Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Article revolving around Sunday sessions of General Conference

I found this article that ties several of the talks from the Sunday session of this most recent General Conference together under the title of "LDS general conference: Stand fast, love others: LDS exhorted not to lose sight of what's important." (see link) I think it is a great article. The writer, Joseph M. Dougherty, did a great job of tying all these talks together, using quotes from the talks given and helping the reader to see just how each of the talks given revolves around members of the church being the best they can be.

My favorite quote used in this article was one by Elder M. Russell Ballard. He said, "Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, all kinds of filth and sleaze, greed, dishonesty and spiritual apathy. The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart; he's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent; he's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbors." (italics added). I love this quote because it really shows that who we are as members of the church - what we stand for and the causes that beset us - are just as important as those that overwhelmed the pioneers in the early days of the church. But we can do it. I believe we can walk across the street to our neighbors and we can fortify our faith. I know we can. What a challenge to remember who I am and to stand up for what I believe in. Just wonderful.

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