Cheering Each Other On

This message from Sister J. Anette Dennis was full of goodness. She spoke of unity and encouragment and LOVE. It was just the right dose of positivity that I have needed lately and want to move forward with – especially in our highly negatively charged world right now.

Sister Dennis began her message with a story about a man named Orville Rogers. He competed in a national track and field competition for seniors. Despite his age, he ran five races and came in last place in every single one of them. Yet he won five world records – in the 100-plus age division. I love the courage of Orville and that the crowd cheered him on!

I cannot tell you how many times I have felt “behind” in life. I am hard on myself (I am trying to be better) but I have high expectations and know intimately how it feels when you don’t feel like you are measuring up to them.

I also know many who feel judged by others because they are not “measuring up”. We are all so hard on ourselves and we can also be judgmental of others and their situations. This world needs more kindness – for ourselves and for others!

We are all on our own paths and they are unique. We are all in the process of becoming like our Savior and with that is going to involve a whole lot of grace. The Lord knows us and knows how hard we are trying. I want to be the type of person that looks at others (and myself) and sees people trying. That sees the good that others have and speak to that. I want to be a builder of people.

Invitation

Commit now to always give help and encouragement.

Prompting

Be a cheerleader! Praise the good! Give help and encouragement to those in my life and sphere of influence.

My Favorite Takeaways

“It is a basic human need for all of us to feel a sense of beloning, to feel that we are wanted and needed and that our lives have purpose and meaning, no matter our circumstances or limitations.

Our congregations and families can be gathering places where we cheer each other on – covenant communities fueled by the love of Christ for one another – helping each other overcome whatever challenges we face, giving each other strength and encouragement without judging one another. We need each other. Divine strength comes from unity.

Our experience at church is meant to provide vital connections with the Lord and with each other that are so needed for our spiritual and emotional well-being. Inherent in the covenants we make with God, beginning with baptism, is our responsibility to love and care for each other as members of the family of God, members of the body of Christ.

Christlike love and care are higher and holier. The pure love of Christ is charity.

We are all part of the family of God, and He loves all of His children. He desires that His children love Him and also one another.

We are here to develop Christlike attributes and eventually become like our Savior. His is not a gospel of checklists; it is a gospel of becoming – becoming as He is and loving as He does. He wants us to become a Zion people.

Only the Lord fully knows the actual level of difficulty with which each of us is running our race of life – the burdens, the challenges, and the obstacles we face that often cannot be seen by others. Only He fully understands the life-changing wounds and trauma some of us may have experienced in the past that are still affecting us in the present.

Only the Lord fully knows our individual limitations and capacity, and because of that, He is the only one fully qualified to judge our performance.

Sisters and brothers, lets…cheer each other on in our journey of discipleship no matter our circumstances!

There will be times in each of our lives when we will be the ones who need help and encouragement. Let’s commit now to always do that for each other. As we do, we will develop greater unity and facilitate a space for the Savior to do His sacred work of healing and transforming each of us.

Please keep going. Only the Savior can fully judge where you should be at this point, and He is compassionate and just. He is the Great Judge of the race of life and the only one who fully understands the level of difficulty with which you are running or walking or shuffling. He will take into account your limitations, your capacity, your life experiences, and the hidden burdens you carry, as well as the desires of your heart…Please don’t lose hope. Please keep going! Please stay! You do belong! The Lord needs you, and we need you!

Please always remember that your Father in Heaven and your Savior know you completely and love you perfectly. You are never forgotten to Them. They want to bring you home.

Keep your eye on the Savior. He is your iron rod. Don’t let go of Him. I testify that He lives and that you can trust Him. I also testify that He is cheering you on.

May we all follow the Savior’s example and cheer each other on.”

FULL text and video of Sister J. Anette Dennis’ message can be found HERE.

Other messages from the October 2025 General Conference that I found particularly impactful:

• The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ by President Dallin H. Oaks
• The Lord Looketh on the Heart by Elder Ronald M. Barcellos
• The Eternal Gift of Testimony by Elder Kevin G. Brown
• Do Your Part with All Your Heart by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf