Loving Others and Living with Differences

It is so important not so talk past each other, especially when it is a controversial or sensitive subject. I like what Dallin Oaks said recently about it.

On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). ("Loving Others and Living with Differences", Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 2014)

Come What May & Love It

Infinite Power of Hope

... to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in. 

Never surrender. 

Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. 

Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart. ("The Infinite Power of Hope", Dieter F. Uctdorf, Oct 2008)

An Uncomfortably Honest Commencement Speech

Post by AIME.

An uncomfortably honest commencement speech yet surprisingly insightful. Given at the University of Western Australia by Tim Minchin

Nine Life Lessons
1 - You don't have to have a dream. Instead be micro-ambitious
2 - Don't seek happiness. Aim to make someone else happy
3 - You are lucky exist. (I would say blessed). You didn't make the brain or body you have. Anything you accomplish has its origins somewhere outside of you.
4 - Exercise. Take care of your body. It will help you be less depressed.
5 - Be hard on your opinions. They should be constantly and thoroughly examined. Don't have a failure to acknowledge nuance. The arts and science are not at odds with each other.
6 - Be a teacher. Even if you are not a teacher, be a teacher. Spray what you've learned.
7 - Define yourself by what you love, not what you dislike or oppose.
8 - Respect people with less power than you.
9 - Don't rush. Don't panic.
10 - Fill this existence, learn as much as you can about as much as you can. Suck the marrow out of life.

Kindness Brings Miracles

It was my son's turn to prepare the lesson for our home teaching visit. I looked up stories from General Conference and found this video.

It brought to mind my own experiences with kindness. I know in my life that love; the kind that causes hearts to want to peek out from their fox holes...  Love changed me. Not only the love of my parents. It was the love of my father and mother in law. The love of my wife, that caused me to wake up to what I might lose without them. Love that they wanted me with them, in this life and the next.

Love caused my heart to come out of its barricade. To be vulnerable. To allow the Lord to change it. Elder Bednar told us that the Spirit can bring the truth unto but not into our hearts. The Lord respects our moral agency so much, that he will never violate the will of a soul. We must choose to follow Him.

Yesterday my son serving a mission expressed this lesson like this, "I've really learned a lot up here, probably one of the biggest would be that all we need to do for those who stray is not to pressure them but to just love them."

Love wins.