![]() We wrestle before the Lord to develop and deepen our testimonies and flesh out our identities. We develop critical thinking skills and take in so much information. We will each face the trials inherent to mortality-trials of physical frailty, mental illness, heartbreak, loss, political turmoil, and rampant injustice-and spiritual trials that will surely test our commitment to the Savior and His kingdom.Ĭollege is a time of tremendous growth, both intellectually and spiritually. It has been set apart-consecrated-for our learning “by study and also by faith.” 1 In that spirit, I hope to share a message with you that might help you navigate the difficult days ahead and the many trials of your faith that will come as your lives unfold. Similarly, I acknowledge that this campus is sacred ground. ![]() I acknowledge with gratitude those who came before, who showed the way, who prepared the ground for my faith to flourish, and who opened the doors for the opportunities that have been mine. I receive many blessings that come to me through those who chose the path of discipleship. I am grateful for my inheritance as a Seneca, as well as for the strength of my pioneer ancestors. I grew up in a small branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the Cattaraugus Reservation. I am a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians from New York. Just as Joseph of old stored up grain against the time of famine to save the house of Israel, and just as the record of Lehi and his children was preserved against a time of spiritual famine, indigenous peoples and cultures hold truths to teach us in this age of political, moral, and ecological turbulence. I believe that the Lord has preserved many essential truths by preserving the indigenous peoples and their cultures. I honor their resilience, and I am thankful for their preservation as peoples. I want to acknowledge that we are gathered in this valley that is the traditional homeland of indigenous peoples called today the Utes, the Paiutes, and the Shoshone nations, among others. My dear brothers and sisters, I am honored to speak to you today and to share my witness of the Savior and the good news of the gospel.
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