Please, Tell Your Laurels

2306
Laurels walking
Image via LDS.org

This article was originally written by Emily Hathaway for her personal blog. The following is an excerpt. 

I have to start this out with one incredibly vital point.

I loved and adored every one of my Young Women’s leaders. This post is not an attack on their teachings or advice. I know they left parts of their hearts and souls on the table when they taught on Sunday. I am so thankful for their examples.

This is for every Laurel-aged girl who needs to hear what I needed to hear, from someone who knew exactly what I was going through.

I’m a 20-year-old Church Education System college student. When I was sixteen, I saw myself doing exactly what I’m doing now; college, dating, roommates, great job, my own car. It’s great! It really is.

But when I was sixteen and making my perfect life-plan, I didn’t plan for the speed-bumps that I’ve run into. Most of mine have come from dating silly boys, spending my time unwisely, and just not knowing. 

So here’s some advice from someone who truly has been there. Please, listen.

1. You are not already-chewed gum. 

If anyone ever says that to you, I want you to completely ignore it. The atonement of Jesus Christ is real and no matter what you have done, it is for you. The point of this life is to come closer to our Savior and Father. The only way to do that is to use the atonement. 

Read the full article at hathawayemilyn.wordpress.com.

Kylie is a writer at LDS.net and graduate of BYU with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She grew up in a Chicago suburb where she gained a passion for the Chicago Cubs. She enjoys writing and live event video production.