"Our sisters across the ages have demonstrated the faithful pattern of discipleship that we too strive for. “The New Testament includes accounts of [certain] women, named and unnamed, who exercised faith in Jesus Christ [and in His Atonement], learned and lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry, miracles, and majesty. These women became exemplary disciples and important witnesses in the work of salvation.”
Consider these accounts in the book of Luke. First, during the Savior’s ministry:
“And it came to pass … that [Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
“And certain women, … Mary called Magdalene, … and Joanna … , and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him.”2
Next, following His Resurrection:
“And certain women … which were early at the sepulcher". “… When they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had … seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
How did I miss these passages about "certain women" How did I not know of their importance and their faith? I have read these scriptures several times, and until now, I never noticed. The Lord does acknowledge His followers. He may want to have spared their names, but I am sure that the people of that time knew exactly of whom he was speaking.
Consider these synonyms of one meaning of the word certain as connected to faithful, certain women: “convinced,” “positive,” “confident,” “firm,” “definite,” “assured,” and “dependable.” Oh how I want to be numbered with them. Oh how I want to help others to find His light and love and truth.
"Sisters, when we have become distracted, doubtful, discouraged, sinful, sorrowful, or soul-stretched, may we accept the Lord’s invitation to drink of His living water, as did the certain woman at the well, inviting others to do the same as we bear our own certain witness: “Is not this the Christ?” My favorite part of the talk is the following quote:
When life seems unfair, as it must have seemed to Martha at the death of her brother—when we experience the heartaches of loneliness, infertility, loss of loved ones, missing opportunities for marriage and family, broken homes, debilitating depression, physical or mental illness, stifling stress, anxiety, addiction, financial hardship, or a plethora of other possibilities—may we remember Martha and declare our similar certain witness: “But I know … [and] I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God.” A "certain woman" is one who is a believer in spite of the trials she is given. She raises about herself to serve those around her. She is kind and compassionate and understanding. May prayer is that we may all strive to be "certain women" in the eyes of the Lord.
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