Last year during general conference, the news and social media tended to fixate on one aspect of President Thomas S. Monson's general conference talks: their length.

As I sat watching women shop for gifts at a spring art show near my home, I decided to use my social statistics skills from college to take a little unofficial poll, the results of which have inspired some important things to consider while preparing for Mother’s Day this year.

A study conducted by the Utah Department of Health in 2013 and published in this month's Utah Health Status Update revealed a few things about teen suicide rates that Latter-day Saints might find particularly interesting: parental education levels, family togetherness, and weekly religious attendance all contributed to a lower risk of teen suicide. And bullying and overuse of electronics lead to higher risk.

I’ve thought a lot about those on the frontlines battling COVID-19. Much like those who enlist in the military during times of peace, I’ve wondered if these nurses and doctors ever considered that they might be called upon to battle a pandemic. But that is exactly what has happened in the midst of COVID-19. I’ve admired their bravery as they willingly walk into a life-threatening situation in hopes of saving the lives of others.

“I don’t want to go to school!” 5-year-old Usha shouted at her older brother, pulling his hair. Later she would become one of the first Nepali women with advanced degrees in both medicine and public administration, but as a little girl, she didn’t yet realize what a privilege education was.

Geraldine Hamblin Bangerter, the mother of Sister Julie B. Beck, had been in Brazil where her husband presided over the Brazilian mission for several weeks when she felt her courage give way. In a battle with homesickness, she hurried to her room, buried her face in a pillow and began to cry.

Join your favorite authors and artists in preparing your family to receive inspiration during general conference.

Failure.

Toni Ragsdale was born in Chicago, Illinois. Most of her childhood was unpleasant, and she grew up in poverty. She has three biological children and also raised her sister's children when she became ill and passed away. She works full-time as Manager of the Customer Service Dept for Insure-Rite, State of Utah Insurance Verification Department. Toni is married to one of God's most fabulous creations, Rev. Jay Ragsdale. She and her husband are the founders of the Fill the Pot Ministry. The organization started in Pioneer Park 15 years ago with a captivated audience of 4 people; today, they feed an average of 421 people a week within our community. Toni has served on several community boards and projects. She Loves serving in the kingdom of God. She served many years at Calvary Baptist Church, where she grew, worshipped, and implemented and co-directed the Mentorship program for young women called G.R.A.C.E. She was the Director of the Women Ministry and Children's Church for nine years. Toni enjoys Partnering with other community organizations of all faiths, encouraging sisterhood, and mentoring women. In April 2019, she received the Humans Rights award by the Church Women United Organization. She has spoken at several women's events and events for The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. She has started a Women's Ministry called TINT, which welcomes all faiths and builds a stronger relationship with Christ. She considers herself a sister-soldier, with a reputation of love and integrity, understanding, servant, and excellent leadership. She values growth, self-reflecting, and honesty. Her passion for God is non-negotiable; her love for her family is without measure; her love for her friends and community is without question. She thrives from waking up and, another day, a new opportunity to be used by God.

Every mission is unique, but as the Church expands, some missionaries are called to serve in ways that would have surprised their pioneer ancestors.