Strength Beyond My Own: Empowering Individuals within the Gospel of Jesus Christ
By Brent & Courtney Ebmeyer
As we started planning this year’s conference about six months ago, we acknowledged that sexual orientation and gender identity remain complex and often misunderstood topics, and it is critical to create safe spaces that foster understanding, acceptance, and support within the gospel. Recognizing the importance of that while remaining faithful to the covenants we’ve made within the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our annual conference theme for North Star is "Strength Beyond My Own." This theme embodies the resilience and spiritual strength that individuals, families, and church leadership can create as they navigate their journey through those struggles. The apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Paul emphasizes the divine influence that empowers us to overcome personal trials. By acknowledging the strength that comes from our Heavenly Father, we recognize the profound impact of faith in our lives.
Sexual orientation and gender identity are complex and unique to each individual. They encompass a wide range of experiences and often challenge existing beliefs and our religious and cultural norms. By acknowledging the complexities involved, North Star aims to provide a platform for dialogue, education, and growth, enabling individuals to better understand themselves and others within the framework of their faith and testimonies.
This year’s theme, "Strength Beyond My Own," reflects the incredible strength exhibited by individuals who do not know what the future holds but still put one foot in front of the other while staying on the covenant path. President Dallin H. Oaks has taught, "[Christ]... knows our struggles, our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering, for He willingly experienced them all as an essential part of His Atonement. And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all."1 President Oaks reminds us that because Jesus Christ willingly descended below all things, he can comfort us through all things; and can provide strength even during our most challenging times.
The conference will serve as a forum for SSA/LGBTQ members to connect with like-minded individuals, share personal stories, and gain insights from others on the same path. Elder Holland has declared, "I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; He doesn’t measure our professions or our possessions. He cheers on every runner…"2 His message encourages us to recognize our intrinsic worth and seek strength beyond any societal measures or labels. Sharing experiences allows us to find validation, create friendships, and foster a sense of self-worth.
Finally, the conference provides a place to cultivate our faith and reconcile individual experiences with our religious convictions. But this can only happen when we are humble and open to the Lord’s will. “And if men come unto me, I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27). The Lord’s words to Moroni beautifully illustrate the transformative power of humility, faith, and God's grace. It reminds us that we can discover strength beyond our own capacity, not merely through our weaknesses but because of them. The conference will provide support and empowerment for individuals, families, and church leadership. We fervently pray that everyone attending this year will walk away inspired and strengthened in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our strength and pillar through all the storms of life.
1 Dallin H. Oaks, “Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 2015, 61
2 Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal,” Ensign, May 2002, 62