A conversation with my father before my first late night out as a young girl was an experience I won't forget. This is partially because he has told the story over and over throughout my life. It was a poignant moment where a father and his daughter learned from one another.
As we parked the car in front of my friend's house that evening, Dad felt anxious to give me some sage advice that would help me stay safe, make good decisions, and be who he always knew I could be. I was so excited for the evening that when the car stopped, I quickly opened the door and jumped out; but before I could close the door behind me, my father tenderly called out a phrase that I'm sure many of you have heard from your parents before. "Christine," he pleaded, "I want you to always remember who you are!" I looked at my father, confused by his earnest and serious statement, and simply replied, "Dad, don't worry! How could I ever forget who I am?" And with that, I slammed the door and went running into my friend's house.
As I've reflected upon the declaration I made to my father that night, I have wondered, how did I have so much confidence? Do I still have that same childlike conviction today? Do I know who I really am? As we grow in the gospel, we are reminded over and over of our divine nature. As Primary children, we sing the song "I Am a Child of God."[1] The Young Women theme is repeated weekly, declaring, "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him!"[2] As missionaries, many of you were sent all around the earth to teach investigators that they are children of a loving Heavenly Father. Hopefully, by the time we sit here today, the truth that we are children of God has sunk deep into our hearts. So what is it that causes us to sometimes question, doubt, or even forget who we are?
Just this past summer, my heart ached as I saw some of those I love doubt aspects of the Church they once believed. What changed in their hearts? How have they forgotten the testimony-building experiences we had together in our youth?
Elder Hallstrom taught us in the last general conference, "We live in a world that can cause us to forget who we really are. The more distractions that surround us, the easier it is to treat casually, then ignore, and then forget our connection with God."[3] Distractions can lead to casual actions and then to ignoring our identity and ultimately to forgetting who we are.
As our older children go off to school, I get to spend each day with our three-year-old daughter, Claire. As I take her on errands, I always reach out my hand and ask Claire to hold on tight as we navigate through busy parking lots. Claire's response to me lately has been, "I got this, Mom! I don't need your help. I want to do it myself." Each time she makes this statement, I think, how many times do we figuratively say something similar to our Heavenly Father? "I got this! I don't need help. I know who I am." I notice if Claire is willing to hold on to my hand, we can stay together and make it safely to our destination. Similarly, we must hold on to our Heavenly Father and trust in His wisdom and knowledge rather than trying to do things on our own.
Sister Rosemary Wixom has said, "Because you are His child, He knows who you can become. He knows your fears and your dreams. He relishes your potential. He waits for you to come to Him in prayer. Because you are His child, you not only need Him, but He also needs you. Those sitting around you right now in this meeting need you. The world needs you, and your divine nature allows you to be His trusted disciple to all His children."[4]
As BYU-Idaho students, we know that you come from a wide variety of life experiences and circumstances. We also know that you will face moments in life where distraction or independence might lead to difficulty in recognizing who you really are. When these moments arise, don't give up! Hold on to the things that you do know. You are a child of God! Look around and gain strength from prayer, scriptures, the temple, and righteous examples. Use the power of the Atonement to heal, repent, forgive, and remember whose child you are.
In his message today, I hope you will listen carefully to President Gilbert as he speaks about your potential as BYU-Idaho students and as children of God. I have a firm testimony that Heavenly Father loves us! We are His children! He wants us to be safe, make good decisions, and reach our God-given potential. May we hold on to Him so we can declare to our Father in sincere confidence, "I know who I really am."
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] "I Am a Child of God," Hymns, no. 301
[2] Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 10.1.2
[3] Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, "I Am a Child of God," Ensign, May 2016
[4] Rosemary M. Wixom, "Discovering the Divinity Within," Ensign, November 2015