Okay, so real talk here: there are way more than 11 talks that changed my life. You’re probably like, “Yeah right. Changed your life? Give me a break.” To which I would reply, “Give me a break, give me a break” and then proceed to talk about Kit-Kat bars for the next 15 minutes.
But really, these talks have changed my life because they changed me. They made me better, they drew me closer to the Lord, and they enabled me to more fully apply Christ’s Atonement in my life.
And I hope they do the same for you.
1. “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence” by Jeffrey R. Holland
I mean, of course Imma start this list with a talk from my boy, J. Holl. In all seriousness, though, this talk kept me on my mission when I was struggling, wondering if I had made the right choice and if God even heard my prayers.
Notable Line: “Yes, there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been genuine illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing.”
Read it here.
2. “In the Strength of the Lord” by David A. Bednar
Clearly, I’m all about those BYU devotionals. This address completely revolutionized my understanding of the Atonement and helped me to understand that the Savior can help us through literally anything in our lives. His Atonement isn’t just for our sins, but for the sorrows and difficulties we face.
Notable Line: “Thus the Savior has suffered not just for our iniquities but also for the inequality, the unfairness, the pain, the anguish, and the emotional distress that so frequently beset us.”
Read it here.
3. “Four Titles” by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
If women think the Priesthood session will only benefit men, they’re missing out on a lot of wonderful and sacred doctrine (and vice versa; the Women’s session can and ought to be utilized and enjoyed by women and men alike). While this talk given during the Priesthood session is obviously geared toward men, there are so many beautiful lessons in it that apply to us all and teach us about our individual roles in God’s plan.
Notable line: “God understands that we get there not in an instant but by taking one step at a time.”
Read it here.
4. “Forget Me Not” by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
^Uh, see my point above. Duh.
Again, this talk from the October 2011 General Relief Society meeting focuses on our divine roles in God’s eternal and vast plan for His children. He knows each of us and loves us for the unique contributions we have to offer in this life and as a servant in His church.
Notable Lines: “Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself.”
Read it here.
5. “An High Priest of Good Things to Come” by Jeffrey R. Holland
This is one of the most comforting talks I’ve ever come across, and I’ve found that it’s a great re-read when I’m feeling down or discouraged. Plus, it comes equipped with a stellar mantra. BRB about to go add “Don’t You Quit” in puffy paint on the back of every t-shirt I own.
Notable Line: “Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek.”
Read it here.
6. “Beware of Pride” by Ezra Taft Benson
So I realize that you have eyes and you’re probably like, “Uhhhh… That’s President Hinckley. This girl don’t know squat.” Firstly, that’s incorrect grammar, so… shame on you. Secondly, although the talk was given by President Hinckley, it was written by Ezra Taft Benson, who was unable to deliver it due to poor health. In any case, this talk will blow your mind and help you to realize that pride comes from the top looking down as well as the bottom looking up — and how to avoid it. (I don’t know if that makes sense, but read it and you’ll understand.)
Notable Line: “The proud make every man their adversary by pitting their intellects, opinions, works, wealth, talents, or any other worldly measuring device against others.”
Read it here.
7. “Come What May, and Love It” by Joseph B. Wirthlin
I honestly cannot put into words how much I love this talk. Life is hard. It’s frequently filled with unexpected speed bumps and detours that leave us feeling frustrated and unsure. But regardless of what happens in our lives, we can adopt the attitude that Elder Wirthlin’s mother so beautifully bestowed upon her son: “Come what may, and love it.”
Notable Lines: “I know why there must be opposition in all things. Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.”
Read it here.
8. “The Balm of Gilead” by Boyd K. Packer
When I’m angry or resentful, I almost always end up thinking of this talk. The advice that Elder Packer gave back in 1977 is still just as applicable and meaningful today as it was more than 40 years ago. Elder Packer’s blunt honesty in this talk has always humbled me and allowed me to recognize that my anger is hurting me perhaps even more than it is hurting anyone else. Okay and TBH I always fight the urge to cheer when I read that line coming up… PREACH, ELDER PACKER, PREACH!
Notable Lines: “If you are still upset after all these years because Aunt Clara didn’t come to your wedding reception, why don’t you grow up? Forget it.”
Read it here.
9. “Drawing Closer to God” by Terence M. Vinson
This talk has deeply impacted by relationship with my Savior and Heavenly Father. It has also significantly affected my sacramental worship for the better. Elder Vinson elaborates on how we can shift our will to be in line with our Savior’s — and doing so will make our lives infinitely better.
Notable Lines: “God should be the center of our universe—our literal focal point. Is He?”
Read it here.
10. “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten” by D. Todd Christofferson
This talk contains an account of one of my all-time favorite stories and has provided immeasurable hope in my life in the face of obstacles and unfairness. Elder Christofferson highlights the fact that God loves us enough to correct us, and cares about us enough to let us suffer.
IT. IS. SO. GOOD.
Notable line: “Thank you, Mr. Gardener, for loving me enough to cut me down.”
Read it here.
12. “The Challenge to Become” by Dallin H. Oaks
I read this talk on my mission and I just remember being the literal embodiment of this Apple emoji: ?. (In case you were wondering, that emoji is described as “Shocked Face with Exploding Head,” which is way more graphic than I expected.) Elder Oaks teaches brilliantly the idea that, essentially, actions are louder than words. Knowing something isn’t enough — we must do it and apply it in our lives. Otherwise, what good does it do us?
Notable line: “In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.”
Read it here.
Like I said, these are just a few excellent talks among thousands out there. Yet the words of these humble teachers have left me feeling uplifted time and time again, and I hope they can touch your lives as significantly as they have touched mine.
We’d love to hear about some of your favorite talks and why. Leave us a few of your favorites in the comments!
