March 2021 YW Newsletter

My dear young women,

I was walking in the grocery store with my mom when I was sixteen years old. My mom told me my younger brother said something interesting earlier that day: “What is wrong with Elizabeth? She is different. She is happy all the time.” Although my brother had said it in a very brotherly way, hearing my mom share that meant a lot to me. I had been making goals and working hard and being a more optimistic and kind person for a while. 

It was often a difficult transition. Friends assumed I’d want to get together and complain. Siblings assumed I’d pick a fight with them. Even my parents assumed I’d push back when asked to do chores. I stuck with it and someone noticed! 

Yesterday, I was listening to my current audiobook, Oathbringer from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson. One of the characters has made an amazing transformation from a brutal conquering war commander to a loving father and unifier of many kingdoms. One of his quotes in the book is, “sometimes a hypocrite is nothing more than a man who is in the process of changing.” That quote made me think about my experience trying to change in high school and made me think of others trying to be better. 

We have been studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year and reading the book Saints alongside it. I am always touched by Martin Harris. He made a mistake. He kept bugging Joseph Smith for pages of the translated scriptures and then lost them. Now everyone who studies the Doctrine and Covenants and church history gets to revisit that mistake again and again. Oh, what fun for Martin Harris. But his journey didn’t end there. When it was time to gather witnesses of the plates, Joseph Smith brought Oliver Cowdrey, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris to the woods to pray and have that experience. 

“They knelt, and each took a turn praying to be shown the plates,” Saints reads, “but nothing happened. They tried a second time, but still nothing happened.” Martin got up and left. The other three soon after were visited by an angel who showed them the plates. After, Joseph found Martin. He still wanted to be one of the witnesses. They prayed together and he was given the same angelic experience. I imagine it would have been difficult for Martin to forgive himself and to trust he had been forgiven. It’s difficult to move past labels, perceptions, and habits. 

March twentieth is the first day of spring. Already, some of my tulips are sprouting from the ground and daffodils have started to blossom. When we see the new buds on trees and the spring blossoms, we can be reminded of new beginnings. It is hard to change, but change is possible. If you have changes you are hoping to make, extend yourself some grace. Love yourself through the transition. Like Martin, don’t give up on those righteous desires of your heart. Pray for that divine assistance your Father is eager to give. When those around you are trying to change, extend grace to them. Be patient and forgiving. Be encouraging and supportive. 

You young women never cease to amaze me. The experiences I have personally witnessed or heard from others continue to demonstrate your bravery, your talents, your kindness, and your diligence. You are daughters of a Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother and you have so much to share. 

I love you, 

Sister Valentine

Aubrey Peterson

Emily Insalaco