BYU Speeches

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explores the duality of joy and sorrow in faith. He reflects on the poignant events of Palm Sunday and the unexpected nature of Jesus as Messiah. Uchtdorf encourages listeners to embrace the discord between their spiritual ideals and the harsh realities of life. Through prayer and reflection, he highlights the importance of maintaining a personal connection with God amidst life's challenges.

Teresa R. Bell, a faculty member at BYU, shares her insights on recognizing divine presence in everyday life. She emphasizes the power of morning and evening prayers, journaling, and understanding patriarchal blessings. Through amusing anecdotes from her freshman year and a memorable BYU basketball game, she illustrates how these practices can transform one’s perception of joy and gratitude. Bell encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences to strengthen their connection with God, making faith an active part of daily life.

Ilana M. Horwitz, an assistant professor at Tulane University specializing in Jewish studies and sociology, discusses the intriguing connection between religion and academic success. She introduces the concept of the 'abider advantage,' showing how structured faith practices can enhance discipline and promote perseverance in students. Horwitz shares inspiring stories of support found in religious communities, especially for working-class youth. Her insights highlight how shared values and communal bonds significantly contribute to educational achievements and personal growth.

Gabriel W. Reid, the second counselor in the Sunday School general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares insightful reflections from his time at BYU. He emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance and responding with courage to spiritual prompts. Reid discusses how work can transform faith, drawing from his mission experiences. With heartfelt anecdotes, he illustrates his journey from football to spiritual calling, encouraging listeners to trust God’s plan while pursuing their personal goals.

Kalani Sitake, head football coach at BYU, shares his inspiring journey from Tonga to coaching, emphasizing God's plan amid adversity. He recounts a touching moment when a hug from a favorite athlete offered healing during tough times. Sitake discusses how dreams can shift, like when an injury ended his football aspirations, yet faith and resilience enabled him to find purpose. He encourages listeners to embrace divine guidance and community support, reminding us that even small gestures can have a profound impact on our lives.

Michael A. Dunn, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares profound insights on the concept of being 'fools for Christ.' He humorously encourages embracing one's own foolishness to pursue seemingly impossible dreams. Reflecting on Don Quixote, Dunn highlights the beauty of idealism against societal skepticism. He draws inspiration from the journeys of trailblazers like Martha Hughes Cannon and Steve Young, emphasizing unwavering faith amid doubt and the importance of prioritizing meaningful pursuits over superficial distractions.

In this insightful discussion, Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs and a leading voice at the American Enterprise Institute, emphasizes the crucial role of institutions in shaping our social fabric. He argues that institutions should be formative rather than performative, pointing to the need for a cultural shift towards idealism and community engagement. Levin also addresses the alarming decline of trust in these entities and calls for a renewed focus on personal responsibility to combat societal divisions and restore civic harmony.

Ricardo P. Giménez, a General Authority Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares his transformative journey from rejection to purpose. He emphasizes understanding the 'why' behind worship, advocating for genuine connections with the Savior. Giménez discusses the significance of covenant relationships in a confusing world and invites reflection on personal motivations for faith. He encourages listeners to awaken their faith, embrace divine love, and deepen their spiritual engagements, all rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Kevin R. Duncan, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares his inspiring journey through challenges as a BYU student and as a single parent. He emphasizes how faith in Jesus Christ has been a source of strength during life's trials, illustrating the transformative power of love and hope. His reflections highlight the significance of staying connected to divine guidance amidst feelings of isolation, reassuring listeners that Jesus Christ is always the answer to their struggles.

Join Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, as he unveils the deep connection between happiness, virtue, and personal responsibility shaped by the philosophies of Jefferson and Franklin. He emphasizes prioritizing long-term virtue over fleeting gratification, offering practical advice for self-mastery. Delving into the principles of self-governance, Rosen highlights how moral integrity and constitutional understanding are essential for a thriving society, inspiring a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to pursue happiness.