May 2023 Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults with President and Sister Oaks

[@PrestonH123]

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth

[@annikachristensen4323]

Thank you for this beautiful message. I may be unable to get married in this life (not attracted to the opposite sex), but I'm finding great joy in strengthening the families around me and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[@LPanimal6]

God bless you. :)

[@kimhaughton3771]

Beautiful! God bless you in your journey! Much love to you but most importantly God and Jesus Christ are mindful of you and love you more than you can imagine! ❤️❤️❤️

[@m00dyalien]

I love you and so does God!

[@ellhie]

God love's all His children equally, and knows your heart deeply, don't ever think think that you don't belong in the church because of your sexual orientation, don't lose your connection with God, because He deeply loves you the way you are ❤ Sorry for any errors 😅 I'm not a native speaker

[@Itsreallyme571]

Be your authentic self God made you and loves you as.you.are.

[@steelcarnations2207]

Wow. The Holy Spirit prompted me to watch this and I kind of scoffed thinking I must've "heard wrong," bc I'm a single woman in her 50's. You blessed me Sister Oaks!!! Now I know why the Holy Spirit wanted a 50 year old to watch a YOUTH devotional. 😀 Sister Oaks...THANK YOU!

[@kalejuice5701]

This one hurt for me, but I don't want to be bitter or give up changing for the better. These are messages, warnings, and principles that need to be shared. I thank President and Sister Oaks for picking up the mantle on this.

[@ciaarruhh]

I had some tough feelings, too. I’m a married mom with a toddler! I read your comment and found comfort, because I feel the same 💕 Pres. & Sis. Oaks are the best.

[@brittonrunolfson]

Kale and Ciara, you two inspire me as true disciples of Christ.

[@byronterrell11]

Powerful and timely message. As someone who has faced many of these challenges discussed, I thank you for these inspired teachings. I literally had this conversation with my mom last night and almost hit every point in your talks. To me it was a tender mercy to see how keenly God is aware and your remarks literally confirmed my words spoken just last night. God is truly good.

[@victorialydianabirye5243]

Powerful indeed.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Yes Byron and Victoria! Beginning in my time in the military, I _only_ dated women of color. And of course I married a marvelous one. I think we are meant to mix! Have peace, be blessed! 🤗🙏🏾

[@tay03012]

The pioneers left their homes to obtain spiritual safety. Let us not leave spiritual safety to obtain a home.

[@tay03012]

I'm almost 40 and have never owned a place to live. Ha!!

[@tansershinasi2932]

35:42 We need more people like President Oaks. Stand up for truth. If we don't stand up for something, we stand for nothing

[@i1Schmidty]

My wife and I were sealed nearly two and a half years ago and for nearly a year this month, I have been the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my immediate family. Since the sealing, my mom, sisters, and wife have all left the church. I will never let go of the iron rod, but I appreciate so much every talk that is given that touches on the two great commandments. Thank you for teaching us to love each other. I know that I am blessed for the covenants I have made, even if I don't know who I will be sealed to in the next life, I know it will be worth my effort. Good luck to each of you and may the Spirit guide us in our efforts to walk in our Saviors footsteps. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

[@Sablespartan]

Hold to that rod, brother! It's not over yet. There is always hope in Christ

[@Choosefaithnotfear]

Every time these topics come up my mind is always turned to the The Family a proclamation to the world. Whenever the world confuses me I always go back to the scriptures, read those and let God guide me through the Holy Ghost. I’m so grateful for leaders who hold true to Hods teachings and encourage us all to do the same.

[@nightology-school3839]

Thank you for Sharing about the Laws of Marriages and the Covenants of Eternal Marraiges President Oaks. This Doctrine of Eternal Marraiges is so important for the Creations of every Disciples of Christ to have their own Eternal family in the Eternities.

[@aromabarrios3570]

The message is such a beautiful the eternal happiness is exist in this world. Even though I’m not married yet I’m still hope and prayer the blessing of happiness we reach in time of manners. I believe the bond of man and woman we create the new world 🌎 of build the love and unity. The perspective man don’t waste time go for it !!!😊 I know trust in the lord of all your heart might, mind , strength.

[@mattctr]

Thank you for the insights! And thank you to "Amy" for being such a good example of the true believers-even when others around you criticize you for obeying and upholding the Lord's teachings. God bless you!

[@plaidspolitics]

If I'm not mistaken, the name Amy means *friend* and *beloved* . What a sweet gesture for Pres. Oaks to respond to the sincere and honest search for navigating forward in showing Love to God as she keeps His commandments, and Love to those around her who may not only disregard God's law but also not respect her standard of Truth. Just as the Savior, Jesus Christ, calls us His friend, and Heavenly Father refers to His Son as Beloved, so does the mouthpiece of the Lord address us in giving guidance to all in what does sometimes feel mixed messages are inherent in the situations we now face in the world.

[@ralphcorneliuscastro]

Thank you, President & Sister Oaks, for your special message to all young adults worldwide emphasizing three things: (1) marriage; (2) loving others even those with challenges to gender; and (3) dealing with feelings of the same gender. The atmosphere during the devotional was palpable! :) Love from the Philippines!

[@Brandon-qu6fx]

My sister in-law Lae Hannah Fuentes Potter is from the Philippines.

[@bluedragon1979]

Very good video. There are 2 points I'd want to make about dating and marriage. That is, beyond the usual distractions of working on oneself, getting through college and/or establishing a career/financial stability first. Or, the other distraction of being indoctrinated to believe in unrealistic expectations about relationships and domestic roles. 1. Youths today deal with a LOT of getting "FRIEND ZONED." I'd say a LARGE portion of ALL single adults regardless of age experience this. I'll use an example: - John and Sally petition God for a good marriage partner. They don't know each other yet. They're not looking for perfection, just someone who is right for them. Reasonable enough. - John and Sally are right for each other. So, God puts them in each other's paths to meet. They do and the friendship goes great. Both John and Sally think each other is "perfect." ***THE PROBLEMS*** * They fear that dating/marriage will destroy their great friendship (should something go wrong) * They believe they're NOT GOOD ENOUGH for the other. * They have unchangeable "deal breaker" preferences that the other has. Tings like Sally is not in John's preferred age range or John is not within Sally's height preference. * They want to protect each other from their own faults. They believe that in order to do this, instead of working on these faults and letting them help each other, they think it is better to NOT date and NOT get married. * They're worried about finances or other "hangups" like debt, college, job insecurities and other factors that would make them believe they're unable to provide and serve each other the way they believe the other deserves. * They believe the other would be great... FOR SOMEONE ELSE. * They harbor the other's "deal breaker" opinions, beliefs, etc. Especially on controversial topics like sociopolitical ideologies. - So whichever problem John and Sally have, be it one or more on the list, or something else, they remain friends and CANNOT FOR THE LIVES OF THEMSELVES figure out WHY they STILL CANNOT FIND a good enough spouse. 2. I have experienced as a widowed woman at 32, is "BAGGAGE." Baggage and being made to feel like I'm more of a CHARITY case than a possible second round wife. Such as having kids under the age of 18. One thing I've noticed about LDS men (and most men in general) is that 1 AUTOMATIC DEAL BREAKER is a single mother. Regardless of why she is single. Even widows. The point is, I'm NOT the only one who has experienced this.

[@youtubecommentator6023]

I agree that these two points you made are issues. For myself, I tried friend-zoning my current husband when were dating because I was planning on serving a mission. I was getting ready to leave and he sent me a text asking if I would be his girlfriend. Instead of immediately answering, I knelt down and prayed what I should do. I cared about him a lot, but I also cared very much about serving a mission. I got the answer to do both. Serve the mission AND become his girlfriend. It worked out very well because we married two and half years later. I don't have any experience being a widow or a single mother (and definitely don't have experience being both) but there is one thing that I learned. If I do not involve God directly in my life, I end up worse off for it. My Mom told me not to accept my Husband's invitation to become his girlfriend because she was afraid he'd distract me from my mission. Other people said the same thing. Had I not turned to God to discover for myself what I should do, I probably would've listened to everyone else and missed out on a great opportunity of having my husband provide strength to me throughout my entire mission through his emails. So my conclusion for any relationship problems is to 1. Turn to God. He knows your desires and He knows your heart. Seek to know HIS desires and HIS heart and plans for you. And 2. Go forth doing what is asked of you to do.

[@stephenbailinC7GS]

Love this comment. I’m dealing with something a little bit similar to the whole friend thing. I’ve always been “just a great guy.” After watching this talk, I’m wondering about the bigger picture here. I’ve always blamed myself for not being married or in other times have always blamed the “female hypocrisy” system (I’m too short or not cowboy enough) for marriage. Pres Oaks is a prophet, cut and dry. I think that he is aware of what the Savior would have him say at any given point because that’s his job. He has to be close to the spirit. If that’s true, and the Savior knows me, then He knows how I feel about myself and my supposed hatred towards “the female system.” As much as I love your comment, it makes me think of what I have been dealing with. I think people who point out the issue with human psychology and church culture sometimes go as far as to make it the scapegoat for our problems, instead of focusing on Jesus Christ and His mercy. You and I have the same stumbling block. Im glad you wrote this, and I feel a little more resolve now to go and do what I should have done a year ago. I hope you are able to go to the Savior and forge through this trial.

[@bradjames891]

I honestly have no problems with single mothers.

[@pilotandy_com]

I don’t pretend to believe that all men think this way, but to my mind, “single mother” is distinct from “widow” by both word and reason.

[@zionmama150]

Largely the issue is a lack of faith in the Atonement. We need faith to move mountains and let the imperfections work unto perfection.

[@alisamateaki2537]

Powerful and beautiful. Thank you Present Oaks and Sister Oaks for your beautiful message.❤️

[@astod7792]

That letter from Amy is inspiring. What a choice spirit and wonderful mother she will be!

[@samtheclaw]

Timely teachings, thank you President and Sister Oaks for this!

[@latterdaycovenantliving]

Definitely a must watch for my middle school child too.

[@enriqueguevara905]

Great devotional. Thank you Pres and Sister Oaks.

[@brotherjamesstrang]

Love it!

[@m00dyalien]

This is so comforting to me. I struggle with being aromantic and asexual, which means I experience limited to no romantic or sexual attraction. As I get older, I often worry about how this struggle will affect me finding an eternal partner and having children, but I know I just have to trust God’s timing and that he will help me find the one I am supposed to be with. As for my fellow queer friends, I love you so much and I hope you will always value yourself as a child of God. Life is hard when you’re different but you are worth so much. We shouldn’t get caught up in all the specifics and instead remember the higher law and the end goal of the plan. It relieves so much anxiety, I highly recommend.

[@SarahFitzhugh]

Amen!! I also struggle with very similar circumstances. As I'm now home from my mission, it's time for me to move onto dating, which feels big & almost overwhelming. I have no idea how to & at times my head & heart scream directly in opposition! But I know what my end goal is & I know that Christ will help me get there. I trust that He will help me to know if the discomfort gets to be overwhelming for me personally & I should stop dating, or if & when I should continue. Thanks to Christ, I feel much better equipped after my mission & I look forward to following Him wherever He takes me. Thank you so much for commenting. It meant a great deal to stumble upon someone in the comment section with a similar struggle who is also remaining completely faithful. Yay! It's possible!! Especially with Him.

[@AnneChroma]

This was wonderful! I really needed this. Some of this applies to all of us, young, old, and in between.

[@jongottenbos532]

My take away: As you deepen your relationship with Jesus, it should spill over onto those around you in love and kindness. But your relationship towards other should not hinder nor diminish your relationship with God and your devotion to Him and His laws

[@warner631]

I love the Lord and I will work to have my life pattered closer to His.

[@lucaoro192]

Great talk 👍🙌

[@joaodasilva770]

What a great privilege to listen to inspired words from an apostle of the Lord.

[@konstantinkostov650]

Great devotional. I'm grateful for President and sister Oaks. Great examples! Thank you!

[@aBaird-du4jd]

Sister oaks gets it. I love her so much❤

[@t.j._edits9669]

Your timeline is your timeline ya'll. It doesn't negate progress, it doesn't condone laziness or unworthiness, you're putting on your oxygen mask first. If you're not resolved yourself, marriage (getting married too quickly) and kids are not going to fix that for you and only create problems in the future and in the marriage. Self-Actualization, and finding a partner you can grow and communicate with will ensure a lasting marriage. God's not gonna wag a finger on you and bar you from blessings for exercising caution. A marriage will last when you and your partner are 100% ready to make that commitment in your partners and the Lords time, and your future children will thank you for it. That's between you, your partner, and the Lord.

[@doxdog]

This girl who wrote this letter is courageous. And I’m going to side with her on the fact that we are loosing the culture war. Sure the Church has nice sounding uncontroversial messaging that hopefully will play out in the long term. But we’re loosing youth to insidious ideologies and spiritual death exponentially. Utah is number one in the nation for exploring and becoming LGBTQ with a 1300% increase in a decade. We often employ a false compassion because of our niceness and end up with weak convictions.

[@DaveCowan]

Such a large increase has to do with social contagion, its taught online, its taught to a degree at schools, friends of these kids expose them to these ideologies. A good number are genuinely confused on what all this means to them. Sister Joy D Jones, back when she was serving in a presidency, said this, "“We have the greatest opportunity with the young. The best time to teach is early, while children are still immune to the temptations of [the] mortal enemy, and long before the words of truth may be harder for them to hear in the noise of their personal struggles.” Such teaching will help them realize their divine identity, their purpose, and the rich blessings that await them as they make sacred covenants and receive ordinances along the covenant path. We cannot wait for conversion to simply happen to our children. Accidental conversion is not a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Becoming like our Savior will not happen randomly. Being intentional in loving, teaching, and testifying can help children begin at a young age to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is essential to our children’s testimony of and conversion to Jesus Christ; we desire them to “always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them.” If parents are having these conversations, on such topic as gender identity and purpose, on eternal principles, on where the child stands in the plan of Salvation, such issues work themselves out, and if they don't, love and support of this child, while not compromising on basic church teachings such as gender and marriage, will help them understand where they are. I still think its a failure to teach correct principles because we don't want to offend that is leading to the increase. You need to know the difference between loving and not judging, and giving in to every worldly ideology, thus compromising your principles.

[@suzannestanton9477]

Boy, did I feel this girl's heart and concerns. I'm almost 50 years old and I feel the same way. As a called seminary teacher, I feel its my duty every morning to help strengthen our youth, to help them feel a great desire to grow their own personal testimonies, to hunger and thirst for righteousness in the word of God, to set an example of being true and faithful and loving even when it's most challenging. I have often wondered why the Lord called me to teach these high school seniors when so many others might be more sensitive or soft-spoken. Those are attributes I'm working on developing , but I also know the Lord needed me for my convictions and my determination to stand for truth at all personal costs. Why do I share all of this? I share it simply to say the Lord is placing rescuers along the path, defenders of the faith, people who uphold the Family Proclamation. President Oaks is definitely one of those, as are all the presiding Brethren of this church. We are incredibly blessed to have them, if we will but look and point others their way. As true servants of Christ, they speak his words as needed at this time. I pray our youth and adults will look to God and live.

[@petersikwe7471]

The true Identifiers are those things that lead us to eternity

[@RosemarieChan-r5l]

Thank you for the inspiring talk president and sister Oaks. I love thy admonitions and concerns about these uprising generations. Marriage is such a wonderful event in ones life and it is currently the issue among young adults as they would choose to be financially stable and prepared before entering into such great covenant-which is not really wrong . This talk taught me to trust in the Lord and how marriage will helo me discover my potential and use this wonderful gift that God has given me in the creation of His wonderful spirit children. Gender confusion is nowadays increasing and as latter-day saints, it is indeed a challenging trials for us. However, as the Savior did,may we express our love and respect towards them and be an example to them that they may know that Jesus is the light of the world and those who follow Him will not be lost, but will have eternal life.

[@crazyaboutcards]

Look to God and LIVE!❤

[@Josephus-f1o]

When the Oaks guy talks he smiles as if he believes what he is saying LOL he is talking about telling the truth!

[@musicalmather1160]

Nice discourse on balancing love and law. Inspired.

[@Fiivee23]

Wow.. These revelations are on point especially the Dating ang Marriage as 1st points of President and Sister Oaks. Thank you for the teachings.

[@jamesmaclean5586]

Im grateful the music is being recorded now. Thanksgiving.

[@TRM520]

When dealing with gender confusion, "take the long view and seek to rely and to act on eternal principles." Simple, yet great advice, President Oaks... Patiently persevering in the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only prescription for true happiness and peace in this life.

[@ElephantsRock943]

As a gender-fluid person, I am frequently confused about my gender. However, the long view is that I will be so depressed, I will eventually try to commit suicide (again) if I don't dress and present as my gender identity. I think God would rather have me alive than in a coffin as my AGAB.

[@m00dyalien]

@@ElephantsRock943 I don’t believe it is a sin to present a certain way. The way you wear your hair or clothes does not have anything to do with your eternal identity as a child of God:) God loves you no matter how you look!

[@Sunsaintsandwaves]

Wow. President and Sister Oaks are inspired and so thoughtful about how they approached these subjects. I love the example they shared about how Christ loved God and his brothers and sisters when it was difficult to do both.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts!

[@lancecross2294]

Never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse and one day you will stand before Jesus and give an account for once to die and then the judgement!

[@leslyvevedmc782]

Thank you President and Sister Oaks for this wonderful message from the Lord! - Get married and have children early still, even when conditions seem unfavorable to that and have faith in Christ to help make it work. - Value both law and mercy by standing for truth while showing compassion to all. - Be cheerful through tough times knowing that light wins over darkness always. To those especially who live in countries where people experience so many more oppositions on top of the cost of housing and student debt, I'd say that adequate preparation for self-reliance is still a very important thing and that having faith does not mean jumping into things without having any plan whatsoever.

[@ThirdBrainLives]

Nonsense. You could say that having kids when you're young is absolutely terrible advice. Those parents could be immature, broke, and one argument away from a divorce only months into a marriage. Better advice would be to not have kids until there is financial and emotional stability regardless of what "God" says.

[@leslyvevedmc782]

@@ThirdBrainLives I agree with you that you need to be prepared for marriage and children and the Church knows that so well that they have a whole Institute (College) course about it called "Preparing for an Eternal Marriage" and man the things I've learned in this class are second to none. I just wish I had taken it before I was married. But the main message of this devotional for me is that we should not go by the world's "mostly secular" definition of what being prepared is because if you just use plain observation, you look at the divorce rates, the number of unhappy marriages and broken families in the world, you quickly realize that the world sucks at it and you cannot deny that. If we are to do better and beat the odds, we have to have enough faith to rely on the Lord's definition of preparation and edification, not the world's.

[@00warrr]

Wow what a great devotional! I enjoyed getting a new perspective and deeper understanding of these truths, thank you And thank you to all the people working behind the scenes to make this accessible worldwide!

[@bwcritch]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@clearstonewindows]

We need more like this!

[@cristilindsay]

Student loan debt has been a huge trial for us. ❤️ It really has made it harder to raise a family.

[@CarlosMattoscastañeda]

EXCELLENT VERY GOOD

[@Peptalkmom]

Such a great talk!! I love this girl’s letter and Elder Oaks’ response to it.

[@sl4983]

Young people, don't delay. There's no reason to delay. Get married. No big ceremony necessary, just the registrar. And have the children God gives to you, he'll provide what you need for them.

[@MolyBDenum-lh3wy]

Are you insane??? Stop pushing marriage on everyone, especially young people. Nothing wrong with getting married but it doesn’t fix problems or make you a good person. Find God, then find a partner… how bout you encourage that?

[@ppgranja3]

Young people, it's okay to wait for a little longer. Don't rush into marriage. Ponder and pray before having kids. Don't rely on the church leaders to decide that for you, you have a brain and you can receive revelation for you and your family. Kids will come at the right time.

[@sl4983]

@@ppgranja3 Sorry, that's not what apostle Paul would have said.

[@bobhappy991]

@@ppgranja3 really?

[@commoncents5191]

I have observed that The more spent on a wedding, the shorter that marriage lasts. 😂

[@TO-Aloha]

The delay in marriage has more to do with costs, expenses, a weakened American dollar-than anything else.

[@soniasmiles100]

It hurts my heart and leaves me SO confused when leaders forget or exclude Heavenly Mother. According to the church essay She was apart of our creation and the creation of The Plan as well! Why not say “Heavenly Parents” and speak with complete truth? It causes me to seriously doubt…! If they don’t include Her does She really exist?? Is it really true? It REALLY confuses me on my identity and eternal purpose/worth when leaders won’t mention supposed truths about who I’m supposed to become. What’s so bad or confusing or what causes Leaders the need to avoid Her? What does that say about me and my eternal worth and potential? Ah so confusing for me 💔🥺 This quote from the essay haunts me… Elder Rudger Clawson wrote, “We honor woman when we acknowledge Godhood in her eternal Prototype.” Why does womens eternal prototype scarcely get mentioned? And when it is in conference it comes with so many warnings as if She’s dangerous? 😞 If She’s my eternal prototype.. do I come with eternal warning signs? I’m seeking to understand.

[@redtheraichu3938]

I've wanted to know about my Heavenly Mother too, and I've seeked and prayed about it. And honestly, the answer is really simple. She's too sacred to be freely talked about individually. In the world nowadays people are putting so much disrespect on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We see how on some extreme circumstances the Lord has destroyed people for that in the scriptures. How do you think He would respond to a world that also disrespects His Wife? In the scriptures, there are many times prophets are shown things that they say "they aren't allowed to write down, for mankind isn't ready to hear them." I do not know for sure, so do not quote me on this. But I'm pretty sure She is one of them.

[@Brandon-qu6fx]

I need to use faith and courage to talk to sisters in my sa ward . Because I don’t work and live at my parents house and am on ssi for medical issues,which could end on June 1 st Due to the National debt . I will be 34 this Tuesday.

[@neithonchris4731]

Good, nice and impressive keep it up

[@JosephTyre]

12:18 is the start of President Oaks talk

[@Brilliantick99]

Great video i love this

[@aaronstapley]

The girl didn’t say she had a hard time loving people. She said she was concerned about leaderships vagueness, ambiguity, and complicity on this issue. If only that could have been addressed. At the end of the day, people will read into whatever they want want it means to treat others with dignity. For some it will mean insistence on pronouns, flying a rainbow flag, or teaching children about gender fluidity. There are consequences for not being clear about what you mean. Vagueness gives the church body, legs to stand on either side of the line so that we disagree on too much; so the only thing the LDS church can say without ruffling feathers is the doctrine of niceness. Meanwhile, we wonder at more distance than ever what our brethren and sisters really think and believe. Ironically, its the vagueness, not the sharp demarcations, that cause division.

[@ceemaiden8908]

I feel the same way. I was disheartened by the vagueness of his response too. There are so many issues arising that "just show love" doesn't address

[@bobhappy991]

couldnt agree more, Christ flipped the tables when it was really bad, Christ was contentious when he needed to be,

[@commoncents5191]

The message I heard was not vague.

[@stuartcampbell734]

The love portion was given 98% of the attention--and it dederves attention--but what Amy pleaded for support on was not addressed. When truth is not clearly spoken by leaders, it depresses those striving to be true and, most importantly, makes the vital call of warning from the Watchtower indescernable to those most in danger and yet still reachable. When those seeking out paths clearly contrary to the covenant path are treated as though their choices have full validity within Christ's church and deserve our utmost tolerance and embrace, where does that leave the Amys? Don't her feelings of loneliness, confusion, and neglect count? Or only those of the gender confused?

[@samohans]

If you thought he was too vague, you might need to listen to it again. He affirmed the important eternal truths that we don't compromise on. For example, he said that God created male and female. For me that means that we don't embrace or entertain ideologies that teach otherwise. Jesus would stand for truth and not allow it to be compromised while simultaneously having love and compassion for everyone. So that's what we need to strive to do.

[@christikovach6394]

❤Sincerely, Thank You ❤

[@m00dyalien]

I have a slight concern with it being considered bad to marry a little bit older. Personally I think this is better for the children, so they can have more mature parents. I know too many people who’s parents married and had kids too young and it made their life really hard.

[@hootax8980]

I come bearing good will, but I want to say that I'm happier now that I've embraced my asexuality and my nonbinary gender identity. I've always been this way, but trying to deny my feelings for the sake of adhering to the church caused me too much mental and spiritual anguish. Once I realized who I really was, I stopped hating myself and I now feel closer to my Heavenly Parents than ever.

[@ElephantsRock943]

I was debating whether to comment something similar--thank you for saying it. I've had to stop attending church because it hurts too much having people essentially say my experiences aren't valid, but I know God loves me so, so much and made me exactly as I am, and that's what I'm hanging onto for now. Nice to meet you, from one enby to another :)

[@m00dyalien]

I have had the same experience as being a bi-oriented aroace. I know now that my experience doesn’t really affect who I really am as a child of God, and I have a place in his plan regardless of my unique struggles. Know that you are valid, and that you have a place here. I love you and so does God.

[@m00dyalien]

@@ElephantsRock943 I’m sorry the people in your ward were unaccepting. My ward would love to have you.

[@aBrewster29]

Appreciate your post, and much love! Something about your story that interests me is that despite the Church’s focus on the family; celibacy is considered an acceptable alternative, so I think many members would not see asexuality as being at odds with active church membership. But clearly that part of your identity was something that needed acknowledgement for your own well being. For me, the biggest lesson I’ve learned in hearing many stories from the queer community is that the spirit guides individuals, and I can trust it. Sometimes personal guidance will conflict with centralized guidance, but if that centralized guidance is historically imperfect and currently does not profess infallibility, I think the right thing is following your conscience with willingness to adapt to ongoing information.

[@roseclaw9015]

​@@ElephantsRock943 same here. Im not out but hearing other people and my own family talk of trans people with humor and disgust just bothers me so much. My wanting to leave the church and my queerness are not necessarily the same, but im scared that my mom will think im leaving the church because im nb, and she might hate trans people even more over it. Im mostly just waiting to graduate at this point.

[@spam1226]

Devotional start time is 49:00. Elder Oaks 1:01:26

[@FromG2eminor]

Hero...

[@im-mi627]

Thank you

[@Wonderboywonderings]

Hero

[@dianerobertson1759]

Luke 11:53 Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge, the fulness of the scriptures; ye enter not in yourselves into the kingdom; and those who were entering in, ye hindered.

[@azhotmom]

@17:35 Elder & Sis Oaks start the topic of marriage.

[@Devin7Eleven]

Thank you so much for this Elder Oaks. Like Amy, I too have been feeling hopeless in the struggle against the modern era, especially feeling like I’m the only one pushing back. Valuing the truth, which is in Christ, has allowed me to keep strong and immovable in my testimony.

[@bradjames891]

I am the stake Sunday School secretary in the Manti Stake. If I heard of leaders condoning the use of pronouns to those who identify as trans, we would have a serious chat. The reason this is a thing is because people make it so. There is no rationale behind the notion that there can be trans.

[@lilamerrill5880]

@@bradjames891 😊

[@lshelton9615]

President Monson said "Dare to Stand Alone" 😊

[@madeleinenimitz7807]

Wow I love it uhh sorry I don't speak English a little bit I am every sorry

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Hola, puedes ver este devocional traducido al Español aquí: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJXFeZuidsaLfNk

[@matildabanana3516]

A bunch of teenage girls showered my then-10-yr-old girl with attention one day at church to get her to question her gender. They encouraged her to “feel what her pronouns should be” to get started. Thankfully, she didn’t understand what pronouns are and didn’t realize they were trying to get her to question who she was - a daughter of God. When I asked one of the teens to clarify what I thought my daughter had just related to me, my denial that this was even an issue for my daughter was met with an look of disappointment and “I knew she’d react like that”, communicated to my daughter. I was very unhappy. It’s one thing to love and support those already going through this, but to introduce it to a child and try to brainwash her is predatory. But I think social media has brainwashed so many kids already. Let us never allow this to occur at church. I told the young women’s leader and my bishop. I did not allow my kids to talk to those girls for a while, not out of hate, but until I figured out what to do. I wanted to love them but needed to protect my children from sick predations. Who would want to push a child to question their gender, effectively shoving them into the category that has by far the highest s***cide rate? Your sexuality is not your identity. But your gender is. Gender is not a social construct. But sexuality is. Love others, but don’t let anyone manipulate you into thinking that to love someone is to push them into serious mental illness and death.

[@Adelicows]

Very disheartening that they chose to read Amy's letter instead of just addressing her questions. Phrases like "people changing their gender every other day" and "a girl who thinks she is a boy" are the reasons why so many lgbt members hate themselves. They make me feel like there is something inherently wrong with me and that God made a mistake when He made me. They make me feel like I am unwelcome at church. Please just use the correct term. Gender dysphoria. I am not a girl who thinks I am a boy. I am not changing my gender every other day. And no, I am not even overly sensitive or easily offended. I am a child of God who is experiencing gender dysphoria. Something a perfect straight girl like Amy will never understand. I watched this thinking it would be uplifting since I am at a low point in my life, but instead of being uplifted, an apostle tells me that being afflicted with anxiety and seeking counseling is concerning, and I see comment after comment of people congratulating themselves for "taking a stand" against people like me, and I remembered why I have been inactive most of my life.

[@empanadero_]

Nice

[@RyanMercer]

☺

[@bradjames891]

Just so everyone knows: Pres. Oaks did not say anything earth-shattering about the Church's stance on LGBTQ issues. If they don't practice those activities, there is no sin. We are judged by the thoughts of our hearts but if the practice does not occur, Christ's Atonement covers things like that.

[@akitecalledthief9382]

So true. It's comforting.

[@inspireme37111]

Anybody know the music arrangement info for this version of "I Need Thee Every Hour"? It is lovely.

[@bradjames891]

I will treat those who identify as trans with love and dignity. It's interesting that Pres. Oaks then said that God created male and female. He did not create trans. I will not capitulate to the charade that you can be pansexual or something like that. Christ did not say to the woman taken in adultery, for instance, keep on doing what you're doing. Go in peace.

[@zionmama150]

Exactly. And the problem we have in society has more to do with society telling us HOW to respect trans people rather than letting that respect be an individual choice. They tell people they must force others to use their pronouns to show respect, but that is against many individual religious beliefs. The sad part is there seems to be no compromise here. It’s “either call us by our pronouns or we’ll cancel and deplatform you and call you a bigot (or worse)” or bend to society’s whims. We can’t simply call someone by their name.

[@m00dyalien]

I appreciate your commitment to treat people with love, and I think by “he did not create trans” you meant he did not create a third sex, correct? Also I’m sure you didn’t mean any harm by the pansexual comment, but that label basically means that you experience attraction to any gender, and like any orientation, it is not a sin. Just so you know.

[@akitecalledthief9382]

​@@m00dyalien you're right. It isn't a sin unless you act on it. But even those who act on it should be treated with love.

[@mango305z]

Oaks talks at 12:30

[@krissiaalfaro3330]

7:43

[@GeneralWinter9]

Marriage? Some people don't even get dates.

[@danjohnson8556]

What Elder Oaks said is true. But I don’t believe he addressed the concern of the young woman. She asked why there isn’t more direct messages coming from leadership. There have been good messages on college campuses, etc. But we need these things addressed more directly in general conference. The church is sending out conflicting messages by virtue of being unclear and vague.

[@weightelk]

1:09:05

[@connieday2412]

Thank you Elder & Sister Oaks! I would like to make one important distinction as it applies to our youth. E. Oaks describes the people Amy interacts with as having 'Gender Dysphoria'. It has been proven that many of these youth (and disproportionately young girls) actually have Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria, which shows that a good majority of the rise in transgenderism is a social contagion. For example "A study published in the scientific journal Plos One surveyed 256 parents whose children experienced rapid onset of gender dysphoria. The vast majority (86.7%) of adolescents either started spending more time online or were in a friend group with at least one other transgender person prior to identifying as transgender, according to the study." From 2020 to 2021, diagnoses of childhood gender dysphoria rose by an alarming 70%, likely due to the flood of content promoting gender transitioning on social media platforms like TikTok. “Rising rates of transgender identification are driven by a combination of factors: the pandemic, social isolation and a huge upswing in consumption of social media. Deplorably, there are medical providers on TikTok telling kids that if they’re unhappy with their body, maybe they’re in the wrong body and should consider transition,” I think its important to consider the peer influence that contributes to this social phenomenon. When we affirm the lies someone has found on tiktok...is that really showing love? I think we can always be kind and compassionate but stand for truth and reality. The world teaches us we must validate something that is not true, the gospel teaches us to stand for truth.

[@dcarts5616]

This is a huge comment! I love it. Thank you for speaking up. The current increase in the numbers is not statistically possible other than by means of a social contagion. My kids will not have smart phones until they move out of the house for this reason. I ding have one as a kid, I did just fine, and my generation didn’t have 45% of us experiencing what the youth of today are claiming. It’s not possible no way no how.

[@aBrewster29]

Not a fan of TikTok nor the explicit teaching of “anything goes” moral relativism. That said, I have direct knowledge of several trans individuals whose experience does not fall under the case you described. The fact that church leaders acknowledge their fallibility while simultaneously stating that the spirit (and by extension, one’s conscience) will never prompt anything contrary to guidance from the church is a huge problem. We can’t effectively teach people that their conscience is a trustworthy source into the gospel package deal, but if their conscience ever conflicts then they’re being deceived by the devil.

[@brandonwilson4949]

Honest question. If Oaks is so sure that marriage between man and wife is the only approved form of marriage. Why then hasnt the Family Proclaimation been canonized as scripture? And why haven't the prophets revealed more on where LGBT people fit in the plan of salvation? All we are told is that, "everything will work out in the next life." Why does God let some of us experience a different orientation? Does God fix us in the next life? Of so why can't he do it now? How are we supposed to love single and celibate and happy in such a family oriented church? Questions like that.

[@RuffledOnTime]

It has been canonized. All 3 proclamations are considered canon scripture, including President Nelson's Proclamation of the Restoration.

[@caraleestewart954]

There are many straight men and women who never get married for various reasons, and the law of chastity still applies to them, and they go on to live full and happy lives. They would love to get married and have children, but haven't been given that opportunity for different reasons. Example... Sherri Dew. She would say she has lived a good life and looks forward to the blessings that have been denied her here on Earth. It's no different. Our bodies are currently made from fallen Telestial material, and because of that, we are subject to many different weaknesses in the flesh. We put off the natural man and become a saint through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and become witnesses of Christ.

[@caraleestewart954]

We qualify for the terrestrial and celestial kingdoms by not allowing our Telestial weaknesses, passions, and desires to rule our lives. We came to Earth to be tested, and everyone's test will be different. We have to trust the Lord and His plan that has been given to us by His prophets.

[@plaidspolitics]

Why haven't prophets revealed how stillborn children fit into the Plan of Salvation? Many of us are going to experience uncertainty in the challenges and questions we have. Many, if not most, of us are going to have to wait for after our mortal life to find understanding. It is our choice to go forward in Faith or only do so ~if~ God is clear about our particular challenge and how He exactly is going to make sure the way were wronged is made right. He gives us enough of an answer - the Way is Christ - if we choose to heed Him. Faith is going forward even without knowing with certainty. Getting stuck in the thick of thin things keeps us from progression and happiness that we are capable of. Know it too well from my own personal time marinating in the "what if" and "well, why not" and "how come" and "when will it be" and "you better do it or else" and so on. The Mosiah 10 approach to life of being wronged, wronged, wronged and never letting go of how many wrongs turning into being wroth, wroth, wroth is just not a place I want to be anymore.

[@suzannestanton9477]

In comparison to 'all eternity' this life is a blink of the eye. We are here to be tested, to show our faith in Jesus Christ and keep all of His commandments, even the ones hard for us to personally keep. All of us have to have a serious trial of faith to demonstrate where our true commitments lie. Remember the rich young man who was asked to sell all his treasures and give it to the poor to follow Christ? He walked away sorrowing because he didn't want to give 'that' up. What he didn't understand at that time, but maybe grasped later, is that we must lose ourselves to truly find ourselves and the best path is to follow Jesus Christ. His blessings far out way any personal sacrifices here on earth. This is a matter of faith.

[@alchemenergyacademy6231]

In stating that we are not aligned with or following Christ if we do not love those who are LGBTQ while washing down the other truth by NOT saying the exact same thing applies to those who are LGBTQ is cowardice and appeasing these choices.

[@zionmama150]

The problem is the way the elder oaks defines love is very different than the way society defines it. They also define respect differently. So his message is sure to confuse people who are not living by the spirit, and thinking that it gives them permission to follow a worldly narrative by which will end up hurting them eventually. This is why elder Nelson said to make sure we have the spirit of the Lord with us, so that we can discern falsehoods from truth. Because definitions and words are getting mixed up in the language is becoming corrupted, just as it was in the days of the tower of babel.

[@JoannaBjerga]

Gender dysphoria is not 'confusion'. Sigh.

[@Timmyjg2004]

It’s a mental illness, for some reason people think this is something that is good and healthy!

[@bradjames891]

It is the philosophy of men. It is completely illogical. With that said, I will pray for those who are vexed with this mental illness. Come unto the Savior. Christ's Atonement can heal all of us.

[@glover7620]

You don’t think that if I, as a human today, said tomorrow that I feel like a snail, therefore I am one, I wouldn’t be confused? Gender dysphoria means that you honestly believe you are something you physically and biologically are not. Sounds like they are pretty confused to me. I wish people were taught to love who they actually are, instead of taught that everything about themselves is wrong and should be different, and they were just born in the wrong body. Satan is the one who would teach us to hate our bodies like that. God teaches us to love who we are, physically and spiritually; and that we are now and have always been the biological gender to which we are born, and that that is a good thing. It’s not kind to lie to people and affirm their confusion about their gender. It’s short term capitulation for long term suffering.

[@zionmama150]

It is confusion. God made only two genders. The rest is false media narrative that the push because they make money off of fools who buy into these snake oil solutions like “cut off your parts so you can ‘accept’ yourself better”. It is a false solution to a big struggle. And instead of affirming their God-given gender and helping them learn self acceptance, the world teaches them the false doctrine of “give us money to change your body.” And every time they feel secretly empty for choosing to massacre their body, but they can’t fix it following that because then their “body mutilating affirmationist friends” reinforce society’s false money driven narratives because they are duped into believing their friend will kill themselves if they don’t. It is medical manipulation at its finest. Sad to see people buy into scams. Especially because bodily mutilation decreases health in a person and often time does not prevent suicide in trans-identifying persons.

[@m00dyalien]

@Rainy Kitten Art thank you for explaining in detail, this is very helpful. The church I think is concerning with showing love to all people equally and not drawing lines in an already contentious world. Perhaps in time there will be more discussion on this topic, but the world is not ready for it.

[@bradjames891]

Gender dysphoria is arbitrary. Family: A Proclamation To The World is substantial and definitive doctrine. To be honest, I am sick and tired of hearing about such ludicrousness as gender dysphoria.

[@zionmama150]

Gender dysphoria is a real concept. What is wrong is the solution presented to individuals who experience this confusion: to chop up their body so they can “accept themselves better” (all while in the mean time, they are left with medical issues and health problems that make their lives unbearable and the often SADLY commit suicide anyway). I WISH that more members of the Church would speak out against these false narratives pushed by the money makers in the medical community. People are getting played hard.

[@m00dyalien]

@@zionmama150 it’s true, gender dysphoria is real and people try diligently to make it go away. Some things like getting a haircut or dressing like the opposite sex genuinely help these folks. I too have my doubts about gender reassignment surgery helping them in the long run though.

[@akitecalledthief9382]

Gender dyshporia is real. It doesn't become a sin unless we act on it. Same with any other temptation. Not a sin unless acted on. Even Jesus had temptation.

[@TheRonster1954]

LDS are so deceived...JS was probably demonically deceived, or just a plain con man

[@insert_clickbait]

Bro how do you get away with this right before pride month 😭 #Pride

[@Timmyjg2004]

This is more important than pride month

[@m00dyalien]

@Rainy Kitten Art the leaders are ordained by the power of God, God chooses them, but they are still human and therefore not perfect. They are just doing their best to help people focus on the higher law you mentioned, that God doesn’t make mistakes and loves everyone.

[@t5l239]

​@Rainy Kitten I guess you skipped the part in the bible about those handsome angels the Gays were pounding down the door, to get too in Sod. Om. And Gaaa mor. Ah.. The fact I can't even write the wicked city in a comment should reflect what a misguided world we live in.

[@jamesgarden6841]

@@t5l239 love it bro🙌🏼 great comment hahah

[@elgauchocaliforniano]

😂😂😂 Best comment on the whole thread!!!

[@Ily779]

In our ward we have three girls that have older sibling that are trans. We also have multiple girls in young women’s that identify as trans, non binary, lesbian, and asexual. It’s hard to speak about much of anything with the gospel without the girls getting offended. The leaders can’t do much because some of the parents are supporting this stuff. It’s like half the ward has a different ideology than the traditional gospel. The more innocent new girls are getting exposed to this ideology in young women’s which is heartbreaking. I’m so grateful that they read this girls letter. I know the few girls that are standing strong feel very alone as they have felt ostracized by the other girls for not adapting to the conflicting world ideologies even though they are very respectful to their struggles or pronouns or new names. Very grateful that an apostle has spoke up about a way to love others but to show what the church stance is.

[@dhr161]

Yes, those that stand strong feel very alone because almost everybody else is too afraid of the reaction to stand strong.

[@Timmyjg2004]

If only the world would see how damaging the gender ideology is!

[@LPanimal6]

I Felt attacked... I believe I'm apart of the LGBTQ community. It's quite saddening how churchs world wide view it as a sickness...

[@kimhaughton3771]

Well said

[@zionmama150]

It’s sad to see so many branches being broken off. The pruning time is coming 😢

[@RuffledOnTime]

I find it interesting how different people can have different takeaways from a message like this. My takeaway was that I need to show more love and respect to those who live differently than me, even if I know it to be wrong. My friend however told me that he felt the need to reevaluate how he stands up for what is right, and felt like he was falling short of standing for truth in his life when it came to his family. This is a testament to me that God sends messages to us through prophets and apostles that can support and strengthen individual testimonies.

[@anniecrowther8423]

And two things can be true at once. We can stand God while also being kind and respectful. Both takeaways are right. Christ did not advocate for the woman in her adultry, and he also did not condemn her in it.

[@zionmama150]

The nuance here is that what one person sees as respect is different than another. And that’s the problem. Some would say “You’re only showing me respect if you use my alternate pronouns and you’re a bigot if you don’t.” And the other side of that coin is “well if you force me to use pronouns that go against my religious beliefs, then are you really showing me respect?” Do you see that?

[@Adelicows]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@zionmama150 did you know that the church handbook says that the congregation should address trans people by their preferred name? Do you have any idea how high the depression and suicide rates are among the lgbt members of the church? I wish you could magically become gay or trans for even just a few months so you would understand how incredibly condescending and hurtful your comments are.

[@lyndseynelson2094]

@zionmama150 maybe "respect" can be simplified to mean to allow freedom of choice (agency) to the individual (from any side). If every person recognizes another's agency, then I feel like the fight can end there. We can agree to disagree and move forward. I feel like there are so many fights being fought that are a distraction from the core issue - if we focus on teaching and practicing love and kindness (which I think can also be used as synonyms for respect) then our energy can be channeled to what's most important.

[@dcarts5616]

@@anniecrowther8423I think “…and sin no more”, was the condemnation that we might miss at times. But, we don’t get to see the woman react. Did she say “I love my savior therefore I will no longer feed my natural appetite and no longer sin!”, or did she say “…you don’t know my struggles, I was born with sexual appetites, I was not sinning!” We will never know. Speaking truth is not hate although it is being called even if the actions of the “hateful”aren’t, but forcing people to ignore reality (there’s only men and women on earth for a specific reason) is just as hateful, in my opinion.

[@elitster]

Excellent!! Beautiful! Don’t think dear young sisters’ questions and concerns were really answered unfortunately.

[@dcarts5616]

I agree actually. Pure doctrine was preached, there’s no way to wiggle on that. But I didn’t get and answer on what non-queer theory ( state religion ) believers are to do when “God’s restored church” members are preaching it from the pulpits.

[@noellenielson1212]

How odd. I actually got answers in my mind and heart on how to handle those situations and questions. I even got some scripture references. I guess it's all in how you listen and learn.

[@Let_there_be_peace]

Absolutely beautiful. Truth told with such love and sincere care. We are so blessed to have these wonderful Apostles to guide us in these latter days. Be strong youth! 💪♥️💪

[@cheekymonkey2]

Pres Oaks, you are my hero. You have always been. I'm 80 yrs. old but still needed to hear this from a wise older man directed to our youth. God bless you.

[@84mbarr]

All the things Elder Oaks and Sis. Oaks spoke about have been on my heart especially as a parent of teens and young adults, and as a Relief Society President. I had been contemplating checking out podcast dealing with these issues, and I even started listening to one and Heavenly Father whispered keep focusing on the Savior and looking to the Savior's words and his inspired Prophets and Apostles for answers. That is when I choose to listen to this. It had been a huge blessing. I love the council to love and to treat people who make different choices with dignity and respect. I love the idea and have noticed in my own life that the more I follow the 1st great commandment the easier and more natural it becomes to also follow the second. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. Turning to him and to his gospel has always been the right answer to every question I have had and every struggle I have been through. When I have done that the right medical, emotional, and temporal help has always followed. Sometimes I have to wait longer than I have had to in other issues, but remembering that he has answered helps me to continue to be faithful, to repent and try again, and to continue to move forward in my challenges.

[@ToddKMichael]

I watched this with the intention of getting inspired direction as an uncle of single young adult men, as a seminary teacher, and as a father of five young children--and inspiration for all those responsibilities was found! I was delightfully surprised by and thankful for, however, the relevance these inspired truths spoken by President and sister Oaks have to my own life. Thank you especially for the reminder of the need to reach beyond our own tendencies and seek to more fully ive the two great commandments to love God *and* to love our neighbors. I needed this timely reminder.

[@Leumas_Illustrated]

This was an answer to my recent prayers, thank you so much!

[@perfectmawuseadjoattor5591]

Thank you for the inspired messages ❤

[@shaengutzman2929]

Thank you, Pres and Sis Oaks. Only following true doctrine will unify the saints in these divisive times.

[@KaryShort-wi7kv]

Regardless of our ages and birthdates! 28:01 ❤😂🎉😅😊.

[@jeandedieuhategekimana8114]

Thanks to this Church ,this Church has Shown to our School G.S.Kanazi from RWANDA (BUGESERA DISTRICT) a true love❤,Our almighty God keep on blessing your true Church .

[@bradjames891]

One thing that has changed since 2005, when I was a recently returned missionary, relatively speaking: feminism has run amok. That is one of the deterrents to dating. I am a bachelor who will be 41 June 20 and many who presumptuously misjudge me say I am not trying. There are limited opportunities. The Lord will help me: He has promised such to me.

[@novawarren5089]

5:26 Thank everyone for all the hard work, great work Beautiful Video and just love Oaks ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@cherrycoy163]

Thank your President amd Sister Oaks. I was praying for help and direction in this area as a mother of teenagers and young adults. I was led to this talk and it helped immensely. God has standards and commandments. It just felt like I was drowning in a world with no rules or guidance. The voices are so loud and feel so wrong.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Thank you for tuning in! We are glad this helped.

[@billybipasha3751]

Thank you so much president and sister Oaks for this message. I felt the power of the Holy Ghost and some of my personal questions have been responded.❤

[@davericks4228]

So powerful and needed!

[@Ryanhelpmeunderstand]

The sister have just as much responsibility! I swear, the sisters do not even flirt anymore and they set the bar WAY TOO HIGH. You have to be rich and perfect in order to date most of the sisters now a days. Plus they as well are prioritizing worldly pursuits over Eternal pursuits. It’s not just the brothers that need to act. Do not delete my comment again! Just because you may not agree with what I am saying does not mean you get to silence me! Sister Oaks actually brought up my point as well so it’s in line with what they are teaching.

[@roseclaw9015]

Bruh.

[@Cottagebyeden]

We truly have inspired leaders… Thank you Elder and Sister Oaks!

[@The_Man_Chidi]

Such inspiring thoughts. I feel the invitations are for me. I've been afraid to make the ultimate commitment, but these teachings are coming in handy, I'll have to move with faith to do the most essential things. Thank you Elder Oaks.