PHOTO ESSAY
The Bright Lights of Arizona
At one point in the afternoon of our visit to Gilbert, Arizona, I could see we had a 30-minute window to take some pictures of the vibrant youth. I said to Maurine, “Come on, let’s go down on the field and I just want to capture some of the youth on film. These are truly the bright lights of Arizona!” Within minutes we could not help but be filled with love as these young men and young women smiled with their faces AND with their great spirits. I wanted to show you these amazing young people, but more importantly, I wanted them to see themselves and who they really are. This is a gift to them.
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Shall the youth of Zion falter In defending truth and right? -
While the enemy assaileth, Shall we shrink or shun the fight? No! -
True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
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True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
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To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.
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While we know the pow’rs of darkness Seek to thwart the work of God,
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Shall the children of the promise Cease to grasp the iron rod? No!
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True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
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True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
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To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.
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We will work out our salvation;
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We will cleave unto the truth;
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We will watch and pray and labor
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With the fervent zeal of youth. Yes!
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True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
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True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
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To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.
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We will strive to be found worthy Of the kingdom of our Lord,
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With the faithful ones redeemed Who have loved and kept his word. Yes!
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True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
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True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
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To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.
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We have been born, as Nephi of old, To goodly parents who love the Lord.
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We have been taught, and we understand, That we must do as the Lord commands.
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We are as the army of Helaman. We have been taught in our youth.
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And we will be the Lord’s missionaries To bring the world his truth.
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We have been saved for these latter days To build the kingdom in righteous ways.
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We hear the words our prophet declares: “Let each who’s worthy go forth and share.”
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We are as the army of Helaman. We have been taught in our youth.
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And we will be the Lord’s missionaries To bring the world his truth.
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We know his plan, and we will prepare, Increase our knowledge through study and prayer.
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Daily we’ll learn until we are called To Take the gospel to all the world.
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We are as the army of Helaman. We have been taught in our youth.
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And we will be the Lord’s missionaries To bring the world his truth.
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As I finished our little break, and not knowing at that moment that the rains would come so incessantly that night, I was already so moved and impressed with the faithfulness and the brightness of these youth.
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Each one seemed to have a message for the world and I had no question that they would heed the admonition of the Lord Himself: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven.” These truly are the bright lights of Arizona and they will let their light so shine!
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