By Jillian Ogawa
Although the lecture session was at a very early 8:30 a.m., a youth-filled auditorium was attentive and amused with Barbara Barrington Jones” humorous anecdotes of life.
Jones, co-founder of the Jones Foundation that seeks to empower women of all ages, shared her stories of peeling a banana to the theme of 2001 Space Odyssey, rapped to an 80”s tune to encourage church attendance and scripture reading, and told jokes dressed up as a buck-toothed Melweena.
“She”s in touch with teenagers and not stiff,” said Education Week participant Moneta White.
Later that day, Jones hosted another lecture to older women, sharing advice and motivation about developing inner and outer beauty. Afterward, teary-eyed and gracious women shared their gratitude for Jones” words.
“This is my passion-I want to do this for the rest of my life,” Jones said as she related stories of women changing inwardly and externally to be their best self.
Jones, a classical ballerina and image consultant, is one of the most popular speakers at Education Week. She is also known for directing the LDS church affiliated program, “A New You,” held yearly on BYU-Hawaii campus.
“It is an EFY for moms,” Jones said. The program gives the participants, ranging from 20-80 years old, a week to rejuvenate and develop harmony with their external beauty and the light of Christ.
“Mothers – especially LDS – give so much without thinking of themselves,” she said. “Moms are just big teenagers kids, they were like kids at a camp. ”
Jones, who also trained six winners of the Miss America and eight for America”s Junior Miss pageants, said the girls who are religious and have a strong relationship with God are the ones with the most inward beauty and confidence.
Girls may have the good looks and body, but “they realize that there is one thing missing,” Jones said. “If you can teach them to learn to tap in their light of Christ, they become their most beautiful self.”
