Connecting to History: The Woodruff Legacy

Kristy Wheelwright Taylor serves as the board secretary for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation and helps with transcription and writing on the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project. Her book, Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff’s Mission Years, will be published on May 12 by Deseret Book and BYU’s Religious Studies Center. Kristy has a masters degree in Humanities from Brigham Young University and has worked as an English Instructor at Purdue University, a copy editor, technical writer, travel writer, and historical researcher and writer. She has enjoyed serving in a variety of callings in Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, family history, and the stake communications council; she currently serves as the stake Relief Society president in Trophy Club, Texas.

Links

Prepare Me for Thy Use: Lessons from Wilford Woodruff’s Mission Years
Developing Wilford Woodruff as a Leader | An Interview with Steven Wheelwright
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Highlights

This discussion highlights the Wilford Woodruff Papers project, which aims to compile and make accessible all writings related to Woodruff. Kristy shares her family’s connection to this project and her experiences as a stake Relief Society president in Texas.

Kristy emphasizes the importance of unity among Church leaders and fostering doctrinal confidence among women. She encourages open discussions about challenging topics, such as garments and temple recommends, to help leaders feel prepared. By sharing personal stories and insights from Wilford Woodruff, Kristy illustrates how sincere testimonies can strengthen relationships within the Church. She highlights the beauty of the plan of salvation and the joy it brings to those who follow Jesus Christ.

05:03 – Connection to Wilford Woodruff
06:56 – The Wilford Woodruff Papers Project
09:08 – Overview of Kristy’s Book
10:00 – Kristy’s Role as Stake Relief Society President
11:07 – Support from Stake Leadership
11:47 – Changes in Stake Leadership Sundays
12:47 – Demographics of the Stake
12:49 – Engaging with the Wards
14:31 – Building Relationships with Ward Leaders
15:38 – Common Challenges in Relief Society
19:29 – Unity in Leadership
20:36 – Importance of Sincere Testimonies
22:42 – Fostering Doctrinal Confidence
27:26 – Encouraging Open Discussions
29:49 – Addressing Hard Questions
32:24 – Collaborating with Other Leaders
36:21 – Normalizing Difficult Conversations
40:36 – The Role of Problem Solving in Leadership

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