Elder Mark A. Bragg, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Saturday evening session of April 2023 general conference. Addressing poise, Elder Bragg explained how Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of divine and spiritual poise. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Bragg’s talk summary
When family friend and legendary coach John Wooden heard that Elder Bragg had joined the Church, he told him to use his faith to have poise: “Be a good man in a storm.”
“Spiritual poise blesses us to stay calm and focused on what matters most, especially when we are under pressure.”
The Savior is the ultimate example of poise. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew who He was and was true to His divine mission. He knew there was a great plan of happiness. And He knew that through His Atonement, all who make and keep sacred covenants will be saved.
Know one’s divine identity. “Knowing who we are and being true to that divine identity are foundational to the development of Christlike poise.”
Know there is a divine plan. “By framing challenging times within an eternal plan, pressure becomes a privilege to love, serve, teach and bless.”
Know the enabling power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. “The enabling power of Christ, made possible by His atoning sacrifice, gives us the strength to endure and prevail.”
The Savior exemplified poise during the storm on the Sea of Galilee and calmed the seas (Mark 4:35-41). “He is the great man in a storm.”
Notable quotes
Knowing who we are and being true to our divine identity brings calm.An eternal view enables Christlike poise.
In addition to redeeming us from sin, the Savior can strengthen us in our weaknesses, fears and challenges in this life.
See the full text of Elder Bragg’s talk: ‘Christlike Poise’
Who is Elder Bragg?
- Elder Bragg was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 2, 2016, and currently serves as president of the Church’s North America West Area.
- When he was 14 years old, friends from his Little League baseball team introduced his family to the Church.
- After serving in the Mexico Monterrey Mission, he began dating and later married his mission leaders’ youngest daughter, Yvonne King.
- He completed his career as senior vice president of Bank of America.
What has Elder Bragg done recently?
Read more of Elder Bragg’s general conference addresses.
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