BYU Speeches

Faith is not the absence of sorrow, sadness, struggle, or pain. They often coexist. Sherami L. Jara, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and director of the Liberal Arts Advisement and Careers Center, delivered this devotional address on July 15, 2025. You can access the full talk here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brennan C. Platt, a BYU economics professor, presents profound insights on agency, atonement, and joy. He reflects on how our choices shape our lives, emphasizing the significance of personal agency in growth. Through heartfelt stories, Platt showcases a family's dedication to nurturing 21 children, illustrating sacrifice and stewardship in faith. He discusses the transformative impact of Jesus Christ's atonement and shares his own journey of adopting a daughter, highlighting the joy found in covenant relationships and the Savior's love.

Dawan L. Coombs, an associate professor of English at BYU, shares insights on navigating life's 'wobble' moments. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our divine identity and fostering dialogue with God for guidance. Coombs discusses how life's challenges, like career decisions, can be approached with faith and divine support. He conveys that true self-worth comes from being a child of God, not societal labels. Through personal stories, he illustrates the power of hope and trust in God during uncertain times.

William W. Clayton, a professor and associate dean at BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, shares insights on merging faith with academic excellence. He emphasizes how BYU's unique mission fosters personal and professional growth to empower students as future leaders. Clayton discusses the impact of rapidly evolving technology on societal norms and the essential role of a strong spiritual foundation. He encourages students to create a structured approach that harmonizes their faith with academic pursuits, drawing from his own mentorship experiences.

Richard M. Houseman, Dean of Continuing Education at BYU, shares profound insights on light as a metaphor for spiritual guidance and transformation. He emphasizes the importance of going to Christ for enlightenment, using colorful analogies from nature, like fireflies and caterpillars. Houseman highlights how acts of giving, forgiving, and loving not only fill us with light but also illuminate others, illustrated through inspiring stories of generosity. His message urges listeners to reflect on their actions and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Kent L. Gee, Chair of BYU's Department of Physics and Astronomy and a distinguished educator, reflects on the impact of noise in our lives. He discusses how negative emotions can skew our purpose, advocating for a mindful approach to our environments. The conversation dives into the science of acoustics and highlights the health risks of noise pollution, linking it to serious conditions like cardiovascular disease. Gee emphasizes the importance of finding calm amid chaos, exploring innovative noise reduction technologies and personal strategies to navigate distractions.

Sarah K. Clark is the Dean of the McKay School of Education at BYU, renowned for her insights on faith and education. In her talk, she shares the power of storytelling in personal growth and connecting with Jesus Christ. Clark emphasizes revisiting our life chapters, the healing that comes from divine guidance, and the importance of co-authoring our stories with the Savior. She encourages individuals to actively shape their spiritual journeys, trusting in God's influence to transform their narratives and deepen their faith.

Salani L. Pita, a financial services analyst at BYU, shares his transformative insights on feeling God's love through consistent patterning. He discusses personal experiences that shaped his faith, including a touching story about his son. The importance of responding to divine nudges is emphasized, showcasing how inspired actions can deepen spiritual connections. Listeners are encouraged to recognize God's love in their lives, especially when facing challenges, and to enhance their relationship with the divine through prayer and meaningful actions.

Hal R. Boyd, Chief of Staff to the President of BYU, passionately discusses the vital role of maintaining a bonfire of faith through repentance, service, and charity. He draws a compelling comparison between BYU’s unique spiritual identity and secular institutions, emphasizing the importance of embodying spiritual light. Listeners are inspired by anecdotes of personal growth through challenges, highlighting the balance between faith and reason. Ultimately, Boyd calls for a commitment to charity and truth, urging everyone to embrace their divine identities.

J. Clifford Wallace, Senior Judge and Chief Judge Emeritus of the United States Court of Appeals, shares powerful insights on prioritizing family and church service. He emphasizes that true success is defined not by career achievements but by meaningful relationships and personal integrity. Through personal stories, Wallace urges listeners to find balance in their lives, encouraging a heartfelt approach to faith and aspirations, while looking forward to future reunions with loved ones.