Yesterday the young women in our stake were privileged to attend a stake fireside that centered around the stake girls camp theme “I can,” which was taken from the Church-wide 2023 youth theme of “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me.” Jarica Jamison, singer of the youth theme song for this year, “I Can Do All Things,” spoke at the fireside, along with her best friend, Macady Moe.

Both Jarica and Macady were refreshingly vulnerable as they each shared their life experiences that have brought them closer to Jesus Christ. Jarica shared about many injuries that changed her course in high school from basketball to music. At the time, it was very disappointing to miss out on so many basketball seasons, especially during her senior year, and while recovering from painful surgeries. She found a new love in music that helped comfort her during her difficult time, and as she looked back on that time she could see how the Lord led her to music and prepared her for the opportunity to sing the theme song. She described singing this song for the Church as a choice blessing that helped her draw closer to the Savior and led her to know that Jesus Christ knows her and is aware of her and has a purpose for her.

This journey also included a wrestle over whether or not to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She learned much about God, her relationship with Him, her willingness to serve Him, and her ultimate decision to follow His will, whatever that may be. She found that Heavenly Father’s will was that she stay home and teach in the Relief Society in her Young Single Adult ward. Her bishop lovingly assigned a companion, Macady Moe, to teach with her and to alleviate some of her anxiety and fear of teaching others.

Macady was an answer to prayer, as at this time, Jarica was struggling with anxiety and depression and felt like she was alone and without friends. Macady is now her best friend and they are wonderful supports for one another.

Macady also spoke and shared her very real struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune disease she has had since she was 14. She showed pictures of what many of her days look like- her lying on the couch with her cute dog as she suffers from the effects of her illness. She counseled the girls that every day, but especially on their hardest days, to not compare to others, to not look at what they can’t do or aren’t capable of; but, to focus on what they can do, for everyone can do something. She bore a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ’s strength and grace. She shared that she is often too tired and too sick to do what her body needs her to do, but she boldly calls upon the Savior for strength, and through this, every day she has felt Him share His literal power with her to meet the physical demands set before her. She said her favorite scripture has always been “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me.”

Throughout the fireside, Jarica sung various Church youth songs that echoed the lessons she learned through the experiences she shared. The fireside ended with her singing the Church youth theme song, “I Can Do All Things.” The Spirit was present throughout the entire meeting and was so very strong by the end. What a blessing it was for the girls in the stake to get to learn from these two women of Christ!