Sister Sewell encourages students to share their light in BYU devotional

Alene P. Sewell, portfolio director of artificial intelligence at Brigham Young University, reminded students that light is all around them at her devotional in the Marriott Center on May 12.

She began the devotional with remarks about artificial intelligence. Sewell shared that AI is advancing quickly, but it is essential to keep an eye on the important things in life.

No matter how much the world advances, one thing remains constant, Sewell said. The divine light of Jesus Christ.

She then shared about her opportunity to work in the Church educational system. She said that when she started working for the Church, she finally started to understand that intellectual learning and spiritual learning should go hand in hand.

That understanding prepared me for a moment that would change my life, when I would need to seek the Lords light more intentionally than ever before, Sewell said.

She continued by sharing that the Lord guides us through light. Sewell emphasized trusting in the Lord, and talked about people in her life who have made a big impact on her search for light, including colleagues, her family and her mother.

She then used an analogy about batteries, explaining that some people need help in different ways in order to brighten their light.

Some need AA batteries (attention and affection) some need AAA batteries (attention, affection and acceptance). Some need C batteries (compassion) and some need D batteries (direction)," Sewell said.

She explained that these battery examples can help someone understand how to grow their testimony and light, and if others have trouble growing their light, then members of the Church should simply sit with them quietly and share (their) light.

Towards the end of her devotional, Sister Sewell shared her testimony of temples and how they are a great source of light.

She then played a video showing the timeline of temples that have been built around the world, and encouraged students to hold up their cell phone lights as the video played.

After the video, Sister Sewell approached the podium with tears in her eyes and expressed her gratitude for the wonderful students who participated in sharing their light.

She concluded her speech with encouragement to share light and uplift others.

Take care of yourself and your family, Sewell said. Lift those around you. And never forget, your light matters more than you know.

Sister Sewell then testified of Jesus Christ. The devotional held a quiet spirit, and the vulnerability of the talk was a great way to continue the day on BYU campus.