This week, Hungarian President Katalin Novák met the First Presidency and with students and faculty at Brigham Young University to share her insights on her faith and family. Just as the Apostle Paul spoke often about family relationships, President Novák speaks often about the importance of children, marriage and family.
She also echoed Paul’s words on how to “live by faith” (Gal. 3:11).
“Jesus Christ is there with me. And then from that moment on in my position as a president, I have always had this security, this feeling of security that I’m never alone,” she said. “It is important to find a way to articulate my own personal faith and relation to God.”
The leader said she reads and studies the Bible every day and participates in study groups.
“We sometimes tend to forget how important it is to nurture our faith on a daily basis. And for me, for example, that is a very important part of my life,” she explained.
President Novak also shared many principles found in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” including the truths that “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3) and “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ” (para 7).
President Novák believes her family life has taught her skills to become a better leader, including negotiation, flexibility, tolerance and understanding of others.
“I think that family just helps you remain normal, helps you remain down to earth. It helps you understand the everyday struggles as well,” she added.
“Don’t be afraid of getting engaged. Don’t be afraid of having a family. Don’t be afraid of having kids and saying yes to life,” President Novák said. “Don’t be scared that you won’t be able to fulfill your professional dreams.”
Novák told students that if they want to have children, they shouldn’t be scared that they won’t be able to fulfill their career dreams. She said she decided not to postpone having children after getting married though she wanted to start a career. She was a stay-at-home mom for six years before taking a job in the government.
President Novák’s unwavering commitment to the importance of children, marriage, and family is a testament to the values that have stood the test of time. Her words remind us that amidst the chaos of the modern world, family life within the teachings of Jesus Christ is the happiest way to live.
Images and quotes: The Church News.
