Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones
Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

Working With President Oaks & Nelson Wasn’t What I Expected | Sister Reyna Aburto | E0044

October 16, 2025

AI Summary

5 min read

When a Prophet Asked for Her Feedback

Sister Reyna Aburto, who served in the Relief Society General Presidency from 2017 to 2022, recalls the morning she noticed a meeting on her calendar that had not been there before: "11 a.m., Relief Society Presidency, President Nelson's office." Her first reaction—and that of her fellow presidency members—was instinctive fear. "What did you do? What did I do? What did we do? Are they going to release us or something?" she remembers thinking. But when they arrived, President Nelson opened his arms, hugged each of them, and sat them around a table where he had placed piles of paper and pencils. He told them: "This is the message that I'm going to give to the sisters in the general women's session in a few weeks. I want you to read it and tell me what you think."

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What you'll learn

  • 1 Timestamped Outline
  • 2 (00:00) **Opening: A Sacred Invitation** - Sister Aburto describes being asked by President Nelson to read and give feedback on his General Conference message
  • 3 (01:07) **Vulnerability as a Leadership Tool** - Sister Aburto recounts the decision to share her divorce story at BYU Women's Conference
  • 4 (03:34) **The Power and Boundaries of Vulnerability** - Sister Aburto explains when and how to share personal stories
  • 5 (08:03) **President Nelson's Leadership Style: Listening First** - Sister Aburto describes how the prophet led meetings by hearing everyone before speaking
  • 6 (10:36) **The Surprise Meeting: Reading the Prophet's Draft** - Sister Aburto recounts the full story of being asked to critique President Nelson's 2018 Women's Session talk
  • 7 (15:38) **Spiritual Treasures: Priesthood Power for All Covenant Women** - Sister Aburto explains President Nelson's 2019 message clarifying that priesthood power comes through covenants

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

What’s it really like to sit across from a living prophet and give him feedback on his words?

In this episode of Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones, Sister Reyna I. Aburto, former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, opens up about her deeply personal experiences with President Russell M. Nelson—moments that changed how she sees revelation, leadership, and discipleship forever.

She shares what it felt like the day President Nelson unexpectedly invited her and the other sisters of the presidency into his office to read and critique his upcoming talk—“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel.” From his humility and love to the way he truly listened, Sister Aburto saw firsthand how revelation unfolds at the highest levels of the Church.

She also reflects on her gratitude for President Dallin H. Oaks, the tenderness behind his often “stern” demeanor, and her confidence that the Lord continues to guide His Church through inspired servants.

Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones

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