“We are agents, and agents are responsible for something. In this case, we are responsible for the choices we make based on the knowledge we have and the gifts we are given. We cannot make a choice without being responsible for the consequences. Why do we have agency? -To choose good. -To choose Christ. -To choose eternal life—again and again. …A testimony should not have an expiration date. It should not weaken or diminish because something in my life has changed or something in the world has changed. It should get stronger because, like the servant’s talents in the parable of the talents, my personal testimony is a gift to be multiplied—not buried. Looking back on those difficult days of testing and persecution that I went through as a child…
“What can we do when we see or experience racial prejudice in our congregations? Despite our efforts to live God’s standards, racism may still occur among Church members. Elder Fred A. “Tony” Parker, who served as an Area Seventy, shared his experience: “When I’ve been a victim of racism, I’ve found success in meeting it head-on, forgiving the individual and addressing the issue. If someone says something to hurt my feelings, I need to find a way to help him understand why that hurt. It is an opportunity not only to forgive but to build a relationship so that the person doesn’t just look at Tony Parker as an African-American but as a child of God. Jesus taught forgiveness, and He taught us when we have been offended to take it…
“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…
