~by Ashley
How do you start an article with the hopes of paying proper tribute to a woman who has literally changed your life? A woman who traveled the world over, ministering to “the one,” while bringing millions closer to Jesus Christ? Well, let me begin by telling you a little bit about this remarkable woman leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the “Mormon Church” by friends of other faiths).
Sister Elaine S. Dalton was married to her sweetheart, Stephen E. Dalton, in the Salt Lake Temple. She is the mother of 6 beautiful children (5 sons, 1 daughter), and is the the grandmother of 16 (and counting). She received a bachelor’s degree in English at Brigham Young University. She loves to run (and has tackled 18 marathons!), hike, dance with her granddaughters, and read (especially the scriptures). She also makes great chocolate chip cookies. She can be found lifting others spirits wherever she goes. She is truly a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also, in her “spare time,” for the past 15 years she has served in the general Young Women’s program (an auxiliary program that includes all Mormon women ages 12-18, that has the purpose of bringing these girls closer to Christ) in different lay positions (non-paid). In 1998 she was called as a board member, in 2002 as a counselor in the presidency, and then in 2008 as the president. On the 6th of April, 2013, she was honorably released from her calling as Young Women General President. Her efforts in the general program will go down in history for all eternity.
Sister Elaine S. Dalton indeed has a unique way of teaching millions, while focusing on “the one” — just as the Savior did during his earthly ministry. I have personally seen this “in action” in my own life, and in the lives of many others. She really believes what she teaches that “one virtuous young woman, led by the Spirit, can change the world.” [1] You can tell by the way she talks to everyone she meets.
Such was the case when I had the privilege of meeting Sister Dalton a little over five years ago. Because of her belief in me, I have gained greater trust in the Lord, and have tried to become a better person in every aspect of my life. Physically, I started exercising more and have since run 3 marathons; and spiritually I have drawn closer to Jesus Christ in ways that I didn’t know were possible.
Once I changed, I had the desire to help others change as well and was able to start an organization called “Voices for Virtue” which now has over 138,000 members.
My story is just one of many. Elaine Dalton knows that if you desire to do the work of God, He will qualify you for the work. She serves in a way that invites everyone she meets to have the desire to serve God.
Elaine Dalton really is a woman of God and has “run… the race that [was] set before [her]” (Holy Bible, Hebrews 12:1). She has found success by following the prescription that the Mormon apostle, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, said, “True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes (see John 17:1, 4; Doctrine and Covenants 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny.” [2] I believe wholeheartedly that her service in the Young Women’s program is just a stepping stool for even greater things to come. Sister Dalton has changed the world, and she will continue to do so, because it is in her spiritual DNA.
Thank you for your love and example of service. Your testimony has strenghtened my two daughters and myself.
Thank you for your wonderful example for the young and older women in the Church. Loved your talk at Young Women’s Meeting last Saturday and today at General Conference. Many blessings to you and your family.
con mi corazón lleno de gratitud, quiero decirle a la Hna Dalton que cada una de sus palabras fortalecieron mi vida, me fortalecieron como mujer, como hija y como líder de las mujeres jóvenes, recordar que la virtud es el poder que Dios nos da como hijas especiales suyas, el recordar que debemos ser una luz al mundo para defender la rectitud, el recordar que debemos estar en lugares santos…me han permitido tener el valor para apoyar a mis jóvenes y poder sentir que estamos en el tiempo en el cual salvar a una jovencitas salvara generaciones completas….la extrañaremos mucho con mis jóvenes,,,,bendiciones.
Thank you Sister Dalton for your many years of service in the Young Women’s program! I served in the Young Women’s program and was priveleged to meet you when you came to Maryland a few years agp. My daughter and I will never forget your counsel to cherish Virtue and read theBook of Mormon daily. You are such a wonderful example to all of us and we will miss your loving, sweet spirit so much. God’s blessings to you and your family as you move on to your next calling in God’s kingdom.
Thank you so much Sister Dalton. You have really made an impact on my life. You have truly touched my life and helped my testimony grow so much. You’ve helped me to truly know that leaders are called of god. I am truly appreciative of your service in this calling. You have truly touched my life. Thank you so much! We love you.
I am greatful to have served under your Leadership in the Young Womens program. I really felt the spirit speak to me when I listen to or read one of your talks. Thank you so much.
Sister Dalton,
Thank you so much for your shining example of virtue and light! We appreciate you!
I am 14, and you have been the only General Young Women’s president I have known since I have been in Young Women’s. I love you so much Sister Dalton! Thank you so much for the service you have rendered in our behalf and for your amazing example that you have shown all the young women around the world. Thank you for reminding me of my own divine qualities and worth as a Daughter of God. Whenever I would listen to you speak, I would always feel the spirit so strong. I am going to miss you so much. I am grateful for you and the personal experiences you have shared with us. Your talks have always helped me and what I was going through at the time. Thank you so much for your inspiration. I know you will be able to continue to bless others lives all around the world.
This presidency has been so special! Thank you for all of the amazing things you have done for this program. I wasn’t personally a Young Woman when you started, but Sister Dibb visited the MTC while I was a sister there and I have never forgotten the impressions she left on all of us. Thank you for your dedicated years of service! Your many words of wisdom have softened hearts and brought us all closer to the Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ, and the Lord. Thank you!
Dear Sister Elaine S. Dalton,
It`s been a great privilege to listen to your various messages and teachings, you are such a great and inspiring woman. Know that you have touched the lives of many especially the young women of the Church. I remember what Bishop David H. Burton has said a while ago on a General Conference talk, and I quote it roughly: ” The things that you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony.
Dear sister Dalton,
Thank you so much for everything, You are the best! I always enjoyed listening to you talk, You have a really strong spirit when you talk and testimony. You will be greatly missed. I will pray for you that you will be blessed though out your life. Thank you again
~Amy~
Hermana, usted tuvo el llamamiento mas dificil que pueda dar el Senor, dentro de Su Iglesia. Los ninos son faciles de llevar, ellos son muy obedientes. Los adultos, saben las consecuencias de sus actos. Mas los jovenes, no son ninos ni son adultos. Solo la fe, la esperanza y el amor, a un nivel muy alto, permiten hacer el trabajo que usted hizo con las Mujeres Jovenes. La admiro.
Thanks so much for your inspirational words during Conference. No matter what age a female is it is so important to hear words of encouragement from her Sisters.
Sister Dalton
thank-you for your service in the General Young Women’s presidency you were the only one that was in the General Young Women’s Presidency the whole time I was in the young women’s program that was the very end of 2005- 2012 when I moved to RS and your talks always hit home for me and your testimony and your consolers testimonies and their talks also hit home for thank- you for serve for the young women’s program I went on a trek with my stake one of your talks came to mine it return to virtue I only needed knowledge done through but the project was to get more fit and walk a lot I finish personal on the trek but I had that talk in the back of mine thank you such much for all what you have done as the general young women’s president
Sister Elaine Dalton:
You and your counselors who served for the last five years are awesome.
You have made the youth stronger by adding virtue to the goals and
requirements that God expects of us. We will certainly be more like
his son if we live these principles.
I loved your talks, even though they were geared to the youth of the church. I am a youth in my mind, but in age in my middle years of life.
Your legacy will be remembered in our life. A time of peace has come into the
homes of many because of your good works.
I love you and pray that life may bring happy moments to you and your families.
I LOVE YOU SISTER DALTON!!!!!!!
YOUR AMZING, AND YOU HAVE DONE WONDERS TO LIFT THE YOUNG WOMEN ALL AROUND THE WORLD!
😀
Sis. Dalton,
Thank you for your example to the young women of the world, and me (and the other not-so-young women of the church). You have shown us how to live, love, and lead after the pattern The Lord has set. I want to be just like you. ❤
Kathy Behrend
Sister Dalton!!!
I was SOOO SAD when I heard you got released!!! I am so grateful that I got at least two years with you in Young Woman’s!
I am SO Grateful that you made Virtue part of the Personal Progress program! The Stake invited the youth to read the Book of Mormon this year, and I am so happy that they gave me the motivation to do it so that I can finish Personal Progress even faster!
Last year, the Stake Young Women leaders invited us to memorize the Living Christ. I am happy to announce that I finished that challenge! I know that Young Women’s encourages me to do that right thing!
I will miss you as my general leader! I will pray for you and your family!
Love You!
Received this through our Twitter account: @MormonWomen #twitterstake #ldsconf #christian #soysud Gracias #HnaDalton por tu visita a la Argentina
Dear Sister Dalton,
I would personally like to thank you for the countless hours that you spent in behalf of the YW all over the world. Having 7 daughters of my own, I am so grateful for a strong, beautiful leader that introduced Virtue back into our YW program. You were truly inspired and we will be forever grateful for your inspiration and dedication and service. I will never forget taking the YW of our ward in McKinney, TX on a “Virtue HIke” and having them pin a pin on a Gold flag to committ to being virtuous throughout their lives. Just wanted you to know that from that group of YW, we have had 11 girls serve or are serving missions and 1 that was married in the temple as of now!! Thanks for inspiring a whole generation of amazing YW!!!
Love, Janie Ogletree
Dearest Sister Dalton: You have run the race, you have finished the course, you have gained the prize, you have changed our world….run on…..With love and gratitude, Jen Gardiner
Dear Sister Dalton,
I have always felt a great connection with you, your love of the gospel and family. My husband and I are parents to three sons and one daughter. We have eight grandchildren and counting. I too, run “physically” and have completed four half marathons. You have inspired me to greater heights spiritually and physically. A talk you gave, addressed to the priesthood holders in Young Women’s life really touched me. I felt prompted to share that information with the young women in our ward. When you visited Farmington, NM for a leadership conference, I sat in the second row in the gymnasium. I was overwhelmed by your genuine love for the young women of the church and for us as leaders. I felt your spirit. I noticed your scriptures brimming full of the gold award ribbons (virtue). I since have completed five of the values in this new program. Thank you for your shining testimony. Thank you for inspiring the world to stand in holy places and be virtuous women. My goal is to complete the YW recognition program (again)…and maybe even a few of those precious bees! Also, I am going to work towards a full marathon! You are an AMAZING daughter of God…love, Suzanne Howard
Sister Dalton,
Words cannot adequately express the gratitude I feel for the service you have rendered on behalf of all of the Young Women and Young Women Leaders world-wide. When you started on the board, I was a Ward Young Women’s President. I am currently in a Stake Young Women’s presidency. I feel as though you have spiritually fed me for years as I endeavored to fulfill my callings. The real depth of my gratitude, however, can only truly be seen when looking at my two daughters currently in the Young Women’s program. Erin is a Laurel and Allison is a Mia Maid. They are setting standards for themselves inspired by you and reinforced by the spirit. Thank you from the bottom of a mother’s heart for all of the good you have done. We will forever miss you and be forever grateful for the legacy of virtue you planted.
Sister Dalton!
You’re an amazing leader and exemplar of Faith and Virtue. Thank you for your service and dedication to the Lord and to all the YW leaders and Young Women of the world. You’re a light to all of us, & we admire you so much!!! I love your sweet spirit, I can always feel your love as I listen to you speak…Thank you for making a different in all of our lives!!! Love, Sister Solomon
She is truly a unique daughter of God and I am proud and honored to call her my sister…=)
Dear Sister Dalton !!
You were really an impact in my life, your words, your talks inspired me to fulfill my Personal progress , to set my goals high and be the best example for my young women, thank you sister Dalton !
Thank you for your consecrated service to the YW and the world. You have been
a great leader and an example of a virtuous woman. Thank you Sister Dalton!
Thank you for sharing His love, light, and virtue with Young Women all over the world! You have blessed so many– as you have “put on the shiny,” and inspired young women to “Arise and Shine Forth,” and follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. You are a pure disciple and we love you!!
Malo ‘Aupito from the bottom of my heart and the rest of my family for all that you’ve done through your words and actions. Your love for the Savior through your heartfelt services has touched our hearts in so many ways. May your life be filled with more charity and blessings…..’Ofa lahi atu!