Top 10 BYU Speeches of 2016

It’s been quite a year of weekly devotionals, forums, commencements, and more at BYU. We’re taking a look back at some top highlights from the year.

10. “The Lord’s Pattern,” Kim B. Clark, August 22

Deep learning is inherently a spiritual experience. The rising generation will learn deeply as they diligently work and seek learning and as the redeeming and strengthening powers of Christ work more powerfully in their lives.

9. “The Fantasy and Reality of Your Royal Identity,” Sarah M. Coyne, May 31

These words are beyond true. No matter our circumstances in life, we are princesses or princes of a royal family, destined to become queens and kings someday. Just think of what that means for your life. How does that change the way you think about your identity and the way you manage your life?

 

8. “Choose Happiness,” Larry R. Lawrence, March 8

Jesus votes for us, Satan votes against us, and we cast the deciding vote. It is my prayer that each of us will use our agency to choose happiness.

 

7. “Finding Your Way,” Alan F. Packer, January 12

Just as your life to this point has been ­preparing you for the rest of your life, your time on earth is preparing you for what you will be doing in the eternities. To qualify, you must be ­worthy. . . .

While everyone can qualify, each must earn it individually. There is no entitlement or option to delegate this to someone else. No one else can do it for you, not even the Church. It is hard work, but it is worth it.

6. “Elections, Hope, and Freedom,” Dallin H. Oaks, September 13

Every generation has challenges that can cause discouragement in those without hope. The future is always clouded with ­uncertainties—wars and depressions being only two examples. While some abandon progress, you of faith should hope on and press on with your education, your lives, and your families.

 

5. “’Daddy, Is Jesus Real?’ Overcoming Fear through Faith in Christ,” Scott C. Esplin, January 19

So how do we develop the faith necessary to conquer our fears resulting from an imperfect past or an uncertain future? . . . It is important to note that both of these fears are rooted in the same thing: the unknown. Faith can displace fear because it is rooted in the knowledge of God.

 

4. “Guided Safely Home,” Marcus B. Nash, February 2

Our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation—making eternal life possible for us—is the greatest expression of love ever made. If we choose by faith to live according to His law despite our human weakness, we will one day receive all that the Father has! Thus, to stand for the Father’s plan is not hatred or bigotry; rather, it is an expression of God’s love.

3. “The Allegory of the Wedding Cake,” Peggy S. Worthen, January 5

At times your life, including your life at BYU, will be like making a wedding cake. You will have many opportunities to take the things that you have learned and act upon them. You will be prepared to act. You will have the knowledge and training you need to succeed. You will have the right ingredients. But there will be no guarantee that you will succeed. In such moments you will have to decide for yourself whether you will proceed with faith or be brought to a standstill by a fear of failure. Being able to proceed when the specific outcome is not assured is one of the great tests of life.

2. “The Power of Not Knowing,” Liz Wiseman, January 26

When we are in this rookie space, we ask better questions. We are more alert. We listen more. We value feedback. We seek feedback. When we are operating without a lot of expertise, we actually tend to bring in more expertise because we consult with so many people and we mobilize the expertise of others. . . . We improvise, we are lean, we are agile, and we stay close to our customers, because when we lack resources, that is when we get really resourceful.

 

1. “It Is Not Good That Man Should Be Alone,” Kevin J Worthen, January 5

No one can flourish in isolation and that the quality of our relationships with others will ultimately determine our level of fulfillment and happiness in both this mortal existence and the life to come. It is in this sense that it is not good for man—or woman—to be alone.