By Amber Dutton
In today''s world, it is vital for women to build and remain faithful to a testimony of Jesus Christ, a panel of wives of previous and current university presidents told attendees of the closing session of Thursday''s, May 4, 2006 Women''s Conference.
Sue L. Clark, Sharon G. Samuelson, Carolyn M. Shumway and Suzan S. Young were joined by Carri P. Jenkins of BYU University Communications for a panel discussion in the Marriott Center of the virtues of being valiant and how to remain strong in faith and testimony. Throughout this discussion, the women reflected and shared personal experiences and insights gained throughout their lives.
In trying to understand the meaning of 'valiant,' Sister Shumway proposed that one must look to Christ as the example.
'Of course we could go to the dictionary, but what better definition of valiancy can there be than ''Christ like'',' she said, 'for Christ is the most valiant of all and faith in Jesus Christ is the first step in becoming valiant.'
Sister Clark then added an important element needed in addition to acquiring Christ-like attributes as she said it is crucial for each individual to seek and depend on the guidance of the Spirit.
The discussion then turned to the prerequisites of becoming valiant. According to Jenkins, valiancy is dependent on a testimony, for a testimony provides the foundation.
In order to shed light on what exactly constitutes a testimony, Sister Samuelson repeated a statement given by Henry B. Eyring, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
'A testimony is a simple expression of what you feel,' she quoted.
She elaborated by saying that she also believed a testimony could be described as a deep understanding or knowledge gained from the combination of faith with spiritual and temporal experiences.
Recognizing the struggle women face in withstanding the buffetings of the adversary, Jenkins said valiancy requires constant and consistent effort.
Although Sister Shumway later presented the benefits and blessings gained from trying experiences, she agreed with this statement.
'Doing what is right in the face of adversity, fear and temptation almost always requires sacrifice and suffering,' she said.
The presidents'' wives concluded their discussion by encouraging all to have courage, to never give up and to all strive to become valiant in Christ.