"You don’t have to experience the sorrow caused by sin, the pain caused by others’ actions, or the painful realities of mortality—alone."

Carole M. Stephens was named as the First Counsellor in the Relief Society general presidency in 2012, serving alongside Linda K. Burton and Linda S. Reeves.

As one of Sister Stephens’ first speaking assignments, she participated in an open discussion with Sister Burton and Sister Reeves at the 2012 BYU Women's Conference, discussing how difficult life experiences have strengthened them, including topics such as unemployment, cancer, drug addiction, miscarriages, infertility, death, twins, divorce, adoptions, disability, financial loss, depression, alcohol addiction, and pornography.

“These experiences have strengthened our testimonies, and they have created opportunities for us to rely on, and be strengthened through the atoning power of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” Sister Stephens told the group.