Lesson Helps

What I Learned From the 100+ Scriptures Referenced in the New YW Theme

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Editor's Note: Our weekly Friday column, “Found in the Footnotes,” explores some of the footnotes from remarks given by general authorities and general officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When I was a Miamaid, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the addition of the new value to the Young Women Theme—virtue. For a few weeks, we stumbled as we stood to recite the new theme, but with time it became even more beloved and precious to us.

When Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president, read the new theme in October 2019, my heart soared with joy. I loved the doctrines contained in the theme and the power behind the words.  

Prayer and revelation—these were two key elements the Young Women general presidency utilized when they started writing the new Young Women Theme. 

“It was a line-by-line process,” Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president, said on the Latter-day Saint Women podcast. “We would have a little bit and we would take it to the Lord and He’d say, ‘You’re almost there,’ and we’d do a little bit more and He’d say, ‘You’re almost there.’ So I can testify that each word of this theme is from heaven, even to the last.”

► You may also like: “Each Word of This Theme Is From Heaven:” Young Women General Presidency Shares Revelation Behind New Theme

Since the day the theme was announced, I have often pictured young women around the world standing to recite the theme. I hope that each time they say it, they think about the power contained in the words. For me, studying the theme alongside the scriptures referenced in it has brought me so much power and strength. Over 100 verses are included in the footnotes of the new Young Women Theme.

In this week's "Found in the Footnotes," I invite you to join my personal study with me. I have broken up the theme into 15 statements, based on the references found in Sister Cordon's talk "Beloved Daughters." For each statement, I have included the scriptures referenced by Sister Cordon, a separate quote from a Church leader that applies to the statement, as well as two of the questions I have asked myself as I've studied the statement.

The statements are hyperlinked below, or you can click through each page of the article to move from statement to statement. 

I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents

with a divine nature and eternal destiny.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ,

I strive to become like Him.

I seek and act upon personal revelation

and minister to others in His holy name.

I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places

as I strive to qualify for exaltation,

I cherish the gift of repentance

and seek to improve each day.

With faith,

I will strengthen my home and family,

make and keep sacred covenants,

and receive the ordinances 

and blessings of the holy temple.


I Am a Beloved Daughter of Heavenly Parents

Scriptures

Romans 8:16–17

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:24

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Quote

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, "Beloved Daughters"

"You are all remarkable young women. You are unique, each with your own gifts and experiences yet alike in a very important and eternal way. You are literally the spirit daughters of Heavenly Parents, and nothing can separate you from Their love and the love of your Savior. As you draw closer to Him, even taking the smallest baby steps forward, you will discover the lasting peace that settles into your soul as a faithful disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ."

Questions

What does it mean to me to know I am a "beloved daughter of heavenly parents"?

How have I felt the love of my Heavenly Parents in my life? 


With a Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny

Scriptures

2 Peter 1:3–4

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Alma 37:44

44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

Doctrine and Covenants 78:18

18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Quote

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, "Discovering the Divinity Within"

"Our divine nature has nothing to do with our personal accomplishments, the status we achieve, the number of marathons we run, or our popularity and self-esteem. Our divine nature comes from God. It was established in an existence that preceded our birth and will continue on into eternity."

Questions

What does God want for me?

How do I feel knowing that I have a "divine nature and eternal destiny"? 


As a Disciple of Jesus Christ

Scriptures

John 13:14–15, 35

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Quote

Elder Robert D. Hales, "Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ"

"Many people hear the word disciple and think it means only 'follower.' But genuine discipleship is a state of being. This suggests more than studying and applying a list of individual attributes. Disciples live so that the characteristics of Christ are woven into the fiber of their beings, as into a spiritual tapestry."

Questions

What does it mean to be a "disciple of Jesus Christ"? 

How am I showing that I am a "disciple of Jesus Christ"?


I Strive to Become Like Him

Scriptures

Matthew 22:37–39

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 25:40

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

3 Nephi 12:48

48 Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

Quote

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Behold the Man!"

"When we truly behold the Man, we learn of Him and seek to align our lives with Him. We repent and strive to refine our natures and daily grow a little closer to Him. We trust Him. We show our love for Him by keeping His commandments and by living up to our sacred covenants."

Questions

What does it mean to "strive to become like Him"? 

How can I become like the Savior? 


I Seek and Act upon Personal Revelation

Scriptures

John 16:13

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

3 Nephi 14:7–8

Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

Moroni 7:13

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

Moroni 10:5

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Doctrine and Covenants 8:2

Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

Doctrine and Covenants 9:8

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

Doctrine and Covenants 11:13

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;

Quote

Sister Michelle Craig, "Spiritual Capacity"

"The Church’s new program for children and youth is built on the foundation of learning to seek revelation, discovering what the Lord would have us do, and then acting on that direction. Each one of us, regardless of age or circumstance, can strive to seek, receive, and act. As you follow this eternal pattern ordained for our day, you will draw nearer to Jesus Christ—His love, His light, His direction, His peace, and His healing and enabling power. And you will increase your spiritual capacity to become an everyday instrument of His hands in accomplishing His great work."

Questions

What are the ways to recognize when you are receiving personal revelation?

Why is it important to "seek and act upon personal revelation"? 


And Minister to Others in His Holy Name

Matthew 20:26–28

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Matthew 22:37–39

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 25:34–40

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

3 Nephi 26:19

19 And they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had all things common among them, every man dealing justly, one with another.

Quote

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, "Becoming a Shepherd"

"Whether our sheep are strong or weak, rejoicing or in anguish, we can make certain that no one walks alone. We can love them wherever they are spiritually and offer support and encouragement for the next step forward. As we pray and seek to understand their hearts, I testify that Heavenly Father will direct us and His Spirit will go with us. We have the opportunity to be the “angels round about” them as He goes before their face."

Questions

Why do I minister "in His holy name"? 

What are some ways I can minister? 


I Will Stand as a Witness of God at All Times and in All Things and in All Places

Isaiah 43:10

10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Mosiah 18:9

Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

Doctrine and Covenants 14:8

And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see, and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

Quote

Sister Neill F. Marriott, "Sharing Your Light"

"Can you find yourself in the following words of this document, 'The Living Christ'? 'He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.' We, sisters of the Church, do not walk the roads of Palestine healing the sick, but we can pray for and apply the healing love of the Atonement to a sickened, strained relationship. Though we will not cause the blind to see in the manner of the Savior, we can testify of the plan of salvation to the spiritually blind. We can open the eyes of their understanding to the necessity of priesthood power in eternal covenants. We will not be raising the dead as did the Savior, but we can bless the dead by finding their names for temple work. Then we will indeed raise them from their spirit prison and offer them the path of eternal life."

Questions

What does it mean to "stand as a witness of God?"

What are the ways I can "stand as a witness of God?"


As I Strive to Qualify for Exaltation

Romans 8:17

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

2 Nephi 9:18

18 But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.

2 Nephi 31:20

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:38

38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

Doctrine and Covenants 132:49

49 For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee even unto the end of the world, and through all eternity; for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father.

Moses 1:39

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Quote

President Russell M. Nelson, "Salvation and Exaltation"

"Eternal life, or celestial glory or exaltation, is a conditional gift. Conditions of this gift have been established by the Lord, who said, 'If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.' Those qualifying conditions include faith in the Lord, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and remaining faithful to the ordinances and covenants of the temple."

Questions

How can I "strive to qualify for exaltation"? 

Why do I want to receive exaltation? 


I Cherish the Gift of Repentance

Helaman 12:23

23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.

Moroni 10:33

33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

Doctrine and Covenants 58:42

42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

Quote

Sister Linda K. Reeves, "The Great Plan of Redemption"

"To me, the greatest miracles in life are not the parting of the Red Sea, the moving of mountains, or even the healing of the body. The greatest miracle happens when we humbly approach our Father in Heaven in prayer, fervently plead to be forgiven, and then are cleansed of those sins through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior."

Questions

Why is repentance called a "gift"?

How have I felt after repenting?


And Seek to Improve Each Day

Scriptures

Alma 34:33

33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

Doctrine and Covenants 82:18

18 And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—

Quote

Sister Michelle Craig, "Divine Discontent"

"Each of us, if we are honest, feels a gap between where and who we are, and where and who we want to become. We yearn for greater personal capacity. We have these feelings because we are daughters and sons of God, born with the Light of Christ yet living in a fallen world. These feelings are God given and create an urgency to act. We should welcome feelings of divine discontent that call us to a higher way, while recognizing and avoiding Satan’s counterfeit—paralyzing discouragement. This is a precious space into which Satan is all too eager to jump. We can choose to walk the higher path that leads us to seek for God and His peace and grace, or we can listen to Satan, who bombards us with messages that we will never be enough: rich enough, smart enough, beautiful enough, anything enough. Our discontent can become divine—or destructive." 

Questions

Why should I "seek to improve each day"?

What are some ways to "improve each day"?  


With Faith

Scriptures

Hebrews 11

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Read the rest of Hebrews 11 here.

2 Nephi 31:19–20

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Alma 32:21

21 And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

Quotes

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, "Trust in the Lord and Lean Not"

Jesus Christ has overcome the world. And because of Him, because of His infinite Atonement, we all have great cause to trust, knowing that ultimately all will be well. Sisters, each of us can trust in the Lord and lean not. We can center our lives on the Savior by coming to know Him, and He will direct our paths. We are on earth to demonstrate the same trust in Him that allowed us to stand with Jesus Christ when He declared, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27).

Questions

What does it mean to have faith?

How can I show more faith in my life? 


I Will Strengthen My Home and Family

Scriptures

Joshua 24:15

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:8

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

Doctrine and Covenants 132:19

19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.

Quote

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, "Defenders of the Family Proclamation"

"We need to take a term which is sometimes spoken of with derision and elevate it. It is the term homemaker. All of us—women, men, youth, and children, single or married—can work at being homemakers. We should “make our homes” places of order, refuge, holiness, and safety. Our homes should be places where the Spirit of the Lord is felt in rich abundance and where the scriptures and the gospel are studied, taught, and lived. What a difference it would make in the world if all people would see themselves as makers of righteous homes. Let us defend the home as a place which is second only to the temple in holiness."

Questions

Why is it important to strengthen home and family?

What are some ways I can strengthen my home and family? 


Make and Keep Sacred Covenants

Scriptures

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

1 Nephi 14:14

14 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.

2 Nephi 11:5

And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of deliverance from death.

Doctrine and Covenants 54:6

But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.

Doctrine and Covenants 66:2

Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.

Doctrine and Covenants 90:24

24 Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.

Quote

Sister Becky Craven, "Careful versus Casual"

"The vision of the tree of life shows us how the effects of casualness can lead us away from the covenant path. Consider that the rod of iron and the strait and narrow path, or the covenant path, led directly to the tree of life, where all the blessings provided by our Savior and His Atonement are available to the faithful. Also seen in the vision was a river of water representing the filthiness of the world. The scriptures describe that this river “ran along” the path yet passed only “near” the tree, not to it. The world is laden with distractions that can deceive even the elect, causing them to be casual in living their covenants—thus leading them near the tree, but not to it. If we are not careful in living our covenants with exactness, our casual efforts may eventually lead us into forbidden paths or to join with those who have already entered the great and spacious building. If not careful, we may even drown in the depths of a filthy river."

Questions

What does it mean to make and keep sacred covenants?

What are some ways I can keep my baptismal covenant and prepare for future covenants? 


And Receive the Ordinances

Mosiah 13:30

30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.

Alma 30:3

Yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments of the Lord; and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God, according to the law of Moses; for they were taught to keep the law of Moses until it should be fulfilled.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:20–22

20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

Articles of Faith 1:3

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Quote

Elder David A. Bednar, "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises"

"Priesthood ordinances and sacred covenants are essential in this ongoing process of spiritual rebirth; they also are the means God has appointed whereby we receive His exceeding great and precious promises. Ordinances that are received worthily and remembered continually open the heavenly channels through which the power of godliness can flow into our lives. Covenants that are honored steadfastly and remembered always provide purpose and the assurance of blessings in both mortality and for eternity." 

Questions

What are ordinances?

What blessings from being obedient to the ordinances of the gospel have I seen in my life? 


And Blessings of the Holy Temple

Psalm 24:3

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 37:26

26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

Quote

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, "Rise Up in Strength, Sisters in Zion"

"The temple holds a place at the very center of our most sacred beliefs, and the Lord asks that we attend, ponder, study, and find personal meaning and application individually. We will come to understand that through the ordinances of the temple, the power of godliness is manifest in our lives and that because of temple ordinances, we can be armed with God’s power, and His name will be upon us, His glory round about us, and His angels have charge over us. I wonder if we are fully drawing upon the power of those promises."

Questions

Why is the temple important?

How can I recognize the blessings of the temple in my life?

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