Sister Amy A. Wright
Sister Amy A. Wright discusses the importance of spiritual preparedness and discipleship in the context of the parable of the ten virgins. She emphasizes the need for individuals and families to nourish their souls with righteousness and focus on Jesus Christ to find peace and happiness, regardless of life’s challenges.
Spiritual Preparation for the Lord’s Coming
Sister Wright reflects on her experience of being diagnosed with cancer and the peace she found in knowing her family had already been spiritually prepared. She highlights the importance of teaching and living the gospel principles, emphasizing that such preparation matters most when challenges arise.
“In that moment every family home evening lesson, scripture study session, prayer of faith offered, blessing given, testimony shared, covenant made and kept, house of the Lord attended, and Sabbath day observed mattered—oh, how it mattered! It was too late to put oil in our lamps. We needed every single drop, and we needed it right now!”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 45:56-57:
“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.”
Simplifying and Focusing on Christ
Sister Wright teaches that “abiding the day” doesn’t mean adding more tasks to our lives, but rather simplifying our lives and focusing on what’s most important. She uses the analogy of a magnifying glass to demonstration how we should gather and focus the light of Christ to make it more powerful in our lives.
“We need to simplify, focus our efforts, and be gatherers of the Light of Jesus Christ. We need more holy and revelatory experiences.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 109:22:
“And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them.”
Finding Hope in Christ
Sister Wright acknowledges that families may face struggles and questions of the heart. She highlights that, like those in the scriptures, individuals can find hope and answers through faith in Jesus Christ.
“My dear friends, we cannot share our oil, but we can share His light. Oil in our lamps will not only help us ‘abide the day’ but can also be the means of illuminating the path that leads those we love to the Savior, who stands ready ‘with open arms to receive’ them.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 1 Nephi 11:17:
“And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” - Moroni 7:28:
“For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore, he advocateth the cause of the children of men.”
Calls to Action:
- “We need to simplify, focus our efforts, and be gatherers of the Light of Jesus Christ. We need more holy and revelatory experiences.”
- “My dear friends, we cannot share our oil, but we can share His light. Oil in our lamps will not only help us ‘abide the day’ but can also be the means of illuminating the path that leads those we love to the Savior, who stands ready ‘with open arms to receive’ them.”