Be a Light - Phoenix Temple Cultural Celebration -

A couple of weeks ago, there was a big event here in Phoenix.

4300 youth between the ages of 12 and 18 gathered together to celebrate the dedication of the new Phoenix LDS temple through song and dance. (I talk more about the new temple in this post.) We have waited six and a half years for this temple, and these youth were SO excited to participate in this event. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for them – one that they worked very hard to prepare for, knowing that our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, would be in attendance that night.

Although there was a live broadcast of this event, due to limited seating, only a relatively small number of people were able to attend the performance at the venue. That is why Greg and I were THRILLED when we were asked to attend with the youth from our ward (congregation). I was in charge of a group of 10 youth, and it was my job to make sure that they were well cared for during the rehearsals and the performance. I made sure that they had their costumes, and that they were where they needed to be when they needed to be there. Greg was helping in another capacity, doing whatever he could to make sure things ran smoothly. It was an amazing experience to be there with three of our kids.

The Saturday before the performance was affectionately referred to as “Super Saturday.” As leaders, we were with these youth as they practiced all day in the hot Arizona sun. (It was over 90 degrees…in November…) Black pants proved to be very hot, water was a precious commodity, and there were plenty of sunburned necks and faces, but the kids were good sports.

Andrew was just happy to be there, and surprisingly enjoyed all of the dancing, even though he is not really a dancer.

Jordan had fun, too, especially when he practiced a couple’s dance without a partner. Don’t ask me about that facial expression, but he was very excited that we found him a partner before the actual performance.

There was some down time in between rehearsals, and there may have been some water balloon shenanigans behind the scenes…

And the kids may have been a little bit crazy…

But all things considered, the day went pretty smoothly. It led up to the next Saturday, which was performance day. We started at 8:00 am, and didn’t get home until 9:30 that night. It was a very long, exciting day. The weather was thankfully much cooler, topping out in the 70’s, with lots of sunshine. Those kids practiced their hearts out.

They were divided into different regions, based on where they lived. Each region wore a different colored shirt and had a different dance that showcased a particular time in Arizona history. We were orange, as you can probably tell, and our dance was done to a song called “Look Up,” whose message was to take your headphones off, step outside your own little world, and look for opportunities to do good.

Elise was in a small group that performed on the stage behind all of the rest of the kids. They did a little skit where she played a mean girl, who took away another girl’s notebook and threw it on the ground.

Then the sweet boy came to the rescue, gave her back her book, and helped her to find her way, encouraging all of the other kids to do the same.

It is so much easier to find your way when you look up.

At the end of the performance, “Called to Serve,” our classic missionary song, started playing over the speakers, and an army of missionaries marched in, holding flags from around the world.

It was actually quite powerful to see them, so young, symbolically marching to spread the good word of God. It was one of my favorite parts of the show.

It was a sight to behold.

After a long day of rehearsal, a good dinner, and a little down time, it was showtime. All of the youth lined up on the field in their regions, and sat quietly awaiting the arrival of the prophet. I was sitting on the track behind them for the performance, so all of these pictures are from that vantage point.

You wonder how quiet 4300 youth can be…these kids were absolutely reverent. They sang quiet Primary songs as they anticipated this big moment. Finally, a car showed up, and President Deiter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency of the church, along with Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, arrived with their wives. The kids were SO excited…but President Monson did not come with them, and they were anxious to see him.

When the big moment arrived, and his car drove onto the track, there were cheers and waves all around.

Kids even started making hearts with their hands, and the prophet followed suit. Of course, they ate it all up.

Before the performance started, President Uchtdorf spoke briefly to the kids, thanking them and wishing them good luck.

Then the fun began.

They were amazing! There was so much energy on that field, and all of their practice was worth it at that point. The closing number featured all of the 4300 youth on the field, as well as the army of missionaries in the background. They sang a song called “Keepers of His Light.” It was incredible to hear so many young voices singing these words while holding up a small candle:

We will hold on, always steadfast in His ways,

Faithful to the promise we have made.

By the way we live our lives,

We are the keepers of His light.

The spirit was almost tangible as I thought about what they were saying. They felt it as well, at least the ones whom I talked to, including my three kids. They came away with a determination to live better lives, to choose the right, and to “Be a Light,” which was the theme of this whole celebration. They left with a stronger desire to live worthy so that they could one day partake of the blessings that are available within the walls of this beautiful temple. (If you want to know more about why Mormons build temples, and why they are so important to us, visit this site.)