In her devotional address at the Marriott Center on Tuesday morning, Ali Crandall focused her remarks on taking hold of Christ and following His example by prioritizing meaningful relationships in our lives.
Crandall, an associate professor of public health, shared an experience she had while visiting the John Hopkins campus prior to starting her Ph.D. there. The Spirit told her that although her Ph.D. was important, her experiences in her ward and the friendships she would develop there were more important.
While secular aspirations require dedication and are worthwhile, affinity toward others and Jesus Christ are what is truly valuable.
“When there is so much to do in life and we face so many pressures, it can be tempting to focus on just getting your degree, or publishing the next paper, or enforcing the latest policy. But like the Savior, we need to pause along the way to make sure we are building relationships,” Crandall said.
Crandall identified six ways everyone can take hold of Christ, better keep their covenants and become more like Him.
Fear Not
In discussing the importance of an outlook of faith, Crandall reflected on a time during her last semester as an undergraduate student at BYU. Her mom had passed away the previous year, she was unknowingly experiencing depression and her exam scores were suffering. She turned to God in prayer. She felt as if her prayers were not answered and that Christ had abandoned her. In hindsight, God placed a friend in her life, directing her to the path that God then empowered her to pursue.
“Whatever storms we face, if we shift our perspective to take hold of Christ, He will help us to weather those storms and we can go forward in confidence, fearing not,” Crandall taught.
"Let’s take hold of Christ individually and as an entire community, so He can take away our reproach and complete us."
Cherish the Journey, Build Connections With Others
Highlighting the story of the woman with the issue of blood from the Bible, Crandall spoke about how the Savior took time to truly see and acknowledge the woman, nurturing that relationship as he does with each of his brothers and sisters.
“I am touched by how the Savior often took detours on His way to do important things ... All the degrees, publications, grants and other things cannot make up for our need for healthy relationships. We need to take the time to pause and interact with one another while we are trying to make deadlines,” Crandall said.
Listen to Others – Especially Those Who See Things Different Than You Do
Crandall urged the audience to “make space for new perspectives” and acknowledge that it is possible to work together even through differences.
“Maybe it is not that one side or the other is going to ‘ruin the world.’ Maybe it is our inability to listen to others who see things differently that is so destructive,” Crandall stated, “Maybe we have more in common with people on the ‘other side’ than we think.”
Use What You Have for Good
In discussing the widow's mite, Crandall reminded everyone that they must not worry if what they have to offer is good enough. The significance of the offering lies in the personal sacrifice, which includes time, skills, interests and talents.
“In all our giving, whether large or small, if our motivation is to glorify the Lord’s name, then I believe He accepts our offering,” Crandall explained.
Suffer the Children to Come Unto Me
Jesus Christ prioritized children and exemplified the importance of nurturing the rising generation.
Crandall expressed that life is hard. “Just as at the time of Christ’s resurrection there was a lot of wickedness that harmed the children, there are things happening in homes and in our communities today that are harmful to children. The Savior is aware of the little children.”
Trust God
“I love the trust that Jesus always demonstrated in Heavenly Father. In my own life, I have found that God has always had my back. He has always been there for me. I love Him,” Crandall testified.
In closing, Crandall encouraged, “Let’s take hold of Christ individually and as an entire community, so He can take away our reproach and complete us.”
