Elder Bednar Invites Women to ‘Arise and Shine Forth’ as Disciples of Christ

Arising and shining forth is a miracle that occurs repeatedly in the lives of disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, taught Elder David A. Bednar during the 2026 BYU Women’s Conference at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, on Friday, May 1.

“As we humbly accept [the Lord’s] will and timing in our lives, we will receive heavenly direction, protection and spiritual strength,” said Elder Bednar. “We can be blessed to ‘arise and shine.’”

Focusing on the conference’s theme, “May We Arise and Shine Forth as Women of Light,” he highlighted scriptural and modern experiences that can increase understanding of what it means to “arise and shine forth.”

The member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who was accompanied by his wife, Susan, referenced three miraculous experiences individuals can learn from: the two New Testament accounts of the healings of the paralytic man and the lame man on the steps of the temple, and the modern-day miracle Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, experienced last October following a violent attack during their ward’s Sunday services.

Watch Elder Bednar’s full talk.

Like the healed man whom the Savior commanded to arise and walk, individuals first need to exercise faith and trust in Christ and then act on that belief, Elder Bednar said.

“We can build the foundation of our lives upon the ‘rock of our Redeemer’ (Helaman 5:12) and spiritually rise up” and stand strong against the whirlwinds and storms Satan sends against us, he taught.

Over time, the Savior’s grace and the power of the Holy Ghost help us discern the truth about our lives and “strip away self-centeredness, selfishness and self-doubt characteristic of the natural man in each of us,” he said. “Only through the merits, mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah can we be blessed to ‘arise’ and become the women and men of Christ we have the potential to become.”

Elder Bednar shared teachings from President Harold B. Lee that show the Apostle Peter as a caring ministering brother to the lame man — before, during and following the miraculous healing.

Elder Bednar quoted President Lee, saying, “You cannot lift another soul until you are standing on higher ground than he is. You must be sure, if you would rescue the man, that you yourself are setting the example of what you would have him be. You cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own soul” (Harold B. Lee, “Stand Ye in Holy Places,” April 1973 general conference).

“We likewise can help others to ‘rise up’ only as we are striving consistently to ‘arise’ ourselves and become acquainted with ‘higher ground,’” said Elder Bednar. “We should first fuel the fire of testimony and spiritual growth in us before we modestly and effectively attempt to shepherd and bless family members, friends and associates. Only in this way can we spiritually discern needs and assist others to ‘arise.’”

Recalling the violent attack in Grand Blanc, Elder Bednar read ward members’ — whom he referred to as modern “disciples” — testimonies of the light and glory of Jesus Christ they experienced in those dark, “devastating” moments.

One member shared, “Being a disciple of Christ transcended any darkness we had endured. My testimony was strengthened by the knowledge that I had personally walked with our Savior that tragic day, and He had not left us to weep alone.”

Another said, “What I have gained a witness of for myself is that we have the power to call upon God in those times and through Him and His Son Jesus Christ, light can enter our lives and push the darkness out.” 

“An eternal perspective grounded in the Father’s plan of happiness matters,” Elder Bednar concluded. “Acknowledging we absolutely can never ‘rise up’ without the power and blessings of the Savior’s Atonement matters. Covenants received worthily and faithfully honored matter. Spiritual priorities grounded in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ matter. Consistency in learning, doing, and loving small and simple spiritual things matters — all the time and everywhere.”

In her remarks, Sister Susan Bednar shared examples of prophets teaching the Savior’s doctrine and testified that blessings come from following their teachings.

Within a 15-year period, both President Spencer W. Kimball and his successor, President Gordon B. Hinckley, warned about the disintegration of the family in society.

“I have lived long enough to see the correctness of the prophetic teachings of President Kimball and President Hinckley,” she said. 

She continued, “Dear sisters, may we arise and shine forth now as women of light by teaching about, testifying of and defending the importance of families in God’s eternal plan.”

Sharing how the Lord once sent her a “ministering angel” in the form of her visiting teaching during a period of poor health, Sister Bednar testified of the “holier approach to caring for and ministering to others,” President Russell M. Nelson announced in 2018.

“To you caring and charitable sisters, let us ‘arise and shine forth as women of light’ by truly ministering with love and compassion in a higher and holier way to the sisters in our wards and branches,” she said.

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