Over the decades, an increasing number of women have spoken in general conference. From 1986 to now, here's a look back at some powerful talks given by the sister leaders of the Church.
Barbara W. Winder, "Hope in Christ" (1986)
In this talk, Sister Winder, then the general president of Relief Society, reminded us of our purpose on earth, and that all challenges can be overcome through faith and hope in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
"We were not left without hope. Our Savior, through his atonement, has made it possible for us to obtain salvation. He will not leave us helpless as we struggle to overcome the adversities of this life."
Read or listen to this talk in full on lds.org.
Chieko N. Okazaki, "Rowing Your Boat" (1994)
While acting as the first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, Sister Okazaki shared some important insights on the power of learning and the way to become self-reliant.
"Learning by study and learning from the Spirit are the two halves of my life. These oars have helped me row my professional boat, make a good marriage, raise my sons, and serve in the Church. I need them both as I strive for self-reliance. You need them both as you strive for self-reliance."
Read or listen to this talk in full on lds.org.
Anne C. Pingree, "Knowing the Lord's Will for You" (2005)
While acting as Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, Sister Pingree gave this uplifting talk about how to become an instrument in the Lord's hands whatever our circumstances.
"It is my testimony that we can know what the Lord wants us to do—and experience 'the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.'”
Read or listen to the full talk on lds.org.
Vicki F. Matsumori, "A Lesson from the Book of Mormon" (2007)
Using scripture stories and her testimony, Sister Matsumori, then the Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, shared a powerful message about the role of the Book of Mormon in our lives—particularly in the lives of those who were not raised in the Church.
"The scriptures, prayer, and making and keeping covenants have not only helped the people of Ammon but also first-generation members everywhere—including me. You see, while I was born of goodly parents, I was not taught the gospel at home. However, my parents did teach me moral values and ethical conduct. I remember my nonmember father helping me write the first talk I gave at church. The assigned topic was honesty, and instead of quoting the 13th article of faith, we used an example of a man whose nickname was Honest Abe."
Read or listen to the entire talk on lds.org.
Ann M. Dibb, "I Know It. I Live It. I Love It." (2012)
This beloved talk given by Sister Dibb while she was the Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency continues to resound widely with members, emphasizing the importance of standing as a witness and disciple of Christ at all times.
"I have a testimony of our Heavenly Father’s great plan of eternal happiness. I know that He knows us and loves us. I know that He has prepared a prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, to encourage us and help guide us back to Him. I pray that each of us will put forth the effort to be able to confidently declare, 'I’m a Latter-day Saint. I know it. I live it. I love it.'"
Read or listen to the entire talk on lds.org.
All images screenshots from lds.org.
What are some of your favorite conference talks given by the sisters of the Church? Share time below!
Get more powerful talks, insights, and stories from women Church leaders in At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women.
From the banks of the frozen Lake Erie in early May 1831, Lucy Mack Smith admonished her despondent fellow Saints. "Where is your faith in God?" she asked. "If I could make my voice to sound as loud as the trumpet of Michael the archangel I would declare the truth from land to land and from sea to sea."
At the Pulpit contains fifty-four discourses given by Latter-day Saint women throughout the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Like Lucy Mack Smith, these women drew on inspiration and experience to declare their understanding of eternal truths.
