Editor’s Note: In March 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published 10 short discussion videos in the Women’s Gospel Library featuring 10 members of the Relief Society General Advisory Committee.
Council members wrote to Church News about five topics in the video. This is the third of five articles on the topic “Building Emotional Resilience.” Read Part 1 on “Finding Strength and Rest in Jesus Christ” here and Part 2 on “Managing Competing Priorities” here.
It is a blessing to be able to recognize the strength available through our Savior, Jesus Christ, as we face challenges in this life. Emotional resilience becomes ours as we walk with God through the ups and downs of life. Jesus Christ knows what suffering is like and understands what we go through.
Each of us is designed to have struggles and challenges that help us grow and develop our abilities. Each of these trials helps us gain knowledge to imitate our heavenly parents. It can be difficult.
Sister Mitzi Semo: As an adolescent, I remember feeling the weight of disappointment after frequent failures. This feeling worsened until I became isolated from my family, friends, and the Lord. Despair always surrounded me. Through the bishop’s assistance, I began to feel the love of the Savior. My life began to change and I began to develop a personal relationship with him.
When we recognize the hand of Jesus Christ in our lives, we naturally become emotionally resilient. Turning to the Savior helps us imitate Him and develop traits such as adaptability, flexibility, tenacity, emotional control, and optimism. It is through God that we lift others up. Through God we can learn how to deal with any challenges that come our way.
Recognizing the blessings of challenges and how they improve us can help us resolve to keep moving forward, no matter what lies ahead. Learning how to manage and control our emotions when things don’t go as expected makes us more refined and strengthens our fortitude.
Parents, giving your children a strong foundation as members of your eternal family will give them confidence that they are loved and valued. A happy childhood in a loving two-parent household is a golden rule that helps children learn adaptability and flexibility when faced with change and setbacks. However, we certainly recognize that this ideal may not be possible. The good news is that the Savior’s Atonement is for everyone, and we can receive His guidance throughout our lives.
Sister Carolee Scowcroft: We can always be optimistic. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a friend who was hospitalized. She had a very positive mindset. Before our visit, after one surgery, and just before more surgeries, she texted: “I recently had brain surgery. I’m doing great. I have multiple surgeries scheduled. I think this is all great news. Please join me in celebrating.” She looks happily to the future and knows she has support from above.
After receiving her cancer diagnosis, she said she felt as soon as she stepped into the temple grounds that everything would be okay. Our outlook can have a huge impact on our well-being.
In the ether we learn that all are weak, but through the Savior the weak become strong. “And if men come to me, I will show them their weaknesses; I will give them their weaknesses, that they may humble themselves. My grace is sufficient for all who humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and believe in me, I will make the things that are weak strong for them” (Ether 12:27).
As we grow and develop, challenges are expected to arise. At the Last Supper, Jesus said to his disciples, “You will have tribulation in the world, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
His ultimate goal for us is to have joy. Jesus’ atoning sacrifice gives us the gift of joy and eternal life. When we turn to the Savior and work with Him to overcome obstacles, we can receive immeasurable happiness. Then, as we face trials with the Savior by our side, we will be able to bless those around us with more love and compassion.
— Sister Mitzi Semo and Sister Carolee Scowcroft are members of the Relief Society General Advisory Committee.
