To the Women of the World

I have been given the opportunity to attend the Convention on the Status of Women at the United Nation's Headquarters.  I will be taking note and observing many things that are of grave concern involving the women of the world especially the young women.

I find it interesting and of no coincidence that many of the ladies I am traveling with have recently been given callings in the Young Women's Program, including myself.  Also, my roommate will be an amazing sister who formerly served on the General Young Women's Board. I'm excited for such a privilege.

ARISE AND SHINE by, James Christensen
Young Women Holding The 8 Values and the Banner of the Temple

The reason we are going is because "Far too many corrosive social policies are being made that have direct impact over our sphere of influence. As we gather together our presence and influence will expand to make the creative changes that can grow goodness. Because we are life-affirming, we will not stand idly by as destructive changes take place (such as in national and international policies). We wish to highlight to the world that the internal power that we cultivate is indeed tremendously powerful, and what we do everyday within the walls of our homes is deeply valuable. We are united with women from all parts of the world that care, safeguard, protect, and sacrifice." 
-Carolina Allen

While there, we will seek out and network with women from all over the world who share our desire to protect and uphold the family unit, who believe in the complimentary and Divine relationship we share with men. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places.  The proverbial banners we wave are the values we proclaim every Sunday in Young Women's written in a universal language that sisters of all faiths and nations can understand.

1.) We believe in God and are women of Faith. For many of us worldwide women. We believe in a higher power. It is what gives us our internal strength and courage as we face life's challenges. It is an integral part of our identity and it is powerful.
2.) We  embrace our life-affirming biology. To be a female means that we we have a unique and powerful life affirming anatomy. We celebrate this.
3.) We are each unique and innately worthy of respect. Every individual is worthwhile and special.
4.) We seek after wisdom and knowledge. We have each been endowed with an internal compass that when used can magnify our wisdom and knowledge for the good of humanity.
5.) We have the freedom to choose, and choose wisely. The freedom to choose is inalienable. We choose life-affirming and non-violent paths.
6.) We reach out and serve others in need. We are the innate healers of suffering, and do so with great compassion.
7.) We follow our conscience with integrity. We speak truth amidst confusion and  we follow our intuitions with faith and confidence.
8.) We cultivate wholeness and harness our creative power. Our virtue is priceless and we guard and cultivate our wholeness.

We are ready to embark! Who is coming aboard?

-Alicia


About the Painting
Arise and Shine Forth

by James C. Christensen

“Years ago I did a painting," relates Jim Christensen, called 'Virtue,' which featured a quiet and determined young woman making her way, alone, through the darkness with the light of faith to guide her. One of the things I wanted to say is that not only are our young women strong, they are not alone. They are well prepared and know how to stand for what they believe. They know how to support each other and the community. As a group they are unstoppable in their ability to reach their divine potential. There is always another group coming up behind them.”