Stephanie Dibb Sorensen spoke on finding wisdom and inspiration from women in the scriptures at BYU Women’s Conference in the Wilkinson Center Ballroom on May 2.
Sorensen is a professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU and has a Ph.D. in Instructional Psychology and Technology.
In her speech, she said there are 556 women mentioned throughout the scriptures, and she hoped the women in attendance could learn what these women teach us about the Atonement and having a relationship with the Savior.
Sorensen quoted Sister Linda K. Burton’s talk from the April 2017 General Conference.
“Our sisters across the ages have demonstrated the faithful patter of discipleship that we too strive for," Sister Burton said. "We learn from these sisters that certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice."
In her speech, Sorensen emphasized the importance of both righteous patriarchy and matriarchy and said men and women must be unified.
“I don't want there to be this false dichotomy that rejoicing and delighting in your husband or in his glory or his power, somehow means that ours is minimized,” Sorensen said.
She reiterated that Heavenly Father loves both his sons and daughters equally, quoting Elder M. Russell Ballard’s talk from General Conference in October 1993.
“During His earthly ministry, Jesus served men and women alike. He healed both men and women, and he taught both men and women,” Elder Ballard said. “The gospel of Jesus Christ can sanctify both men and women in the same way and by identical principles.”
Sorensen encouraged the women in attendance to find joy in their own righteous efforts as well as in the efforts of the men in their lives, so they can grow together.
Rachel Fear, who attended BYU Women’s Conference for the first time this year, said she loved the message of Sorensen’s speech.
“Women are so important,” Fear said. “We have all sorts to give, and to find those examples in the scriptures and then realize them in yourself, I think is really important. We can be leaders, we can teach and we can receive revelation.”
Brenda Walker reflected on the importance of motherhood during Sorensen’s speech.
She said her greatest mission has been being a mother and converting her six children to the gospel, which will be passed down for generations.
“There are a lot of moms in the scriptures that we don’t know about, but they're there,” Walker said.
Krista Isaacson, who has attended BYU Women's conference for over twenty years, said she believes there is power in gathering with other women of faith.
“We get out feeling empowered,” Isaacson said. “Having strengthened each other, we are able to stand up for the things that we believe in.”