A group of Sydney teenagers share their feelings about For the Strength of Youth, a guidebook for Latter-day Saints age 12 and older.
"The booklet summarizes our values in a way that is easy to understand," says Jenna Roberts, age 15. "Peers constantly challenge our standards, but the book give me courage to say, for example, 'I won't date until I'm 16. That's what I believe.' "
Ben Chaulke, 13, feels, "The book contains the standards society needs. It has helped me ignore the swearing I hear at school," he says, "and to realize that girls will dress modestly if they know that's what guys like."
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16-year old Rachel Burgess says, "Everything in the book leads to true happiness. It is a perfects guide on how to live life. There is a picture of the Saviour in the front. He is the ultimate example of perfection--of how I should be living."
Heisun Ma, now 18 recalls that in his younger years, "It was difficult to have a complete understanding of everything the Lord wishes us to do. For the Strength of Youth outlined for me in a clear way the standards we should live, and that built up my self confidence. It helped me see I had a purpose and a value in living."
Latter-day Saint youth around the world read the booklet in their own language and review it with their families. It is referred to in their Sunday School lessons, youth activities, and in other settings. For the Strength of Youth was first published in 1965.
The newly updated 10th edition became available this year. "The standards have not changed, but times have changed," said Young women general president, Elain S. Dalton, explaining the update. For the Strength of Youth has been revised to address the issues youth face today--to teach them the doctrine behind the standards and the promised blessings of obedience."
The revised pamphlet contains the addition of current prophetic counsel in areas such as the wise use of technology, virtuous thoughts, dating, the importance of gender roles, and preparation for the future.
View For the Strength of Youth online.