A return to Virtue

I just saw the news today that the church is adding one word to the YW theme... VIRTUE.

Revised YW Theme:

A Return to Virtue

"Now is the time for a return to virtue!"

The attribute and value of Virtue has been added to the Young Women theme. "Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity."

The time has come for the young women of the Church to lead the world in a return to virtue. This is the time to be pure and to qualify for the guidance of the Holy Ghost. In the coming year, it is our desire that all young women and their leaders focus on the meaning of virtue, what young women can do to accept and act upon this value, and how this attribute can strengthen young women as they prepare to be worthy to make and keep sacred covenants and receive temple ordinances.

"I believe one virtuous young woman led by the Spirit can change the world."

I loved Sister Dalton's General Conference talk about Virtue.  This is a favorite quote from her message:

"NOW is the time for each of us to arise and unfurl a banner to the world calling for a return to virtue.

Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord’s holy temples and to receiving the Spirit’s guidance. Virtue “is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.” It encompasses chastity and moral purity.

Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions.

Virtue is a word we don’t hear often in today’s society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost.

President Monson has counseled: “You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness—and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.” Elaine Dalton Gen Conf Oct 2008

This message from the BYU Women's Conference by the General YW Presidency is another great resourch for parents and leaders of youth. I especially liked the section where they discussed the issues our youth face today. It was enlightening to pinpoint what things our YW deal with daily ... and hence realizing these issues will help us better taylor our lessons and interactions to strengthen the youth.

I love that Sister Dalton has emphasized virtue and looking to the temple. 2009 YW/YM theme will be a great one to focus on these good things and strengthen ourselves and those around us.

There are good things going on out there. I hope I can teach my little ones these principles so that they can be confident in choosing the right. What an awesome responsibility we have as parents as leaders. "In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things."