BYU School of Communications Alum Describes How Leaning In is about Focusing on the Savior
“Lean into Light” is BYU’s 2023 theme for homecoming and provides inspired direction to students, faculty and alumni on how to fully savor the BYU experience. Ruth Todd, the featured alumni speaker at this year’s School of Communications Annual Beckham Lecture, described how leaning into light centers us on Jesus Christ.
Todd serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer for Bonneville International, overseeing radio and TV stations such as KSL. She is an award-winning TV news anchor, having anchored for channels across the country during her 25 year career. Todd received both a bachelor’s degree in communications and MBA from BYU.
“Although the phrase is only a decade old, the concept of leaning in is as old as time,” Todd began. She introduced the idea of leaning into light by describing ways it happens naturally. Sunflowers turn their faces toward the sunrise in the morning, animals find patches of light and lean into the warmth on cold days and as people, natural light is important for our mental, physical and emotional well-being. “We are naturally programmed to lean into the light,” Todd said.
Todd then introduced leaning into light in the scriptures. “I have always loved the unnamed woman in the scriptures who has been ill for many years and rendered an outcast in her community. Her faith was so strong, she knew that if she could lean in just far enough to touch the hem of the Savior’s clothing, she would be healed.”
Todd pondered why BYU would choose “Lean into Light” as their homecoming theme and decided that “the answer is clear, simple and easy. Leaning into light is another way of saying leaning into Jesus Christ.”
“Leaning into the light of Christ is the advice. It is the answer, in every single chapter,” Todd said.
Todd then spoke to the current BYU students in the room about what it looks like to lean into light during college years. Her first piece of advice was the consistency of daily prayer, which allows anyone to interact with all three members of the Godhead on a daily basis to receive personal revelation. She emphasized the importance of daily scripture study, which allows the Holy Ghost to “penetrate the craziness of the world to give you a message.”
Todd explained that BYU offers unique opportunities to lean into light. “Every university teaches math and science and humanities, but how many offer weekly devotionals and amazing speakers at forums?” She went on to say, “I know things are optional, but don’t treat them as if they’re optional. It’s the extra opportunities that will bless you during these very formative times in your life.”
BYU’s community shares another opportunity to lean into light, according to Todd. Student wards, Family Home Evening groups, neighborhoods and classes offer chances for learning and growth with uplifting people. “The people that you spend the most time with will shape who you are. Be careful about who you spend your valuable time with,” Todd said.
Leaning into light can be hard when there’s so much darkness. Todd quoted John 14:18 by saying, “‘I will not leave you comfortless.’ If we are leaning into the light of Jesus Christ, we will feel that we’re not alone.”
“May we each lean in and find purpose and joy on the illuminated path that God has for each one of his children,” Todd concluded.
