You can read or watch Sister Wright’s full talk here:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/12wright?lang=eng

Sister Wright began by sharing the story of the wise and foolish virgins.

President Dallin H. Oaks posed the following thought-provoking questions in relation to the coming of the Bridegroom: “What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today?”

What would you do if you knew that the Saviour was going again tomorrow?

Sister Wright then shared a personal experience where she was faced when receiving a cancer diagnosis.

What thoughts came to your mind as you read or listened to Sister Wright’s story?

Because of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, if I died, my family would be comforted, strengthened, and one day restored. If I lived, I would have access to the greatest power on this earth to help succor, sustain, and heal me. In the end, because of Jesus Christ, everything can be OK.

How does it make you feel to know that in the end, because of Jesus Christ, everything can be OK?

We learn from a careful study of the Doctrine and Covenants what “OK” looks like:

“And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.

“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.”

What does it mean to you to ‘abide the day’?

Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to “abide the day.” Abiding the day does not mean adding to an ever-increasing to-do list. Think of a magnifying glass. Its sole purpose is not simply to make things appear bigger. It can also gather and focus light to make it more powerful. We need to simplify, focus our efforts, and be gatherers of the Light of Jesus Christ. We need more holy and revelatory experiences.

How can we simplify and focus our efforts?

Located in northwestern Israel is a beautiful mountain range often referred to as the “evergreen mountain.” Mount Carmel stays green year-round due largely in part to tiny amounts of dew. Nourishment happens daily. Like “the dews of Carmel,” as we seek to nourish our souls “with things pertaining to righteousness,” “small and simple things,” our testimonies and the testimonies of our children will live!

This lovely metaphor expresses the importance of daily spiritual nourishment.

Now, you may be thinking, “But Sister Wright, you do not know my family. We are really struggling and do not look anything like this.” You are correct. I do not know your family. But a God with infinite love, mercy, power, knowledge, and glory does.

The questions you may be asking are questions of the heart that ache in the depths of your soul. Similar questions are found in the holy scriptures:

“Master, carest thou not that [my family] perish?”

“Where is now my hope?”

“What shall [I] do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing [me]?”¹⁴

“Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?”¹⁵

“How is it possible that [I] can lay hold upon every good thing?”

“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

And then ever so sweetly come the answers:

“Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?”

“Hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness?”

“Believe ye that [He is] able to do this?”

“Believest thou the prophets?”

“Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?”

“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

You may wish to read some of the scriptures cited in the footnotes that are the source of these questions and answers.

Eternal life is eternal joy. Joy in this life, right now—not despite the challenges of our day but because of the Lord’s help to learn from and ultimately overcome them—and immeasurable joy in the life to come. Tears will dry up, broken hearts will be mended, what is lost shall be found, concerns shall be resolved, families will be restored, and all that the Father hath will be ours.

Look to Jesus Christ and live is my testimony in the sacred and holy name of the beloved “Shepherd and Bishop of [our] souls,” Jesus Christ, amen.

How can we experience joy in this life despite the challenges of the day?

We live in a world filled with uncertainties, and it is easy to be overwhelmed by constant change. However, Sister Wright’s counsel reminds us that true peace comes from relying on the Lord and trusting in His plan for us. As we strive to develop a personal relationship with Him, we can experience a deep inner calm that surpasses all understanding.

NB: Passages in italics are direct quotes from Sister Wright’s address.