~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.