Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve wrapped up the 2025 BYU Women's Conference with a message of about the strength of faith during the closing keynote session in the Marriott Center on May 2.
Before taking the stage, BYU President C. Shane Reese testified of Elder Cook’s discipleship and example of the Savior’s love.
“He’s a remarkable example to me as one who is a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ,” President Reese said. “We love you, we sustain you and I testify of your role.”
Throughout his message, Elder Cook emphasized the theme of the Women’s Conference — keeping Christ as the focal point in one's life by walking the covenant path.
“Throughout conference, we have stressed the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson and his emphasis on the covenant path and covenants,” Elder Cook said. “Women are uniquely committed in their efforts to walk with the Savior.”
Elder Cook also testified of the incredible strength of women past and present, including those in his own life.
Quoting Wallace Stegner — a noted author and historian who was not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but was impressed by the devotion and heroism of early church members — Elder Cook echoed his admiration for Latter-day Saint women.
“They are not incredible because they managed to avoid the difficulties of life. Quite the opposite,” Elder Cook said. “They are incredible because of the way they face trials of life and their commitment to walk with Him.”
He then shared the example of one of the most influential women in his life — his wife, Mary Cook.
In a seventh grade assembly, Mary sang “The Sunny Side of the Street,” a tune that has come to reflect her resilience and optimism.
“She’s always tried to live on the ‘sunny side of the street, ’” Elder Cook said. “The music of faith emanates from her heart because of her amazing example.”
Elder Cook continued to emphasize the importance of being in tune with one’s faith, referencing former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Sacks and his analogy of being tone deaf to the music of faith.
By living in harmony with the promptings of the spirit and being awakened to the power of God’s word, everyone can become disciples of Christ. Elder Cook concluded his testimony by stating that this opportunity is available to everyone.
“God loves all of His children,” Elder Cook said. “There are no race, gender or ethnicity requirements. The Book of Mormon makes it clear that all are invited to partake of the Lord’s goodness.”
One attendee of the concluding session, Dana Blake, said Elder Cook’s testimony was the perfect way to end the week.
“I loved that it felt like a culmination of the whole conference theme and other things I have learned over all three days,” Blake said. “I would do this every day if I could.”
Becky Gandy, another attendee at the session, expressed her sadness that the conference had ended but optimism in applying what she had learned.
“It was a refresh I didn’t realize I needed and a good reminder of why I do what I do,” Gandy said. “It also gave me direction on things I could work on and improve.”
As the final notes of the conference settled, Elder Cook’s words left many uplifted, encouraged and ready to walk forward with renewed purpose and faith.
