101. Keith Erekson | Questions and Doubt, Answers and Peace

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Relief Society is a place where women of diverse backgrounds and experiences come together in unity to create a spiritual home and grow closer to Jesus Christ. Join hosts Karlie Guymon and Shalyn Back for a special bonus episode with the current and newly called General Relief Society presidency members as they discuss building unity in our wards and branches, our global church community, and with our Heavenly Father. Presidents Jean B. Bingham and Camille Johnson discuss how their mutual experiences serving in the general primary presidency and visiting Nauvoo together have influenced their perspective on their Relief Society responsibilities. Sisters Sharon Eubank and Annette Dennis discuss how building bridges with others brings unity, strength, and hope in our efforts to live the gospel. Sisters Reyna Aburto and Kristin Yee share how choosing to be unified with our Heavenly Father—someone who knows everything about us—brings comfort and security. This conversation will encourage you in your efforts to strengthen your relationships with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and to connect with other incredible women in Relief Society. Resources Relief Society General Presidency Biographies: President Jean B. Bingham https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/jean-b-bingham?lang=eng Sister Sharon Eubank https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/sharon-eubank?lang=eng Sister Reyna Aburto https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/reyna-i-aburto?lang=eng President Camille Johnson https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/meet-incoming-relief-society-general-president-camille-n-johnson Sister Anette Dennis https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/sister-jeannie-anette-dennis Sister Kristin Yee https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/sister-kristin-m-yee Additional Latter-day Saint Women Podcast Episodes: President Jean B. Bingham Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/president-jean-b-bingham-every-woman-belongs-in-the/id1491361653?i=1000501838236 Google https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL0xEU1dvbWVu/episode/MjAyMC0wNi0wMDE4LXByZXNpZGVudC1qZWFuLWItYmluZ2hhbS1ldmVyeS13b21hbi1iZWxvbmdzLWluLXRoZS1jaHVyY2gtb2YtamVzdXMtY2hyaXN0?sa=X&ved=0CAIQuIEEahgKEwjop9jHiJf5AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQgwI Sister Sharon Eubank Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sister-sharon-eubank-compassion-is-a-way-of-life-replay/id1491361653?i=1000511423176 Google https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL0xEU1dvbWVu/episode/MjAyMC0wNi0wMDMwLXNpc3Rlci1zaGFyb24tZXViYW5rLWNvbXBhc3Npb24taXMtYS13YXktb2YtbGlmZS1yZXBsYXk?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjop9jHiJf5AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQfg Sister Reyna Aburto Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reyna-aburto-finding-healing-and-peace-through/id1491361653?i=1000499218121 Google https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL0xEU1dvbWVu/episode/MjAyMC0wNi0wMDE2LXJleW5hLWFidXJ0by1maW5kaW5nLWhlYWxpbmctYW5kLXBlYWNlLXRocm91Z2gtdGhlLWF0b25lbWVudC1vZi1qZXN1cy1jaHJpc3Q?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjop9jHiJf5AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQfg President Camille Johnson Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/79-president-camille-n-johnson-seeking-heavens-help/id1491361653?i=1000532379609 Google https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL0xEU1dvbWVu/episode/MjAyMS0wMy0wMDc5LTc5LXByZXNpZGVudC1jYW1pbGxlLW4tam9obnNvbi1zZWVraW5nLWhlYXZlbnMtaGVscA?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjop9jHiJf5AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQCg Sister Kristen Yee Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/104-kristin-yee-what-faith-looks-like/id1491361653?i=1000553437795 Google https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL0xEU1dvbWVu/episode/MjAyMS0wMy0wMTA0LTEwNC1rcmlzdGluLXllZS13aGF0LWZhaXRoLWxvb2tzLWxpa2U?sa=X&ved=0CAUQkfYCahcKEwjouNyoiJf5AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNQ

Every sister and every talent is needed to build the kingdom of God. Join hosts Karlie Guymon and Shalyn Back for a special bonus episode with President Jean Bingham, Sister Sharon Eubank, and Sister Reyna Aburto of the Relief Society General Presidency to discuss the unique and important ways Latter-day Saint women are contributing around the world. With practical tips about how to overcome feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy, our leaders teach and share examples of how we can make Relief Society a safe space for all women to serve and contribute. Featuring interviews with Agniezska Mazurowska, refugee coordinator and current Relief Society president of the Warsaw Poland Branch, and Church women’s historian Kate Holbrook, this conversation is an uplifting and encouraging reminder to recognize and share your unique gifts and talents to lift and serve others like the Savior. Resources: Relief Society General Presidency Biographies: President Jean B. Bingham https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/jean-b-bingham?lang=eng Sister Sharon Eubank https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/sharon-eubank?lang=eng Sister Reyna Aburto https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/reyna-i-aburto?lang=eng Church Newsroom story featuring Agniezska Mazurokwsa: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/poland-ukraine-refugees-four-months Church History Relief Society Building online exhibit: “A Home of our Own” https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/exhibit/relief-society-building?lang=eng How to visit the Relief Society building: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/relief-society-building-temple-square?lang=eng Catalog of Relief Society Building Contributors and Donations: https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/68d7defa-b2f7-4828-9b2e-d15f7bc21999/0?view=browse&lang=eng Catalog of Relief Society Building Artifact Donations: https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/49a57e83-fea9-48ad-8791-6cf674a74e8e/0?view=browse&subView=arrangement Sister Reyna Aburto “Come Out of Your Shell: 3 Ways to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone”: https://studio5.ksl.com/come-out-of-your-shell-step-out-comfort-zone/ Jerusha Barden Biography : https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/person/jerusha-t-barden-smith

Tracy is a foster mom, heartsick and fearful about the sweet boy she has grown to love as her son. McKaylee is a 22-year-old stake Relief Society president who is confused and angry when the Lord doesn't grant her heartfelt desire to serve a mission. And Liliana is a recent convert and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, worried she needs to change who she is in order to fit in with the women around her. What do these sisters all have in common? Through their struggles and questions, they each found support, belonging, and increased faith in Jesus Christ as members of the Relief Society. Join us for this special bonus episode celebrating the 180th birthday of Relief Society featuring President Jean Bingham, Sister Sharon Eubank and Sister Reyna Aburto of the general Relief Society presidency. Sharing Tracy, McKaylee and Liliana’s inspiring stories and voices, the Relief Society presidency affirms their hope and vision that every woman in the Church knows she belongs in the Relief Society.

Life has taught Kristin Yee how to “jump”: to leave her comfort zone and leap into the unknown, trusting in God’s love and perfect plan. Following a spiritual prompting to leave art school in San Francisco, Kristin's journey of faith took her down an unexpected path-- one that ultimately led to her dream job working as an animator and producer for Disney for 13 years. By sharing the personal revelation she has received and trusted, Kristin teaches listeners "what faith looks like." Through these exciting, and at times frightening, life changes and transitions, Kristin shares with humility and grace how she has learned to partner with the Savior, Jesus Christ for support, comfort, and validation. Kristin was hired by the Church in 2016 as the animation team manager, and she currently serves on the Primary general advisory council.  Resources: Kristin Yee biography: https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2021-07-15/9-new-members-of-primary-general-advisory-council-218844 “Educate Your Desires, Elder Andersen Counsels”: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/educate-your-desires-elder-andersen-counsels?lang=eng Alma 32: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/32?lang=eng Church Content for Children: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/children?lang=eng Examples of recent Children's content: The Goal: A Story of Faith, Friendship and Forgiveness https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2019-12-0110-the-goal-a-story-of-faith-friendship-and-forgiveness?lang=eng The Old Testament Scripture Stories https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/old-testament-stories?lang=eng&collectionId=b43d757eb019f6607ea99cf31d4f98fd0466720b Friend to Friend Broadcast https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/friend-to-friend-children?lang=eng&collectionId=b43d757eb019f6607ea99cf31d4f98fd0466720b Transcript: https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/2021-03-0104-104-kristin-yee-what-faith-looks-like-eng.pdf

There are more than 150 women named or referenced in the Bible, with dozens of female characters in the Old Testament alone. While not small in number, many of these women are not well known, and some are misunderstood as simple, less essential, or merely one-dimensional characters. But what can the women in the Bible teach us about Jesus Christ, and how can their stories bring us closer to Him? In this episode, Camille Fronk Olson, author and professor emeritus of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University shares how the study of women in scripture enhances our understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and strengthens our faith in the Lord's ability to use ordinary people in His work. Camille shares story after story of faithful and inspiring women in the Old Testament, including Hagar, Hannah, Deborah, Abigail, Bathsheba, the daughters of Zelophehad, and more. Camille teaches that even small efforts to understand the culture, history and context of the Old Testament will improve and enrich our understanding of the women in the Bible. Transcript: https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/2021-03-0103-103-camille-fronk-olson-learning-from-women-in-the-old-testament-eng.pdf

How can we develop a healthier body image as Latter-day Saint women despite beauty norms and pressures in the world today? How can we help the young women and girls around us learn to treasure the divine gift of their bodies as they grow and develop into women? Dr. Lauren Barnes is the director of clinical training for the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Brigham Young University and specializes in women’s issues, including body image and eating disorders. Join us as we talk with Dr. Barnes about these important issues affecting Latter-day Saint women and girls today.  Resources: For more Church resources and articles about body image and eating disorders, see the August 2019 Ensign and New Era magazines: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/08?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/more-than-a-body-seeing-as-god-sees?lang=eng

If you have chosen to live a life of faith in Jesus Christ, it is likely you will experience times when your faith is challenged. Church historian and author Keith Erekson joins us to discuss how faithful women and men throughout history have grappled with doubts and questions, and how we can find peace, light and understanding during times of challenge when we seek to truly commune with God. Keith shares how each person's struggle with questions and doubt is individual, and how finding peace and answers is also individual, ultimately made possible by the Holy Ghost, the great "individualizer." Keith also shares useful counsel for those struggling to help their loved ones find answers to their questions. The best advice? Listen and love, and trust in your own witness of the truth. Transcript: https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/2021-03-0101-101-keith-erekson-questions-and-doubt-answers-and-peace-eng.pdf

As a 25-year-old, single graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in music, Sharlene wanted to attend medical school. She was told by friends and mentors that her deeply-held desire to marry and have children would be limited if she became a doctor, but as she prayed she felt it was the right path for her. Join us as Sharlene shares how her life’s path unfolded as she put her trust in God and took small steps forward in times of fear or uncertainty. With clarity and perspective, Sharlene shares how she navigated being a working mom and how her career has blessed her family and countless others. As a frontline health care worker during the pandemic, she also testifies of God’s love for all.  Resources:  BYU Magazine: The Tap of Encouragement https://magazine.byu.edu/article/the-tap/ BYU Study: Couples thrive in relationship quality and stability when both partners are involved in financial processes https://news.byu.edu/news/study-couples-thrive-relationship-quality-and-stability-when-both-partners-are-involved BYU Magazine: A House Undivided https://magazine.byu.edu/article/a-house-undivided/ Family Proclamation: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng BYU Speech: Women and Education: “A Future Only God Could See for You” https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/eva-m-witesman/women-education-future-god-see/ Transcript: https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/2021-03-0100-100-sharlene-miner-a-path-i-couldnt-see-from-the-beginning-eng.pdf

When things don’t work out the way we want them to, we may think it requires we accept a lesser reward - a Plan B. But Relief Society advisory council member Kathryn Reynolds believes there is no such thing as a “Plan B” in life. Through a lens of sincere faith and trust in God’s love and eternal plan, she has come to see her life’s sidetracks, struggles and detours as divine. Join us as Kathryn shares the unexpected path to her career as a marriage and family therapist and service on the Relief Society council, and the divine detours and opportunities for learning along the way, including her service as executive assistant to Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Through tender personal experiences, Kathryn testifies of prophets and apostles, as well as the priesthood power and authority of the female officers called to lead and stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.  Resources: Elder Richard G. Scott, May 2003 Ensign: “The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2003/05/the-sustaining-power-of-faith-in-times-of-uncertainty-and-testing?lang=eng “Even if you exercise your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. He loves you to a depth and completeness you cannot conceive of in your mortal state. Indeed, were you to know His entire plan, you would never ask for that which is contrary to it even though your feelings tempt you to do so. Sincere faith gives understanding and strength to accept the will of our Heavenly Father when it differs from our own. We can accept His will with peace and assurance, confident that His infinite wisdom surpasses our own ability to comprehend fully His plan as it unfolds a piece at a time.”