
- How can service help young women develop their testimonies?
- What meaningful service opportunities can you provide for young women in your ward or family?
- How can you encourage young women to volunteer and take on significant responsibilities?
Encourage Young Women to Prepare for Future Roles
The talk discusses the importance of preparing young women for their future roles as missionaries, gospel scholars, leaders, temple workers, wives, mothers, mentors, and friends. Sister Oscarson emphasizes that they can begin to fill many of these roles now.
As we consider the roles that our young women will be expected to assume in the near future, we might ask ourselves what kind of experiences we could provide for them now that will help with their preparation.
They are learning that men, women, youth, and children are all recipients of priesthood blessings and all can take an active role in moving forward the Lord’s work.
- What future roles should young women prepare for?
- How can young women begin to fill these roles now?
- What experiences can you provide for young women to help them prepare for their future roles?
- How can you support young women in their preparation for future responsibilities?
Address Challenges Faced by Young Women
Sister Oscarson acknowledges the challenges young women face, such as issues of self-worth, anxiety, stress, and depression. She suggests that turning outward and serving others can help lighten their burdens and increase their feelings of self-worth.
Turning your thoughts outward, instead of dwelling on your own problems, may not resolve all of these issues, but service can often lighten your burdens and make your challenges seem less hard.
I encourage you young women to raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you.
- What challenges do young women face today?
- How can serving others help young women with their challenges?
- How can you help young women in your ward or family address their challenges?
- What are some ways you can encourage young women to turn outward and serve others?
