“As we journey through mortality, we are at times beset by trials: the severe pain of the loss of loved ones, the arduous fight against illness, the sting of injustice, the harrowing experiences of harassment or abuse, the shadow of unemployment, familial tribulations, the silent cry of loneliness, or the heartrending consequences of armed conflicts. In such moments, our souls yearn for refuge. We seek earnestly to know: Where may we find the balm of peace? In whom can we place our trust to help us with the confidence and strength to surmount these challenges?Who possesses the patience, the encompassing love, and the omnipotent hand to uplift and sustain us? …By placing Christ at the core of our thoughts and deeds, we align ourselves with His outlook and strength.This adjustment does not discount…
Question posed to Sister Browning: “I’ve had lots of friends lately just talk to me about how hurt they are by even family members that have different opinions and it’s so sad. It’s been heartbreaking for them, you know, just around several different issues. I just wanted to know from your perspective and experience how can we give each other grace in this world that we’re living in where people have such different opinions that cause this contention even with our families.” Answer from Sister Browning: “I want to acknowledge the conversations that are happening in the homes and then in online spaces or wherever these conversations are happening. They’re important but we want to acknowledge that they can be difficult and that’s OK. It’s OK for them to be…
“I think what’s been disheartening to me during this time is what I’m seeing out in the world is a reaction to a trial and a struggle. The civil unrest that is happening right now is a reality and it’s a sad reality and I’m so grateful for our leaders who will be very forward and very clear and un-equivocating, condemning things that are just not in alignment with what our Savior would have us do in our communities, and in our lives and to each other, and how we treat each other. So I’m grateful for that counsel. You know, the thing that I realize is I think that we are starting to believe that the divisions that come from these challenges are a natural consequence of unrest, and…
“We make covenants as members of the Church to connect to God and to connect to each other. As Latter-day Saints we take that very seriously and we’re trying to refine ourselves in order to live up to those covenants that we make. Be patient with us as we continue to work to connect with you. We desire to connect with you because we love God and we love you and we want to build those bonds of fellowship and brotherly and sisterly relationship stronger because we know that’s what God desires of us. So I would definitely say that to those who are feeling marginalized in the gospel and for those that are trying to understand how we can be more inclusive, I would remind them that love is…
“One of the focuses of the Utah area plan, and indeed of our individual lives, is to become true disciples of Jesus Christ. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if ye have love one to another.” We are grateful for the many who are deepening their discipleship, and whose efforts help those around us feel welcomed and loved. Unfortunately, love is not always spoken here. We remain deeply concerned about too many lingering instances of racist attitudes and behaviors taking place in our schools and communities and sometimes even in our own neighborhoods and places of worship, such as seminaries, churches and temples. In Christ-like communities of faith, love, unity and covenant belonging this cannot be. Racism is a violation of the first two great commandments…
“I love the words of Mormon, quoted by his son Moroni, commending “the peaceable followers of Christ … because of your peaceable walk with the children of men.” For those of us in the Church striving to be peaceable followers of Christ, a brighter day awaits us as we focus on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Trials are a part of mortality and occur in everyone’s life throughout the world. This includes major conflicts between countries and individuals. Church leaders are frequently asked, “Why does a just God allow bad things to happen, especially to good people?” and “Why are those who are righteous and in the Lord’s service not immune from such tragedies?” We do not know all the answers; however, we do know important principles that allow…
“Life is challenging. Many people feel overwhelmed, alone, isolated, or exhausted. When things are difficult, we may feel that we have wandered or fallen behind. Knowing that we are all children of God and members of His eternal family will restore a sense of belonging and purpose.President M. Russell Ballard shared: “There is one important identity we all share now and forever. … That is that you are and have always been a son or daughter of God. … Understanding this truth—really understanding it and embracing it—is life-changing.” Do not misunderstand or devalue how important you are to your Father in Heaven. You are not an accidental by-product of nature, a cosmic orphan, or the result of matter plus time plus chance. Where there is design, there is a designer. Your…
“I have found that the source of that strength is faith in Jesus Christ as we intentionally seek to come unto Him each and every day. The prophet Jacob taught, “And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.” At times, having faith in Jesus Christ may seem like something impossible, almost unattainable. We may think that coming unto Christ requires a strength, power, and perfection we don’t have, and we just can’t find the energy to do it all. But what I have learned from all these people is that faith…
“It has been prophesied since at least the days of Isaiah that in the latter days, the Lord’s ancient covenant people, the house of Israel, should be “gathered in from their long dispersion, from the isles of the sea, and from the four parts of the earth” and restored to “the lands of their inheritance.” President Russell M. Nelson has spoken often and powerfully about this gathering, calling it “the most important thing taking place on earth today.” What is the purpose of this gathering? By revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord identified one purpose as the protection of the covenant people. He said, “The gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, [will] be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when…
"Our dear prophet, Russell M. Nelson, declared: “I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God’s children.” As a global and ever-growing Church, following this invitation from our prophet is a vital prerequisite for building the Savior’s kingdom in every nation of the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that we are all begotten spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents who truly love usand that we lived as a family in God’s presence before we were born on this earth. The gospel also teaches that we were all created in the image and likeness of God.Therefore, we are equal before Him,for He “hath made of one blood all nations of men [and…
