“A Standard for Your Life,” For the Strength of Youth, Oct. 2021.
A Standard for Your Life
Let the Young Women theme be a guide and compass for your entire life.
The Young Women theme is a reminder of your identity and purpose. There is tremendous strength that comes when words like “beloved daughter,” “disciple of Jesus Christ,” and “witness of God” define who we truly are. These phrases fill us with love and give us confidence in our ability to face challenges and find joy. Likewise, the promises of “eternal destiny,” “personal revelation,” and “exaltation” remind us that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond one difficult day. When you recite this theme, you are declaring what it means to be a daughter of heavenly parents, preparing yourself and the world for the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Here some young women from around the world share what the theme means to them.
“I love how every statement begins with ‘I.’ This wording reminds me that my testimony is my testimony and that I have to be the one working harder to become like my Savior.”
Caroline F., 15, Virginia, USA
“One thing that the theme teaches us so clearly is how much our heavenly parents love us. Our Heavenly Father has sent us to earth but has not left us alone. We each have amazing potential, and because God loves us so much, He made a plan so we can reach that potential. It is really comforting to know that even on the hardest days we have heavenly parents cheering us on.”
Rebecca S., 16, and Megan S., 14, Texas, USA
“The Young Women theme is really special to me because it reminds me to always be a missionary wherever I am and wherever I go: school or church or at home.”
Quincy E, Connecticut, USA
“The theme reminds me that I have to seek for opportunities to become a better person. Sometimes I become frustrated when I am not able to do something that I know I’m supposed to do. But when I fall short, I know that I also have an opportunity to become better. The gift of repentance is, perhaps, the best thing in the world.”
Anastasiya S., 12, Moscow, Russia
“Being a member of the Church in this age is difficult. We are sometimes afraid of being pointed out and told that we are different. But the theme reminds me that I am striving to be like Jesus Christ. The theme helps me forget what others may say and stay focused on what I really want.”
Zoe V., 16, Argentina
“The sentence ‘As I strive to qualify for exaltation, I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day’ reminds me that repentance is not something negative. It is a beautiful opportunity to renew ourselves and align with God. I am so very grateful for the peace and joy repentance brings!”
Hailey, S. 17, Arizona, USA
“Following the theme helps me to be the best version of myself.”
Eav N., 11, Utah, USA
“The theme gives me knowledge that I’m a daughter of heavenly parents. Knowing this helps me not feel alone in times of trouble. When it’s hard for me to achieve my goals, I think about my divine nature and eternal destiny. It inspires me to be strong and to not give up.”
Liza B., 12, Kyiv, Ukraine
“The Young Women theme is special to me because it helps me understand my importance as a young woman and as a daughter of God. I cherish every single line of it. It tells me things that I should do to become closer to Him. It also helps me to find my purpose in life.”
Sariah D., 14, St. Catherine, Jamaica