Randy Boothe, artistic director of the BYU Young Ambassadors, spoke at a session of Women’s Conference on May 3, 2018 on personal accountability.
Boothe used the word “do” from the lyrics of “I am a Child of God” to emphasize the difference between knowing and doing.
He invited the audience to think about what to do and how to form a plan of action.
After he invited the audience to join in reading scriptures containing the theme word ‘do,’ Boothe shared personal stories of influential figures in his life and four key principles he took away from each person. He stressed the point that individuals are not alone on their mortal journeys.
Boothe talked about his father, who taught seminary at 4 a.m. Now retired, his father sleeps until 5 a.m. before diving into scripture study. Boothe even passed around his father’s scriptures, covered in markings and color, as a visual testament to his father’s diligence.
Boothe said his father taught him the importance of a daily feast of the Book of Mormon.
Booth was touring with the Young Ambassadors in Chandigarh, India, in 1982. He encountered a faithful man named Raj Kumar, who had a sincere question in his heart. Much like Joseph Smith, Raj was inspired to pray. Through humble desires, he obeyed, came to understand the divine power of prayer, was introduced to the church and then was baptized.
Boothe said he learned of the importance of obedient prayer from his dear friend, Raj.
Boothe was greeted by Iya L. Polivanova in 1978 after a Young Ambassadors performance in Moscow, Russia. Her father was the leader of the Underground Baptist Movement, many of whose believers were discovered and persecuted. Through hardship and persecution, both Iya and her father faithfully followed the Savior; they continued to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit.
Boothe said he discovered that hundreds of followers were held in Siberian work camps for choosing to worship. Even though it wasn’t politically correct to follow Christ, Iya and her father did so.
Because of Iya’s example, Boothe said he learned that when the Spirit speaks to his heart and mind, he must listen intently.
Boothe also touched on President Russell M. Nelson’s life, which was shared in the April 2018 General Conference. Boothe mentioned how President Nelson owes what he is to his forebearers and although President Nelson adored his parents, he did not grow up in the church and felt something missing at a young age. Instead of receiving Christmas presents, he just wanted to be sealed to his family. This desired event did not take place until his parents were past 80 years of age, but it did take place.
Boothe said this story of President Nelson taught him how the Spirit will direct choices.
To help facilitate a final plan of action, Boothe implemented the four key principles into a simple acronym: DO IT (D stands for daily feast, O stands for obediently pray, I stands for intently listen and T stands for timely action.)
