President Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President
Sacrament Talk by Marcie Molnar
May 28, 2023
15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.”
In her April 2023 General Conference talk, Sister Bonnie H. Cardon, shared:
“We live in a fallen world, with distractions coaxing our eyes and hearts downward instead of heavenward. Much like the Nephites in 3 Nephi 11, we need Jesus Christ. Can you imagine yourself there, among people who had experienced so much chaos and destruction?”
I might add Brothers and Sisters, are we not ourselves witnessing chaos and destruction in our world today?
She goes on to say: “What would it be like to hear the Lord’s personal invitation…” to ARISE AND COME FORTH UNTO ME.”
“These Nephites eagerly went forward to thrust their hands into His side and feel the prints of the nails in His hands and feet so they could witness for themselves that this was the Christ…”
Twenty-three years ago, our youngest son Peter had the opportunity to play the very small role of “Fish Boy” in the Church production of “Finding Faith in Christ.” Since he was just a young 7-year-old, I had the opportunity to escort him while on the set. We were handed his costume from a large circular clothing rack, and directed to the trailer for make-up. There we were in the company of the actors who played the twelve apostles. The only makeup Peter required with his already very tanned summer body, was to dirty up his fingernails and parts of his recently showered face and extremities. We then all loaded up into a cargo van, and were shuttled to the site on the far side of Utah Lake. When we arrived, the extras were already dressed and in their places, sitting on the boulders and rocks waiting for the arrival of the actor, Thomas Kofod, who played the Savior in the Church production of The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd.
It was exceptionally quiet on the set and I was immediately touched by the Spirit. Peter was directed to his spot in the midst of the crowd. Unannounced, at least within my earshot, Thomas Kofod ascended from the other side of the boulders and proceeded down the hill until he approached my son. My tears flowed freely as I realized what a sacred experience this was for me. There was my small child being asked by the Lord if he would share his basket of bread and fish with him. Peter responded with a simple, “Yes!”
Brothers and Sisters, I did not have the opportunity to touch the Savior or feel the prints on his hands or his feet, but with this experience, I felt perhaps an inkling of what it must have been like for those who had been in the physical presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sister Cardon asked, “Are WE as anxious to witness for ourselves as the multitudes did in the scriptures? Are the blessings we seek less needful than theirs?”
“When Christ physically visited the Nephites at their temple, His invitation was not to stand at a distance and look upon Him,” as I had to on the set, “but to touch Him, to feel for themselves the reality of the Savior of humankind. How can WE draw close enough to gain a personal witness of Jesus Christ? While we may not enjoy the same physical proximity as those who walked with Christ during His earthly ministry, through the Holy Ghost we can experience His power every day! As much as we need!”
Sister Cardon shared with us the story of her father who once counseled her with urgency, “Bonnie, never give up an opportunity to testify of Christ.”
She said, “It seemed as though he was saying, “Bonnie, don’t let the world overtake you! Stay true to your covenants with the Savior. Seek to experience His blessings every day, and be able to testify through the Holy Ghost of His power and presence in your life!”
“Through President Russell M. Nelson, we have received countless invitations and have been promised glorious blessings if we will center our lives on our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“As we choose to seek Christ, the Spirit will witness of Him in many different situations. These witnesses of the Spirit occur as we fast, pray, wait, and continue forward. Our closeness to Christ grows through worshipping frequently in the temple, repenting daily, studying scriptures, attending church and seminary, pondering our patriarchal blessings, worthily receiving ordinances, and honoring sacred covenants. All of these invite the Spirit to enlighten our minds, and they bring added peace and protection. But do we honor them as sacred opportunities to testify of Christ?”
Sister Cardon resumes: “ Feast on the Spirit with purpose. There is power in making these holy habits less of a checklist and more of a witness. The process will be gradual but will grow with daily, active participation and purposeful experiences with Christ. As we consistently act on His teaching, we gain a testimony of Him; we build a relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father. We begin to become like Them.”
We are a covenant people brothers and sisters, and we are admonished to stay on the covenant path. But it’s more than that. We need to understand that this is a covenant RELATIONSHIP with our Savior and we need to build and strengthen that relationship with him and with our Father in Heaven and with the Holy Ghost.
Many of you are aware of the great excitement we felt as we prepared ourselves to join our Lecanto Ward family in the summer of 2021. I especially felt great joy to be back in what is often referred to as “The Mission Field”. Having joined the church in California, but living in Utah for 22 years, I was ready to share the gospel with the people in Florida. Life however often throws a curve ball. Like most of you, we are no strangers to adversity and within a month of being here, our trials hit us hard. Then as a typical reaction, one began to doubt:
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once shared, “Beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted in it, it is right now. At times there is nothing more we can do but muster up enough faith, strength, and courage to forge ahead.”
Then I was once again reminded of the following scripture:
“And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Ether 12:6
As Sister Cardon said, “The adversary creates so much noise that it can be difficult to hear the Lord’s voice. Our world, our challenges, and our circumstances will not get quieter, but we can and must hunger and thirst after the things of Christ to “hear Him” with clarity. We want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day.”
Let me repeat that, “We want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day.”
Ironically, in January of 2022, our dear Bishop called us to be ward missionaries. Because of our individual medical situations, I wasn’t certain how well we would be able to perform our responsibilities. I do know however, that when the Lord calls you, he qualifies you and provides you with that mantle and the abilities and tools to do all that he desires for you to accomplish IF you have the faith, roll up your sleeves, and get to work.
Over these past 16-plus months, I have worked hard to focus on HIM and not on my challenges. They are still there and at times often raging, but just as Sister Cardon’s father counseled her to never give up an opportunity to testify of Christ,” I have found that by sharing my testimony as a Ward Missionary with our new friends, neighbors and even strangers on the street, that I have been blessed with incredible relief, strength, tender mercies, and even miracles.
I take comfort in the words of President Russell M Nelson as he has warned us that “In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
Sister Cardon has invited us to “look for Christ everywhere–I promise He is there. True joy rests on our willingness to come closer to Christ and witness for ourselves.”
She goes on to say, “We know that in the last days, “every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess” that Jesus is the Christ. I pray this witness will become a normal and natural experience for us now—that we will take every opportunity to joyfully testify: Jesus Christ lives!
During the October 2022 General Conference, our dear prophet Russell M. Nelson shared the following words:
“I assure you that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, love you. They are intimately aware of your circumstances, your goodness, your needs, and your prayers for help. Again and again, I pray for you to feel Their love for you.
Experiencing Their love is vital, as it seems that we are accosted daily by an onslaught of sobering news. You may have had days when you wished you could don your pajamas, curl up in a ball, and ask someone to awaken you when the turmoil is over.
But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In the coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.”
What incredible blessings we have as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. People often say, “I don’t know where I would be without the Church and the Gospel in my life. My brothers and sisters, I do. I was there, but there are so many who are in need of what we have. They need to hear from us. So again, Never Give Up an Opportunity to Testify of Christ, to share what you have, your story, your knowledge, your testimony. Do not be reluctant to be bold and invite others to attend Game Night, come to church, meet with the missionaries, and join our family and the Lord’s true Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The blessings are there for ALL.
This I say in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Brothers and Sisters, I did not have the opportunity to touch the Savior or feel the prints on his hands or his feet, but with this experience, I felt perhaps an inkling of what it must have been like for those who had been in the physical presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sister Cardon asked, “Are WE as anxious to witness for ourselves as the multitudes did in the scriptures? Are the blessings we seek less needful than theirs?”
“When Christ physically visited the Nephites at their temple, His invitation was not to stand at a distance and look upon Him,” as I had to on the set, “but to touch Him, to feel for themselves the reality of the Savior of humankind. How can WE draw close enough to gain a personal witness of Jesus Christ? While we may not enjoy the same physical proximity as those who walked with Christ during His earthly ministry, through the Holy Ghost we can experience His power every day! As much as we need!”
Sister Cardon shared with us the story of her father who once counseled her with urgency, “Bonnie, never give up an opportunity to testify of Christ.”
She said, “It seemed as though he was saying, “Bonnie, don’t let the world overtake you! Stay true to your covenants with the Savior. Seek to experience His blessings every day, and be able to testify through the Holy Ghost of His power and presence in your life!”
“Through President Russell M. Nelson, we have received countless invitations and have been promised glorious blessings if we will center our lives on our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“As we choose to seek Christ, the Spirit will witness of Him in many different situations. These witnesses of the Spirit occur as we fast, pray, wait, and continue forward. Our closeness to Christ grows through worshipping frequently in the temple, repenting daily, studying scriptures, attending church and seminary, pondering our patriarchal blessings, worthily receiving ordinances, and honoring sacred covenants. All of these invite the Spirit to enlighten our minds, and they bring added peace and protection. But do we honor them as sacred opportunities to testify of Christ?”
Sister Cardon resumes: “ Feast on the Spirit with purpose. There is power in making these holy habits less of a checklist and more of a witness. The process will be gradual but will grow with daily, active participation and purposeful experiences with Christ. As we consistently act on His teaching, we gain a testimony of Him; we build a relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father. We begin to become like Them.”
We are a covenant people brothers and sisters, and we are admonished to stay on the covenant path. But it’s more than that. We need to understand that this is a covenant RELATIONSHIP with our Savior and we need to build and strengthen that relationship with him and with our Father in Heaven and with the Holy Ghost.
Many of you are aware of the great excitement we felt as we prepared ourselves to join our Lecanto Ward family in the summer of 2021. I especially felt great joy to be back in what is often referred to as “The Mission Field”. Having joined the church in California, but living in Utah for 22 years, I was ready to share the gospel with the people in Florida. Life however often throws a curve ball. Like most of you, we are no strangers to adversity and within a month of being here, our trials hit us hard. Then as a typical reaction, one began to doubt:
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once shared, “Beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted in it, it is right now. At times there is nothing more we can do but muster up enough faith, strength, and courage to forge ahead.”
Then I was once again reminded of the following scripture:
“And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Ether 12:6
As Sister Cardon said, “The adversary creates so much noise that it can be difficult to hear the Lord’s voice. Our world, our challenges, and our circumstances will not get quieter, but we can and must hunger and thirst after the things of Christ to “hear Him” with clarity. We want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day.”
Let me repeat that, “We want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day.”
Ironically, in January of 2022, our dear Bishop called us to be ward missionaries. Because of our individual medical situations, I wasn’t certain how well we would be able to perform our responsibilities. I do know however, that when the Lord calls you, he qualifies you and provides you with that mantle and the abilities and tools to do all that he desires for you to accomplish IF you have the faith, roll up your sleeves, and get to work.
Over these past 16-plus months, I have worked hard to focus on HIM and not on my challenges. They are still there and at times often raging, but just as Sister Cardon’s father counseled her to never give up an opportunity to testify of Christ,” I have found that by sharing my testimony as a Ward Missionary with our new friends, neighbors and even strangers on the street, that I have been blessed with incredible relief, strength, tender mercies, and even miracles.
I take comfort in the words of President Russell M Nelson as he has warned us that “In the coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
Sister Cardon has invited us to “look for Christ everywhere–I promise He is there. True joy rests on our willingness to come closer to Christ and witness for ourselves.”
She goes on to say, “We know that in the last days, “every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess” that Jesus is the Christ. I pray this witness will become a normal and natural experience for us now—that we will take every opportunity to joyfully testify: Jesus Christ lives!
During the October 2022 General Conference, our dear prophet Russell M. Nelson shared the following words:
“I assure you that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, love you. They are intimately aware of your circumstances, your goodness, your needs, and your prayers for help. Again and again, I pray for you to feel Their love for you.
Experiencing Their love is vital, as it seems that we are accosted daily by an onslaught of sobering news. You may have had days when you wished you could don your pajamas, curl up in a ball, and ask someone to awaken you when the turmoil is over.
But, my dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In the coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.”
What incredible blessings we have as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. People often say, “I don’t know where I would be without the Church and the Gospel in my life. My brothers and sisters, I do. I was there, but there are so many who are in need of what we have. They need to hear from us. So again, Never Give Up an Opportunity to Testify of Christ, to share what you have, your story, your knowledge, your testimony. Do not be reluctant to be bold and invite others to attend Game Night, come to church, meet with the missionaries, and join our family and the Lord’s true Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The blessings are there for ALL.
This I say in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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