The theme this year for the youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Doctrine and Covenants 87:8:
“Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.”
Shawna Edwards, songwriter and young women leader in her stake, wrote a song called “Stand” to celebrate this theme, to invite young women to reflect on what it can mean to stand in holy places, and to testify that God’s grace is real.
She writes:
I’ve been thinking about holy places for a long time — where they are, and what they are. To begin with, members of the Mormon Church revere their TEMPLES as the holiest places on earth – literally God’s house, where we come out of the world to learn of Him and make covenants with Him. Our homes can also be holy places, and our churches, of course. But the concept of a holy place isn’t merely geographical. It can be an event, an action, or even a feeling. James E. Faust has said, “Holiness is the strength of the soul.”
Of course, JESUS CHRIST was and is our ultimate example of holiness, but there are many other examples in the scriptures of people doing simple, yet holy things that had profound consequences.
What are some of your holy places? What simple things help bring you closer to God? How have you seen others stand in holy places? How have you seen or felt the reality of God’s grace and power?
Share your thoughts at Shawna’s website and she’ll send you a free MP3 of the song.
I love this new song; thanks for sharing it.
Blessings!
I love your song, could I order the sheet print? I would love my YW to learn it.
Rachel, go to shawnaedwards.com for more info about sheet music.
I have used several of your songs with the children at church. We are practicing STAND for Children’s Day service, but I am having trouble finding an accompaniment tape. I have not had trouble for the previous songs. Can you direct me, please. Thank you, Brenda, Independence, Mo