Young Women Leader Speaks on Life's 'Best Days and Worst Days'

President Emily Belle Freeman shares lessons from Peter's story during April 2026 general conference.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In her April 2026 general conference address, Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman spoke about the strength that comes from walking with Christ, even through life's best and worst days. Drawing lessons from the story of the apostle Peter, President Freeman encouraged listeners to hold fast to eternal truths, recognizing that testimony is built over time, not in a single moment.

Why it matters

President Freeman's message provides hope and perspective for Latter-day Saints navigating both joyful and difficult experiences in their lives. By highlighting how the Savior was present with Peter during his best and worst moments, the talk reinforces the importance of relying on Christ, especially when facing life's challenges.

The details

During her address, President Freeman recounted the biblical account of the apostle Peter walking on water to reach Jesus, then beginning to sink due to fear. She explained that Peter's story teaches that "our understanding of eternal truth is not forged in a single moment - testimony is built over time, day after day, both best days and worst." President Freeman encouraged listeners to accept the Lord's invitations, noting that just as Jesus was present with Peter, He will also be present with His followers during their own best and worst days.

  • President Freeman spoke during the Sunday morning session of the 196th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 5, 2026.

The players

Emily Belle Freeman

The Young Women General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has written more than a dozen books and has taught in the Church Educational System.

Peter

One of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, whose story of walking on water and sinking due to fear is recounted in the New Testament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“From Peter's story we learn that our understanding of eternal truth is not forged in a single moment — testimony is built over time, day after day, both best days and worst.”

— Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President

“As you spend time in ['For the Strength of Youth'] guide, you will begin to realize this is not just a guide for standards, this is a guide for strength.”

— Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President

“Jesus Christ knows all about best days and worst days: Suffering so great that an angel was sent to strengthen Him. The betrayal of a good friend. The cross on Calvary. But His story also has a garden, a stone rolled away and an empty tomb.”

— Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women General President

The takeaway

President Freeman's message emphasizes the importance of relying on Christ during both the joyful and difficult experiences of life. By drawing lessons from Peter's story, she encourages Latter-day Saints to hold fast to eternal truths, recognizing that testimony is built over time, not in a single moment. This perspective offers hope and guidance for navigating life's ups and downs.