BYU-Idaho holds summer commencement, graduates urged to find the "safe harbors" of life

With the charge to move forward in faith and confidence, nearly 800 Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates received diplomas at summer commencement exercises held Wednesday, July 18 in the Hart Auditorium.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was the featured speaker at the commencement services. Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and commissioner of the Church Educational System, was also in attendance.

In his remarks, Elder Rasband described four "safe harbors" the graduates should establish in their lives as they leave the university and go out into the world. These safe harbors, Elder Rasband taught, will help the graduates withstand the trials and temptations of our day.

The first safe harbor he suggested is family. Elder Rasband explained this principle by quoting a general conference address by President Boyd K. Packer, in which he taught: "...the safest place and the best protection against the moral and spiritual disease is a stable home and family."

Elder Rasband said he found this safety and protection in his own family as a child. "I can honestly say that during my younger years the things of the world, even the influences of the world, were sheltered for me by a happy, Christ-centered home where I always felt I was returning to a safe harbor," he said.

The second safe harbor Elder Rasband outlined is the wards and stakes of the Church. He encouraged the graduates to serve faithfully in callings and find comfort in the organization of the Church.

"Whether you are married or single, the ward is certainly a good safety net and protection from the storm, where a loving bishop and, for the stake, a loving stake president watch over their flock and where quorum leaders and Relief Society leaders provide watchcare for their members," Elder Rasband said.

The temple is the third safe harbor. Calling the temple an eternal protection from the storms of the world, Elder Rasband encouraged the graduates to attend the temple regularly.

"As a young, post-university couple raising our family, Sister Rasband and I have had many experiences where we went and participated in temple ordinances, and then sat quietly in the Celestial Room to ponder and pray, and receive direction on how we could minister to our own family," he said.

The final safe harbor Elder Rasband mentioned is a testimony grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which he described as the most important of the four.

"This, above all the safe harbors I have suggested is the greatest protection, in my opinion, for you as you leave this wonderful life in Rexburg, Idaho and go wherever the opportunities of life may take you," he said.

Kim B. Clark, president of BYU-Idaho, encouraged the graduates to be true disciples of Jesus Christ with three important characteristics: hearts that are pure, ears that hear, and eyes that see.

"The desires of the heart of a disciple, the deepest commitments, are focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. His new and everlasting covenant is written deep in the heart of the disciple. In short, true disciples give their hearts to Christ," President Clark said.

Of the ears of a disciple, President Clark said, "They hear the voice of the Lord, and because they know the language of the Spirit, they understand that voice. The disciple not only hears, but also hearkens to the Lord and brings forth works of righteousness."

The eyes of a disciple, President Clark taught, "...see clearly. They discern between truth and error. They recognize the Lord's hand in all things, and they see with the eye of faith what is not, but will come. They have vision and perspective, born of eternity. The Light of Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost enlighten the eyes of the disciple."

President Clark ended his remarks to the graduates with a request: "When you leave here today, please take the Spirit of Ricks with you. Please take BYU-Idaho and what it means and what it stands for with you. You now represent the university. I hope and pray that wherever you go, whatever you do, the people around you will see in you the principles and the purposes of BYU-Idaho and will feel the Spirit that is on this campus."

A total of 779 students received diplomas at July commencement. Of those, 331 are males and 448 are females.  The university awarded 699 bachelor's degrees and 81 associate degrees.  About half the graduates, 365, are married, and 360 have served as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.