Wednesday, March 6, 2024

What Kind of Friend are You?

 I was sitting in my home temple last week, when this sweet lady sat down beside me.  She started visiting with me about all her health issues and asking questions about our temple.  Her face and eyes were radiant with peace and joy.  I instantly loved her.  A Sister I knew joined us and when this sweet lady left us, she asked me, "is she a friend of yours?"  I answered "no, this is my first time meeting her."  This sister got a contemplative look on her face and said, "I thought she had known you for years."

That simple exchange got me thinking about friends.  I was reading a devotional about friendship by Lee F Braithwaite a BYU Professor given in Sept 2005 entitled, "From I'll Try to I will Do."  He asked a potent question, "What kind of a friend are you?"  He then continued his thought, "We all function so much better when we are friends.  We are united."

I thought about his question and then two of my dear friends came into my mind.  When our power went out on a cold winter day.  My friend brought me a warm blanket, warm socks, warm soup and a propane heater because she "did not want me to get cold."  Another friend is following a disabled pickup to ensure this gentleman gets to a place where they can fix his pickup or that he gets at least close to his home safely.  

There is a song I love entitled, "Greater Love" by Kenneth Cope.  It talks about the great love our Savior has for each and everyone of us but the verse that touched my heart was "...Well, now it’s been years since His lifetime But He and His love still remain And all that I want is to be like Him He was all I hope to be I would give my life to be The kind of friend Jesus was to me Greater love."   Both my above examples show that Christlike friendship.  How blessed I am to have them in my life.

Brother Braithwaite posed some questions:  "How do we qualify as a good friend. How may we be a good friend to others on a constant basis?"

I recently received a text message from a very special lady I had the pleasure of journeying with during my cancer journey.  She thanked me for "being such a good friend."   I must admit I was surprised by her comment due to the busyness of life I had not kept in touch as much as I would like.  A comment that Brother Braithwaite made came into my mind:  "I believe a true friend is a person who will bring out the best in us..."  During our journey I had invited this sweet lady to go to the temple.  She was so excited but the busyness of her life took her another direction but we still continued to journey together.  Then I had some changes in my life that threw me for a loop but I stayed in contact with this dear dear sweet sister.

At the little store where I work I meet young couples and their little ones.  I have to admit I have a few favorites.  I was visiting with one of my favorite young husbands who shared their little one was two and starting to run.  He made a comment that surprised me , "You're always smiling and happy, no wonder he likes you."  (referring to his son.)  I don't know why his comment surprised me but it did.  As I reflected on his comment a piece of Brother Braithwaite's thoughts came into my mind , "I hope we all have friends who lift us up.  We all need to be lifted in life."  

February and March are sorrowful months for me and I find myself isolating.  The little store and the new people I have met help me not to fall into a dark pit of depression.  Especially my favorite couples and their precious little ones who makes my heart smile.

Another place that keeps me stable is the temple.  Today I found myself out of fuel and feeling a dark depression setting in.  I cancelled one appt and was going to pass on my weekly temple trip but then I found myself needing the peace of the temple.  So, I spent the morning in the temple and came out refreshed and renewed.  I had a wonderful sealer who shared a promise made by President Monson about how the temple lets you rest from the weariness of the world and gives you the strength to go back out and face your challenges with faith and courage.  Oh, how I needed to hear that.  He then talked about how there are no coincidences with our Heavenly Father.  Oh, how I know that!

I am so grateful for the true friends that our Heavenly Father placed in my path to help lift me.  I would like to close with Brother Braithwaite's closing statement:  "Brothers and Sisters, good friends are so important to each of us.  May we be true friends and lift up as many as we can.  May we do this with the spirit that President Hinckley so beautifully extends to us.  May we follow our prophet perfectly.  May we follow our Father in Heaven as perfectly as possible.  May we follow our Savior the best we can.  May we be good friends, true friends.  May we no disappoint our families and our friends as we sojourn here at BYU and after.   I say these things from my heart and in the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

From I’ll Try to I Will Do

                                                                          LEE F. BRAITHWAITE

                                                                                 BYU Professor of Integrative Biology

September 13, 2005

There is a big difference between liking to accomplish something and doing it—a big difference.

Right up front I would like to thank Kay Johnson. She has helped me with all of the details and has granted all of my wishes except one. I asked her if I could bring my cardiologist along with me to sit by my side. Hopefully I can get through this talk without needing one.

I love BYU. I love the students here. I love the faculty and the staff and the administrators. I have made many friends while being here.

I’m going to focus on being a good friend, and I ask that all of you might reflect on what kind of a friend you are. We all function so much better when we are friends. We are united.

I love to tell stories. I hope you like to listen to stories. I’m going to start with life before kindergarten, then life during grade school, then junior high, then high school, and then college. Now, I very much dislike boasting, so I’m going to tell you stories, by and large, of events in which I did some dumb things and good friends picked me up.

How do we qualify as a good friend? How may we be a good friend to others on a constant basis? I believe a true friend is a person who will bring out the best in us. We can have friends who do not bring out the best in us. I hope we all have friends who lift us up. We all need to be lifted in life.

My first story involves a time when I was three and a half years of age. My mother called to me and said, “Lee, hurry up and get ready for church.”

I was very defensive and said, “I do not want to go to church.”

She said, “But Jesus wants you to.”

I defiantly stated, “I never see Him there.”

Well, it is funny, but my mother wasn’t amused. She knew her work was cut out for her, and she started reading from a book that she had had when she was a small girl—the same book that President Hinckley had had when he was the same age as my mother. Their mothers read to them.

This is a book that I still have. Light blue and dog-eared, it’s entitled The Life of Our Lord, and it was a beautiful book, especially when Mother read.

I remember that she placed a beautiful picture of the Savior over the piano in our living room as a constant reminder, and I have loved that picture. When my mother passed away, we hung the picture on the wall in our family room. Oh, how I love my family: my mother and father, my grandparents, and my many relatives. Eight of my 10 children are here, and one is in Detroit and one is in Baltimore. I know I love all of them more because I learned to love my Savior.

Going to elementary school in the fifth grade, I did something really dumb. Just before Valentine’s Day my teacher asked all of us children to make Valentine boxes out of shoeboxes. You’ve probably done the same thing; you might still do it today. We had white paper and white paper lace and red hearts. On Valentine’s morning Mother said, “Now, Lee, you remember to give a Valentine to each one of the pupils in your class.”

Well, I went to school, and before school began I started stuffing valentines into boxes, but I didn’t take the advice of my mother. Have you ever done that? It’s dumb, isn’t it? Well, I gave a valentine to everyone except for one girl. She was obnoxious, she was mean, and she probably could have beaten up on me if she wanted to.

When it came time to tear our Valentine’s boxes apart, I glanced over at the girl. She had tears rolling down her cheeks; she didn’t have a single valentine. I hurt to this day that I didn’t pay heed to my mother. I’ve noticed during the years that a lot of people need friends, true friends. And if anyone ever did, she did. I became a better friend to her, but it was too late to relieve the negative situation. May we listen to our true friends and do the right things.

Of junior high, probably like most of you, I can’t remember too much. But I remember my grandfather. He was old, and he related stories to me as a small boy. I heard those stories at least three dozen times. But I tried hard to listen intently. I think I was the only one who ever listened to him. I listened because I loved him.

Well, when I got into high school, my friends and my brother and I would play basketball at the end of our barn with an old rusty rim, a homemade backboard, and a gunnysack for a net. We had fun there. One day it was very overcast, and I looked across the wet, recently plowed field and saw my little granddaddy from England trudging across the field. As he got closer I noticed that he had huge mud balls on his boots.

I went up to him, and he said, “Lee, if you will practice over and over many times, you will get good.” Then he turned and went back and made larger balls of mud on his feet.

I thought, “Granddaddy, you are crazy! You came all this way just to tell me that?” But over the years I found he was a true friend. He helped me practice and practice.

He helped me when I went to college. I took a class for which I had little preparation. I was very frightened. I didn’t think I could pass it, let alone get a good grade. I remembered my granddaddy’s story, and I studied, believe it or not—and surprising to myself—six hours each school day. If we practice and practice, we will get good. I hope all of you students will study hard, not only the subjects that you really like but especially those that you have been avoiding. Study and study until you do well.

In high school something really special took place. One beautiful Sabbath morning my mother called upstairs to me and said, “Lee, are you ready to go to conference?”

I said, “No, I don’t feel well.”

Trusting me, she said, “Okay.”

Well, I didn’t feel bad physically, but I was really bad as far as attitude goes. It was the first time I had done that, and all during conference I couldn’t read the books I loved to read. I couldn’t concentrate. I wished I had gone.

Father was in the stake presidency, and once he found out what really happened, I knew that he would know I had let him down. After conference the stake presidency and Elder Mark E. Petersen and his wife came to our home. When Elder Petersen came into our living room, I could hear him; he had a strong voice. He said, “I’d like to meet your family.”

Oh, I felt bad. I wished I were in my best clothes. My father introduced my good brother and my three good sisters, and Elder Petersen said, “Is this all?”

Father said, “No. I have one more son.”

I then really felt badly when Elder Petersen asked, “Where is he?”

Father said, “Upstairs.”

Elder Petersen said, “I would like to meet him.”

I felt like leaping out of our attic window, but I decided to stay and take it. Two pairs of giant steps came up the wooden stairs. When Elder Petersen got up to the top, he looked all around. I was really shaking. He looked and saw all the marine specimens I had on my shelves, all the books I had purchased, and my microscope. He saw my little room that I had turned into a lab of study. Then, instead of calling me to repentance, he very kindly said, “Lee.” And in that powerful voice he said, “What are you going to do with all of this?”

I could hardly talk, and I said, “I would like to be a marine biologist.”

He said, “What do you mean, ‘like to’? Are you?”

A powerful lesson was learned. There is a big difference between liking to accomplish something and doing it—a big difference. I tell that story often to students. It can mean the difference between trying to reach the celestial kingdom and qualifying for it. It can mean graduating from BYU—not just trying, but doing it. It can mean getting a master’s degree. It can mean getting a PhD. Oh, how Elder Petersen helped me. He helped me through the tough times.

Now I’d like to focus on the time I’ve been here. I’m no spring chicken; I’ve been teaching here since 1964. I’ve learned some important things. I have learned to be kind to everyone wherever I go, but especially here at BYU. I have learned that it really pays to make friends with as many professors, administrators, staff, physical plant people, and even custodians as I can. Some of my best friends at BYU are found scattered all over the campus. I wish I had more time to get into more buildings and make more friends.

Friends are really important, and, as a professor, I truly believe that it is very important to be friends with students. When I first started teaching at BYU, one of the senior faculty members counseled me. He said, “Never get too close to your students or they won’t work as hard.” Well, I really like that professor, and I tried to follow his advice, but in time I found that he was wrong—very wrong. If I become a friend to my students, they work more, not less.

One day, just after I started teaching at BYU, an aunt of mine who was like a second mother to me posed a question: “Lee, do you give all of your students A’s?”

I said, “Of course not. They don’t all earn A’s.”

And she said, “If you taught well enough, they would get A’s.”

Wow, I’d never thought of that before. I didn’t believe her at first. Then, as I got a little bit older and a bit wiser—the older part came easy, the wiser part was difficult—I found out that if I got close to my students and required them to work hard, they would be better students. It doesn’t benefit a student at all if we give that student a high grade and the student hasn’t earned it. It doesn’t benefit us as professors here at BYU or benefit the students if we send them off with perfect letters of recommendation when they are not at the level to earn all of the compliments given. It will be hard for our students to get into schools from that point on. And professors will lose their credibility.

I had a good friend who retired from geology a short time ago. He said, “Lee, if I had to do it over again, I would take better care of the students who are struggling.” He said, “I have noticed over the years that you have done that.” I have given extra help to some, but there are so many that I haven’t been able to give it to all.

Let me tell you one last story—about a student I took to the Friday Harbor labs at the University of Washington. One day after fieldwork I gave the students an examination to see if they retained the names of the critters that they saw and collected. I came up to this fellow and said, “That’s a great grade. You only missed six.”

He said, “Dr. Braithwaite, six is the number I got right.”

I started noticing him. He was very quiet. I could tell he was a troubled young man. In time I got close to him, and he related to me that when he was a small boy, he was put in charge of tending his little brother, and he got distracted by his friends. His mother came home, and she asked where his little brother was.

“Oh,” it dawned on this student, “I have left him for a long time!” He and his friends and mother went searching, and the little brother was found in the ditch, drowned.

That had haunted him all those days and was still haunting him. He never smiled; he was always quiet. I thought, “What can I do to pick this student up?” Then the branch president asked me if I would select some of my students to speak and sing in sacrament meeting, and I thought, “I will ask this student to sing.” I had heard him sing to himself, and he had a beautiful voice. So he sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Everyone in the congregation had tears running down their face. I did, too. From that time on that young man was accepted by the students. He was a hero. He had many good friends.

Brothers and sisters, good friends are so important to each of us. May we be true friends and lift up as many as we can. May we do this with the spirit that President Hinckley so beautifully extends to us. May we follow our prophet perfectly. May we follow our Father in Heaven as perfectly as possible. May we follow our Savior the very best we can. May we be good friends, true friends. May we not disappoint our families and our friends as we sojourn here at BYU and after. I say these things from my heart and in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

© Brigham Young University. All rights reserved.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Lonely and Misunderstood

I am at that age where I am finding myself in a reflective state and things that use to frustrate or anger now causes an ache in my heart.  All my life due to my complicated family life I have felt "lonely and misunderstood."  Even now  I find myself having moments where I find myself feeling lonely and understood.

In this life I will never have the honor of having a child who would call me mom.  I have had adopted grandmas who would cry out to me "mamma, mamma."  I will always cherish those moments.  Because I was not able to have children and was not in a place where adoption was an option.  I find myself feeling joy as I watch my friend become grandparents and listen to their stories.  Or witness a Branch"s son get called to serve a mission with the Navajo tribe.  American indians hold a very special place in my heart due to my biological mother was native american and my father was hispanic but being raised caucasian the only knowledge I have of my biological heritage is what I have studied in books and through videos. From the beginning there have not been many who understand my complicated family tree.

I was raised in a small town and in my sophomore year found myself in a large city with no roots or ties to that city.  I guess that is where my loneliness hit.  Many of my new classmates had been together for elementary and high school so they had a history that I did not share.  Due to my many years of inactivity when I found my way back into the church the misunderstood seemed to be stamped on my forehead.  I came from a part member family, with a husband who does not share my beliefs not a mother and because of the road I had travelled my perception of the gospel was very different from those who had never strayed.

I am now part of a Branch filled with people that I love so very much.  But I am not a part of their community because I live 20 some miles away and only see them on Sundays.  I watch as they congregate and visit about their lives and while they are visiting I quietly leave the building and come home.  It is weird to me that I love them so very much and I know they love me yet in their community I am not involved.  I have a Branch right across the street from where I live but I am not even a thought in their lives.  Each of my beloved Branch members have their children, spouses, and extended family members.  All my family has been called back to their heavenly home and hence a big piece of the loneliness.  My husband with his work travels, so it's just me and our four legged kiddos.

As I have been pondering on my feelings of loneliness and being misunderstood I came across this talk by Elder Richard G Scott; oh, how I love this man and his teachings.  I have found a second witness from him to confirm what the Spirit has been whispering to me.  Each Sunday as I find myself driving to church my heart is filled with love.  In his talk he mentions "remember how loved you are."

A painful memory for me was after my brother had ended his life in the midst of my heartbreak and asking him why?  I heard my brothers voice sobbing and telling me, "I'm so sorry sis, I didn't mean to do it.  I didn't know how loved I was."  His heartfelt plea still resonates in a broken place in my heart.

There is one place that I feel totally understood and loved and that is in the temple.  Most the temple workers at my home temple know me by name and when I am in another temple the workers always greet me with love.  It is within those hallowed walls that I am reminded again and again that I am a child of God who loves me unconditionally and He understands me completely and will never leave me alone.  After all He is the one molding me into the daughter He knows I can be.

When the darkness starts to fill my soul He has the spirit bring to my mind the love of my family, friends, branch family, temple family and guides me to the words of the brethren who also let me know that I am not alone even though for many years now I have travelled this road alone.

I am surrounded by many who feel alone and misunderstood.  Many are trying to navigate through their problems by themselves thinking they do not need their loving Heavenly Father.  (Been there and done that)  But like Elder Scott I can say it is so much better when you strive to follow the Lord and as our beloved Prophet President Nelson has invited us to do, "Stay on the covenant path and you will be blessed."

May Elder Scotts words speak to you and may you find peace and love as you follow his counsel.

"To the Lonely and Misunderstood

of the Seventy

August 10, 1982


 Once in my life, I had the feelings of being left out. I now share the companionship of incomparable brotherhood and sisterhood, a feeling of belonging, of being useful, and I recognize that it comes only from sincere striving to live the commandments of the Lord.


I do not know those for whom this message is specifically intended or to what portion of those present it directly applies. I am confident, however, that if I am supported by your faith and prayers as it is delivered so that I can give expression to the deep feelings of my heart, this message will be of significant benefit to some who need it, provided they apply consistently in their lives the principles emphasized. I do not say this with any degree of personal pride, but in humble recognition of the experience I have had in its preparation. Seldom have I struggled as long and as hard to crystallize the feelings of my heart as I have on this occasion. But finally those sweet, quiet promptings of the Spirit came, which give me confidence to speak with conviction and assurance to those among us who are struggling with feelings of inadequacy or of being left out or of being misunderstood or not appreciated.

Some Encounter Difficulties

Each passing day I am aware that there are many youth of the Church who understand (integral)the teachings of the Savior and apply them faithfully and consistently in their lives. They continue to grow in strength and self-confidence and find their obedience is rewarded with happiness, peace, and self-assurance. I am also aware that there are significant numbers of youth who are striving to identify a path that will bring them satisfaction—a sense of belonging and of self-worth. Some have an intellectual knowledge of gospel principles but have not incorporated them completely into their own lives. They live partially or superficially the teachings of the Savior and, as a consequence, do not receive the fullness of direction that can come from the Lord or the ability to achieve blessings that result from being fully, willingly obedient to His commandments. They have not yet discovered the power and inspiration that come from the Lord to aid all of us in the difficult experiences of life. Such individuals strive mightily to face each day’s challenges on their own, and they encounter difficulties. It is because I now know that they see only a part of the picture and can be stealthily led by Satan down erroneous paths, that, with deep love and empathy and with all the conviction of my soul, I wish to share some personal experiences which a kind and loving Lord has used to help me understand the meaning and power of some of the principles of His gospel.

I too have had such feelings of loneliness and of being left out and not appreciated.

My Life and Learning

I was born into a home where my father was not a member of the church, and my mother was what today some would categorize as inactive. During my early childhood, I did not in any way understand the significance of the fact that there was no priesthood-bearing patriarch or consistent teaching of pure gospel principles in our home. Yet no son could have loved more or been more proud of my father than was I then and am now. He taught his five boys by noble example the importance of industry, integrity, education, manual skills, trust, and obedience. We gained self-confidence through the practice of these worthy traits. Because he traveled frequently and left our precious mother alone for significant periods of time to raise five active, exuberant boys, we discovered in her an amazingly marvelous combination of love, patience, firmness, and diligence. She was and continues to be more a friend and companion than anything else. (I should add the Lord has since greatly blessed our family. Dad is currently a sealer in the Washington Temple, and mother serves with him as a temple worker. Both provide powerful examples of righteous obedience for each of us.)

During my youth, through kind, understanding bishops and patient home teachers and other interested members, the five boys were encouraged to attend Church and to participate in its activities. We did so, although at times reluctantly. I remember with sadness the times when at separation for Sunday School classes, I would slip out the back door to walk in the park. There were, however, times when I listened to the teachings in class. I’m sure that, if anyone would have questioned my testimony and understanding of the gospel, I would have fiercely defended it as being strong and vigorous. Only from the perspective of time and the marvelous experiences of later, more active participation in the Church, do I now realize that I knew very, very little of the true meaning of the gospel plan. I participated in Church activities but somehow felt I was always at the periphery. I would approach Mutual activities daydreaming of a glorious evening dancing with the most popular girls in the ward. The reality of each evening was quite different. As I sat on the sidelines and watched others enjoying themselves, I felt somehow left out, not part of the central group. The same thing occurred in school. Though I felt comfortable in the academic activities, the social and sport activities left me feeling alone and unwanted. It was not until a lot later in life that I realized it was largely my fault.

I have since learned that one cannot demand love and respect or require that the bonds of friendship and appreciation be extended as an unearned right. These blessings must be earned. They come from personal merit. Sincere concern for others, selfless service and worthy example qualify one for such respect. All my rationalization that others had formed select groups and knowingly ruled out my participation was largely a figment of my imagination. Had I practiced correct principles, I need not have felt alone.

Well did President McKay repeatedly observe, “Every man, every person radiates what he or she is. Every person is a recipient of radiation” (“The Times Call for Courageous Youth and True Manhood,” Improvement Era, June 1969, p. 116). Where proper gospel principles are observed, that radiation invites friendship and trust. Where they are lacking, there is a negative unpleasant radiation that closes the doors to righteous companionship.

During my last year at the university, I looked forward to the prospects of a fine professional future and had my life very well outlined. Then a kind and thoughtful Lord placed a bombshell in my little world. Her name was Jeanene Watkins. Her father’s call to the senate brought her to Washington, D.C., where I lived. The more I knew her, the more fascinated I became, and each opportunity to be with her deepened the growing love within my heart. One evening as we conversed about the important things of life, she innocently said, “When I marry, I’ll marry in the temple, a returned missionary.” That comment struck me to the core. It began a process of reflection, contemplation, and prayer that resulted in my receiving a call as a missionary to Uruguay.

I thought myself ill prepared to teach the gospel to anyone. I had an intellectual understanding of some of the gospel principles that I recognized needed to be converted into a heart-centered, Holy-Ghost-inspired, burning testimony of truth. I struggled to communicate to the Lord my feelings of gratitude for the privilege of service, of the blessing of righteous parents, and for the love of one of His most precious handmaidens. I asked Him to help me become an effective servant in His hands. I strained to forget self, struggled to help others, and in the process, the skeleton of the teachings I had received took on the flesh and blood of new life and meaning.

I discovered that we are not left alone to face the challenges of life, but can receive guidance and strength from a loving, understanding God in heaven. I bathed my pillow with tears of pleading for the mercy of the Lord to forgive a wayward soul or to fortify a family in need—and found my own needs met. I pleaded that a heart could be softened or a struggling father could be given a personal witness of truth—and discovered the limitless breadth of love.

Familiar scriptures, through prayer and application, guided me to new depths of understanding and appreciation. I had read the words many times. They now took on new meaning—

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all . . .

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. [Moroni 7:45–47]

What a priceless message for any who would enjoy the comforting circle of true friendship. How I wanted then, as I do now, to share those exquisite feelings of love and appreciation—of belonging.

There were then, as now, constantly new lessons. Well do I remember the first time, when, as I pleaded with the Lord in solemn prayer for the help and guidance and feeling of support I had come to cherish, there was no answer. Rather I felt a barrier—an insurmountable wall. I reviewed my life, my feelings, my acts, and all that could affect such communication and found no problems. It was not until after much more purposeful struggling that there came the clarification. What I had felt was not a wall but a giant step, an opportunity to rise to a higher spiritual plane—an opportunity evidencing trust that I would obey correct principles without the necessity of constant reinforcement. After more effort, the peaceful, comforting presence of the Spirit returned.

Four Principles

I wish I had some magic wand that would allow me to touch the hearts of each for whom this message is intended and communicate the experiences that have flowed from a loving Father since that time, but I cannot. I can, however, mention four principles that I have come to recognize as the foundation of happiness and growth and the secure feeling of companionship with the Lord.

These four principles have brought the deepest feelings of worthwhileness, peace, and happiness into my own life. The Lord has established these cornerstones in His eternal plan, and each one is essential. All work together in harmony and reinforce one another and, when they are applied with diligence and consistency, produce strength of character and increasing ability to convert the challenges of life into stepping-stones to happiness now and forever. They are—

* Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His program

* Repentance to rectify the consequences of mistakes of omission or commission

* Obedience to the commandments of the Lord to provide strength and direction in our lives.

* Selfless service to enrich our daily existence

Satan also knows that these principles, if observed consistently, will render an individual increasingly resistant to his temptations. He has developed a comprehensive plan to undermine or destroy each one of them. For example, to dispose of faith, Satan would plant and cultivate in each one of us the seeds of selfishness, for he knows that, if left unchecked, they will grow into a monster that can consume and destroy the divine spirit in man. Selfishness is at the root of sin. It reinforces destructive habits that produce a dependence on chemical or physical stimulants that destroy the mind and body. Selfishness leads to unrighteous acts that debauch and deprave the soul.

Satan’s program is based on immediate gratification of selfish desires. Participate now and pay later—yet the full, terrible consequences of payment are never revealed until it is tragically late.

The Spirit of the Lord can over power the stifling effect of selfishness. That Spirit comes with faith, repentance, obedience, and service.

Genius of the Gospel Plan

With the other brethren, I have the privilege of interviewing youth who have stumbled along the way and yet have painstakingly found their way back. Many are anxious to serve a mission. Their backgrounds vary widely, as does the degree of their transgression. Support from others ranges from strong to nonexistent. Yet there is always a common thread of similarity. In every case, without exception, each has come to the realization that wickedness never was happiness. Each has resolved to place into effect the saving principles of the gospel. The proper use of free agency produces the miracle of rebuilt, useful lives. I have personally verified that, until words like faith, prayer, love, and humility become a living part of us through personal experience and the sweet prompting of the Holy Spirit, they hold no great significance and produce no miracles. I found that I could learn gospel teachings intellectually and through the power of reason and analysis, recognizing that they were of significant value. But their enormous power and strength and ability to stretch one beyond the limits of his imagination did not become reality until patient, consistent practice allowed the Holy Spirit to distill and expand their meaning in my heart. The genius of the gospel plan is that by doing, principally in selfless service to others, those things the Lord counsels us to do, we are given every understanding, every capacity, every capability necessary to provide rich fulfillment in this life and the preparation necessary for eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord.

Yet anyone that paints a picture of life as being easy, without challenge, is either not being honest or has not yet encountered the growing experiences which the Lord gives each of His children to prepare them for happiness in this life and the blessing of dwelling eternally in His presence. The purpose of these experiences has been clarified by the Lord:

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. [Ether 12:27]

Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote:

No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.

We can, however, avoid unnecessary sorrow and distress. President Tanner has wisely counseled:

The first thing to remember is that if we really understand and live the principles of the gospel, we won’t find ourselves in some of the predicaments we get into. Much of the loneliness, heartache and despair which is common to so many people, have come because either they or someone in their family or their mate did not live the principles of the gospel, or did not apply the principle of repentance.

That is the second thing to remember. If you do get into trouble, or have not kept the commandments and have transgressed, then we have this glorious principle of repentance to help us erase the guilt and start all over again. The Doctrine and Covenants tells us, “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.” [D&C 58:43]

The Drain of Worry

Some of us divert our best efforts from constructive accomplishment by investing them in mental anguish and continual worry. The Lord has taught me a great lesson about worry that I would like to share with you today. After a wonderful full-time mission, where everything that has subsequently proven to be of eternal value in my life began to mature, I was sealed in the temple to my lovely Jeanene. She had fulfilled her mission while I was serving mine. We began our life together with every expectation of happiness, having some understanding of the application of the principles of the gospel in our lives. I was blessed, I’m convinced, through the kindness of the Lord to obtain a job in a new, highly developmental pioneer effort to place a nuclear plant in a submarine. The work was fascinating, challenging, and absorbing. When combined with the natural growth experiences that come with the formation of a new family unit and Church assignments, I found each day fully occupied.

Within eight months, I was in the office of a doctor being carefully examined to determine if I had ulcers. For weeks each night I would return home from work with a severe headache, and only after a long, quiet period of isolation could I calm my nerves sufficiently to sleep briefly and return to work the next day. I began to prayerfully consider my plight. It was ridiculous. All I wanted to do was to be a worthy husband and father and carry out honorably my Church and professional assignments. My best efforts produced frustration, worry, and illness. In time, I was prompted to divide mentally and physically, where possible, all of the challenges and tasks and assignments given to me into two categories: First, those for which I had some ability to control and to resolve, I put into a mental basket called “concern.” Second, all the rest of the things that were either brought to me or I imagined I had the responsibility to carry out, but over which I had no control, I put in a basket called “worry.” I realized I could not change them to any significant degree, so I studiously strove to completely forget them. The items in the “concern” basket were ordered in priority. I conscientiously tried to resolve them to the best of my ability. I realized that I could not always fulfill all of them on schedule or to the degree of competence I desired, but I did my conscientious best.

Occasionally as I sat in my office, I’d feel my stomach muscles tighten and tension overcome me. I would cease whatever activity I was engaged in and with earnest prayer for support, concentrate on relaxing and overcoming the barrier that worry produced in my life. Over a period of time, those efforts were blessed by the Lord. I again came to understand how the Lord is willing to strengthen, fortify, guide, and direct every phase of life. The symptoms of illness passed, and I learned to face tasks under pressure.

Worthy Accomplishment=Success

Why is there such emphasis in the world today on things? When things become an end unto themselves—the object of our effort, not tools to be used to reach greater more noble goals—they become part of Satan’s plan to deflect us from the Lord’s program. They can lead us carefully down to hell. Things do not produce happiness on earth nor do they provide exaltation. Material things are to be respected for their value as tools. Every artist, surgeon, or writer needs tools. They become instruments for greater good and should not at any time be the ultimate goal of life.

Much of life’s disappointment comes from looking beyond the mark, from seeking success and happiness where it cannot be found. When wealth, position, influence, and power become measures of success in life, we should not be disappointed when their attainment does not produce the satisfaction and blessings promised for fulfillment of the commandments of the Lord.

The Savior declared as His work and glory “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). He enthroned love for one another, service to a neighbor, and building the kingdom of God for His glory and majesty as noble worthy goals that produce rewards beyond all power of expression.

Mormon gave us precious insight when he declared:

For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.” [Moroni 7:16–17]

I have obtained a personal witness that the true monument to an individual is worthy accomplishment, not mounds of paper plans or hoards of accumulated possessions. The eternal progress we attain in our own life and our contributions to that progress in the lives of others are measure enough of the worthwhileness of our efforts here on earth. No matter who we are, what lofty position we hold, or what powerful influence we wield, these things in and of themselves are of no lasting moment. Of real worth is how well we serve as instruments in the hands of the Lord to accomplish his divine will or how devotedly we obey His commandments and worthily receive His ordinances. In the final analysis, all our success can be measured by how effectively we can interpret and accomplish the will of our Father in Heaven in our own lives, the lives of our own family and loved ones, and the lives of His other children we are blessed to serve.

Conclusion

It has been a distinct honor to have been in your presence today, and I’m not sure how many present benefited from the comments made. I ask, if they apply to someone you know, that you will share them. Once in my life, I had the feelings of being left out. I now share the companionship of incomparable brotherhood and sisterhood, a feeling of belonging, of being useful, and I recognize that it comes only from sincere striving to live the commandments of the Lord. There are those about us on every side who would justify taking a path contrary to that of the Lord because they feel rejected. Oh, how essential it is to touch such a heart and have it feel the expanding influence of the Holy Ghost and to show to such an individual how every problem of life can be corrected when the gospel is allowed to flow into one’s life.

May God bless each of us to appreciate our heritage, the privilege of attending this glorious university, the great honor of being children of our Father in Heaven with testimonies of truth. May we share it with those in need, I humbly pray in Jesus’ name. Amen."

© Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Richard G. Scott

Richard G. Scott was a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional address was given at Brigham Young University on 10 August 1982.

Sunday, February 4, 2024

My Personal Hall of Fame

 I recently had two questions which sunk deep into my heart and  had me pondering on how I would answer:  "Who is it in your heart of hearts that you honor? Who is permitted a place in that sacred sanctuary that is your personal hall of fame?"

Today as I was reflecting on those two questions my beloved Poppers was the first who popped into my mind.  Then my favorite Primary Teacher Mrs. Henry came into my mind.  She was the one who laid a foundation of eternal truths that prepared me for the spiritual truths that would be built upon it..

My eighth grade teacher Mr Carter who stayed after school with me every day just so I could get a C in Algebra.  I then thought of my beloved piano teacher Mrs King who opened the door for my musical talent to grow and thrive along with my band teacher Mr Pollack who introduced me to the world of wood instruments.  Both him and Mrs King had desires and hopes that I would go to Juliet's to further develop my talent and love of music.

Bishop Anderson and Brother Layton who lovingly encouraged me to grow and thrive in the church knowing that I came from a part member family.   Aunt Alzora and Aunt Marion, Aunt Alzora who welcomed me and allowed me to assist with her bible studies and taught me the song "Jesus loves me this I know cause the bible tells me so."  Aunt Marion who taught me how to play gin rummy and with my moms help taught me how to bake.  I am just now refinding my love of baking and playing the piano.  Both were lost to me when I lost my mom and poppers.  

Grandma Hice who was our local Avon lady.  Everyone loved her.  I approached her one day and asked if she would be my grandma?  She asked, "Don't you have a Grandma?  I then shared with her that all my grandparents were gone.  She then wrapped her arms around me and said, "From now on I will be your Grandma."  Oh, how I loved her because true to her word she was my "grandma."   In the late 90's I met my adopted Grandma Flora, Aunt Kay and Aunt Gayle.  Aunt Kay taught me to cross stitch and some history of Florida.  Grandma Flora and Aunt Gail taught me southern manners and introduced me to southern hospitality.  I have cherished memories of my short time with them.  My favorite New Yorker who ignited my curiosity of seeing her beloved New York.  She has been my adopted mothers best friend for many years

My Uncle Fred, Uncle Ralph and my beloved Uncle Vick.  Uncle Fred instilled in me the love of family.  Uncle Ralph who had a contagious sense of humor.  Uncle Vick because he never gave up on me.   There are so many between the Coxies, Bradshaws, Spencers, Reynolds and Scherer's extended family that touched my life and left their imprints upon my heart.

As I grew, I wandered away from the safety net of my family and found myself in a cruel and hostile world.  It was during that time I met my husband.  He has stayed with me through many dark times and rescued me from a very dark period of my life.  He introduced me to a very special love that a husband and wife share as they overcome their obstacles together.

Brother Boyle who was the first in many years to remind me  I was a beloved daughter of God and taught me how to get the most from my daily scripture study.  Inspirational institute teachers who challenged me and laid a foundation for deeper truths.  A patient and loving visiting teacher whose first words upon finally meeting me were, "your eyes are bright, you're not dead."  I loved her instantly.  She was the one who encouraged me to go to the temple.  Brother Garner whose simple counsel of "drive slow and be steady.' 

President Phillips and his counselors who were key instruments in my beloved mom, poppers and I being sealed.  Brother Leavitt who had me promise that I would stay in the "mainstream of the Brethren and I would attend the temple at least once a month."  (The closest temple then was Boise.)

Adam, Eve, Enoch, Elijah, Isaiah, Job, Jeremiah, John the beloved, Paul, Peter, Ammon, Alma, Helaman, Moroni and Nephi are just a few of my favorites I've found in my scripture study. The Prophet Joseph Smith, President Brigham Young, President David O McKay, President Hinkley, President Monson and our current Prophet President Nelson, President Ballard, President Packer, Elder Neal A Maxwell, Elder Haight, President Holland, Elder Uchtdorf, Elder Pinegar, Brother Talmage, Brother Truman S Madsen, Brother Stephen Covey, Brother Nibley and Brother Michael S Wilcox all would be included in my personal hall of fame.  But in the center of all these inspirational people who have touched my life would be a picture of my best friend, my Elder brother, my mediator, and greatest ally.  My beloved Savior and my greatest inspiration Jesus Christ who in His infinite wisdom placed me in the orbit of some of  His greatest teachers.

Monday, January 29, 2024

"But We Heeded Them Not"

 Today I was called in to work for a couple hours this morning.  As I was doing my job I observed a couple cashiers whispering and looking at straight at me.  My first thought was to go and confront them and ask what their issue was with me being there but as I started to act on that thought the spirit immediately whispered, "Heed them not."  So, I took his advice and completed my labors for the day.

As I was driving home, Lehi's vision of the tree started running through my mind especially the great and spacious building where there was many mocking and pointing.  Tonight as I was studying my come follow me and reading the assigned chapter.  I found myself studying Nephi's desire to learn the meaning of his father's dream.   In my come follow me manual they suggested one read Elder Bednar's conference address "But We Heeded Them Not."  I printed out his thoughts but found myself reading Elder L Aldins BYU Address.  It truly spoke to me.  I hope it speaks to another as it has me and that I may continue to learn to "heed them not."

"There, tucked away as a tiny comment, was the answer—simple, clear, and enormously effective: “but we heeded them not.” Difficult to do? Yes. Clear to understand? Yes!


Thank you, President Lee. I am a friend of BYU. I love BYU. Sister Porter and I were here more years ago than I would like to say, other than to tell you that we have grandchildren who are now seeking to enter BYU, so that will give you some impression of how much time has passed. Our love for this institution has never wavered.

One reason for that came to mind as I sat here watching you arrive today. There is a goodness about you that can be felt as one sits here and looks into your faces and listens to the marvelous music we’ve just heard. I like to return to this campus.

You can tell a great deal about a community, a nation, or a civilization by noting on whom they shower fame, wealth, and influence. Have you ever thought about that?

In a letter to John Adams on October 28, 1813, Thomas Jefferson said:

There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents. . . . There is also an artificial aristocracy, founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents. [Adrienne Koch and William Peden, eds., The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson (New York: Random House, 1993), p. 579]

President David O. McKay, speaking in the October general conference of 1949, said there would come a time “when nobility of character [would] be recognized as being greater than intellect” (“The Sunday School Looks Forward,” Improvement Era, December 1949, p. 863). My hope is that even sooner, nobility of character will be recognized as being greater than outstanding athletic or musical or acting ability. Please do not misunderstand. It is to be devoutly wished that you leave here highly skilled in music, business, science, drama, the law, athletics, history, or in whatever your chosen field may be. But, I ask you, what of virtue? I use that term this morning in its broadest meaning, “a moral excellence in all aspects of one’s life.” Consider for a moment: Who is it in your heart of hearts that you honor? Who is permitted a place in that sacred sanctuary that is your personal hall of fame?

For many years I have engaged in a series of educational experiments. I have asked friends and associates, even casual seat partners on airplanes, “Who is the greatest person you have ever met?” Some have answered quickly, and others have pondered for a considerable time. When they have named someone, I have always followed with another question. “What is there about this person that has caused you to feel this way?”

As they begin to describe attributes, I have been able to learn much that is important about the person speaking. It has helped me to understand what characteristics the speaker feels deeply about. And, as you can appreciate, these conversations have often led to discussions about the Lord’s plan of happiness.

It is my suggestion that you try it on yourself some Sunday afternoon when you have uninterrupted time to think and ponder. Just ask yourself what it is about the person you admire most that causes you to admire him or her. As you ponder these qualities, you will learn some things about yourself.

There is a companion question that should be asked: Who is it that has influenced you the most, but whom you have never met? That broadens the horizon considerably.

Samuel the Lamanite, in speaking to the Nephites, asked a question: “Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides?” (Helaman 13:29). I wonder how many of us today permit ourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides?

Is there some way to test the guides in our lives? The answer is obviously yes. There is a test, and it has many names. In the scriptures it is called the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, the plan of salvation, the great plan of the Eternal God. Each of these names has been taken from the scriptures, and there are at least that many more names in the scriptures, all referring to one plan that exists for the eternal happiness of men and women. Our lives need order, and order requires a plan. The Father of us all has given us one. The plan says, among other things, that there was a premortal existence, and each if us was there. Agency is part of that eternal plan, as is the fall of man and the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The plan tells us that the individual survives the grave and there is a spirit world, a judgment, and a resurrection. There is a concept involving the plan that Alma teaches, which I sincerely wish Sister Porter and I had understood as we left this institution so many years ago. It would have been so much easier to raise our children.

Those of you who are parents, and all of you who are going to be parents, take note. I read from the words of Alma:

Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness. [Alma 12:32]

Why do I wish we had known it? I suppose in a sense we did, but it would have been helpful if we’d had a better concept. Let me suggest to you that when the day comes that you tell your teenagers they cannot stay out at night as late as they wish with whomsoever they wish, stop and explain the plan of happiness. Tell them that parents must do their duty, and give them commandments after explaining the plan. Teach them that a very important part of the plan is the law of chastity, the violation of which has eternal consequences, including “an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness.” Of course, there is also a law of repentance that is part of the plan of happiness. Help your children understand that the cost of sin is enormous to the offender and to the Savior. Further, it is my deep conviction that there are few, if any, in this group today who totally understand the mortal and eternal consequences of the violation of God’s commands in relation to the law of chastity. It is very difficult because Satan has largely convinced this world that its violation is of no serious consequence.

Brother Rodney Turner wrote with great insight about our times when he said:

Our moral environment is far more polluted than our physical environment. It seems as though good and evil are being homogenized out of existence by a generation largely led by “foolish and blind guides” (Hel. 13:29). What was once whispered in shame is now electronically shouted from the housetops as the famous and the foolish appear on television to parade their sins, like so many medals, before laughing, applauding audiences. Every aspect of modern communication seems to have been appropriated by Satan to legitimize the everlastingly illegitimate. It is imperative that Latter-day Saints view these times from a gospel perspective and follow the counsel of our prophet by taking warning from the teachings—and the fate—of an earlier generation of Americans, the Nephites. [Rodney Turner, “Morality and Marriage in the Book of Mormon,” The Book of Mormon: Jacob Through Words of Mormon, To Learn with Joy, Papers from the Fourth Annual Book of Mormon Symposium (Provo: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1990), p. 272]

Should not a warning voice be raised about whom you permit to enter that sacred place in your personal hall of fame? If you desire to cultivate virtue in your life, should you not choose carefully whom you permit in that personal sanctuary? Should they be more than talented in the arts or in athletics or in the professions?

Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof taught a marvelous principle. You’ll recall he sang a song entitled “If I Were a Rich Man.” He expressed the thought that he would like to be rich so people would come to him for advice. Then Tevye says, “It won’t make one bit of difference if I answer right or wrong. When you’re rich, they think you really know.” It is important to understand that everything said, written, sung, or insinuated by the wealthy or famous is not necessarily so. Surely all of us here are on a quest for virtue in our lives. I ask the question again: Should we not choose carefully whom we will open our hearts and minds to?

Brother Truman Madsen opened a door of enlightenment as he concluded his excellent work on the life of President B. H. Roberts. You’ll recall the book is entitled Defender of the Faith. In that book, he quoted President Roberts as he described

the quality that linked him [Brigham Young] to God; that added in large measure the strength and wisdom of God to his own strength and wisdom. . . . The man [or woman] who so walks in the light and wisdom and power of God, will at the last, by the very force of association, make the light and wisdom and power of God his own—weaving those bright rays into a chain divine, linking himself forever to God and God to him. . . . Beyond this human greatness cannot achieve. [Truman Madsen, ed., Defender of the Faith: The B. H. Roberts Story (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980), p. 390]

Is it not clear that he who walks in the wickedness and depravity of Lucifer, even if only in the mind, also weaves those dark rays into a chain that will bind him? One whose mind is saturated, even intermittently, with wicked or pornographic thoughts will find when he seeks to escape that he has forged a formidable chain indeed.

We, here on this campus and as members of the Church, hear the prophets speak, and we come away determined to do what we already knew was right, the correctness of which has been brought to our attention one more time by the prophets. This is truly life’s struggle. There are a few who will help us, but there seem to be many who will make light of our efforts and seek to shame us for simply trying to do the right thing.

There are ways to protect ourselves. Bruce Hafen asked the following question:

Have we really comprehended how the devil operates? Lehi’s vision of the great and spacious building, for example, tells us graphically that the one main weapon used by the wicked is mocking and derision. . . . When you know your opponent’s play book, it’s a lot easier to plan your defense. [Bruce Hafen, “J. Reuben Clark,” BYU Today, September 1988, p. 22]

President Ezra Taft Benson gave us great insight on Satan’s playbook and on the Savior’s playbook when he told us that “the Book of Mormon was written for us today” (CR, April 1975, p. 94). Referring to the Nephites, he said those people never had the book. “God, who knows the end from the beginning, told him [Mormon] what to [put in the book] that we would need for our day” (ibid .). Each time you read the Book of Mormon, why don’t you say to yourself, “Why did the Lord have Mormon put that particular information in the book?”

For instance, let’s review part of Lehi’s dream and see if we cannot find where the Lord has given us an answer to one of life’s severe challenges.

And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.

And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world. . . .

And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. . . .

And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not. [1 Nephi 8:19–20, 26–27, 33]

There, tucked away as a tiny comment, was the answer—simple, clear, and enormously effective: “but we heeded them not.” Difficult to do? Yes. Clear to understand? Yes!

Elder James E. Faust, who spoke at this podium a few months ago, said, in referring to Lucifer: “He is really a coward, and if we stand firm, he will retreat” (“Trying to Serve the Lord Without Offending the Devil,” BYU 1994–95 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [Provo: Brigham Young University, 1995], p. 64).

Let us continue with another portion of Lehi’s dream.

And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [1 Nephi 11:36]

Brother Hafen was right—when we know our enemy’s playbook, we really can plan our defense.

I ask you to consider with me the response when Lucifer used this very weapon against the boy prophet, who received so much scorn when he simply told the truth about his experience in the Sacred Grove. I quote from the Prophet Joseph:

However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise. . . .

So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation. [JS—H 1:24–25]

Did it bring the Prophet pain? Of course it did. What did he do? He continued with the work of the Restoration. Though the scorn was very painful, he “heeded them not” (1 Nephi 8:33).

Now, I have to point out to you something you know very well. There is fear in each human heart. Satan plays upon our feelings of inadequacy. We are all vulnerable, and when scorn comes, we feel it deeply. Even Moroni shares his concern over this very human malady when he says:

Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words.

And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek. [Ether 12:25–27; emphasis added]

Do the Gentiles—and do some of us who consider ourselves other than Gentiles—mock the words of Moroni? I fear we do, on occasion. I’d ask those faithful missionaries who have stood as witnesses across the earth about the reaction of the world, generally, to the words of Moroni.

The wicked heap scorn when they have no other weapons to use—and too often the righteous run for cover—especially if the mocker can run fast or jump high or sing well or has high-profile degrees or a great deal of money, even if each or all have nothing to do with the subject at hand.

For instance, we voted here in Utah some months ago on whether we wanted to permit gambling at our horse-racing events. During that time a well-known actor, and one for whom I have deep respect as an actor, came on the TV screen deriding those of us who were going to let some “church” tell us what to do. He suggested that those who voted against permitting the gambling were simply following Church leaders without thinking. It was not mature of us to let prophets suggest how we should vote, but if we were convinced by the actor’s viewpoint, we were obviously thinking for ourselves.

I ask you, what are the rewards of standing fast in our own virtue—even against the scorn of the world? They are far more monumental than one might think. Let us share together the experience of Nephi, the son of Helaman and the brother of Lehi. Nephi was suffering depression and discouragement in the building of the kingdom. The Lord spoke to him and said:

Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.

Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. [Helaman 10:4–6; emphasis added]

Because Nephi had stood for truth and virtue, without fear of the world, the Lord told him that he would bless him forever, that he would make him mighty in word, deeds, faith, and works. No blessing that came to Nephi will be denied anyone in this dispensation who will give the same devotion, the same commitment, to the Lord and to his work.

Now what I guess I’m leading up to is this: Among those honorable enough to be in your private hall of fame, let there be the prophets of God, particularly the living prophets of God.

The Lord has placed prophets in the land. They speak the truth. On whatever subject the prophets choose to speak, LISTEN. Listen with your ears, with your minds, and with your hearts. Do not analyze their mortal preparation to speak upon the subject. That’s not where their strength comes from. It is the power of God coupled with his call to them that qualifies them to speak—on any subject. The united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve will never, never, never lead us astray.

What is it that hinders us from absorbing into our very beings the words of the prophets? Could it be that we do not believe them? I think that for most of us here today that is not the problem. Is it that we think they are talking to someone else? Possibly.

Might it be “I wonder what others will think of me if I follow them?” After all, the prophets are not always politically correct.

Let us be honest. Is this not often the real problem?

I was fighting a personal battle one day some years ago trying to be popular with everybody. Did you know that’s dangerous— trying to be popular with everybody? Well, I was doing that. In the midst of my pain, a thought came to me. Its impact really was substantial. The thought was this: “Most people in this world do not care what you think.” Speaking to myself: “They do not care what happens to you. Only YOU will remember this unhappy experience a few months or weeks or days or even hours from now. Furthermore, the people who are respected by you are, by the very nature of things, unpopular with the people who raise the finger of scorn at you.” That was a big day in my life. You might want to ponder that experience. We simply must not be afraid to stand, even if it is quietly, in defense of virtue. We must understand that there really are two forces warring for mankind and that we cannot be in both camps. You cannot be popular with everybody. You can’t have one foot in each camp.

Follow the prophets as they lead us in God’s plan of happiness! In the process expect the scorn of the world. Decide in advance how you are going to handle it, for it most surely will come. Now, beware of those whom the world loves and showers with fame and fortune. They are often unreliable guides in your quest for virtue.

It is necessary that each of us individually obtain a witness that God the Father is real and that there is a living Savior. If it takes a little while, be patient—continue to study the scriptures, pray over your desires to know, and be obedient to the commands of God. It will come in the Lord’s time by the power of the Spirit to your spirit; and when it comes, it will come with certainty, sureness, confidence, and peace.

Now we have to recognize this, that when it does come, with the receipt of that testimony comes the obligation to bear witness to the world of the Lord and his work. Part of the covenant we made in the waters of baptism is that we would “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death” (Mosiah 18:9). From what may be a passive peace in our knowledge of these things, there must eventually come an active witness if we are to be happy.

Alma spoke those marvelous words that we sing and hear often, and love: “Oh, That I Were An Angel.” Listen carefully to why Alma wanted to be an angel.

O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth. [Alma 29:1–2]

You see, we don’t proselyte in this Church just to make the Church larger. We proselyte to make the person larger—more whole, more complete, more certain in the knowledge that there are eternal things. We bring the power of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ through the ordinances so that eternal blessings can come and also that “there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.” We err when we count this Church’s progress through numbers only.

Earlier I referred to the outstanding address given here last November by Elder James E. Faust at this pulpit. I’d like to quote another paragraph. He said:

I wonder how much we offend Satan if the proclamation of our faith is limited only to the great humanitarian work this Church does throughout the world, or to our beautiful buildings, or to this great university, marvelous as these activities are. When we preach the gospel of social justice, no doubt the devil is not troubled. But I believe the devil is terribly offended when we boldly declare by personal testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he saw the Father and the Son; when we preach that the Book of Mormon is another witness for Christ; when we declare that there has been a restoration of the fullness of the gospel in its simplicity and power in order to fulfill the great plan of happiness.

We challenge the powers of darkness when we speak of the perfect life of the Savior and of his sublime work for all mankind through the Atonement. [Faust, “Trying to Serve,” p. 63]

Are we fence straddlers? I suppose it is one’s right to be a fence straddler, but I’d suggest that he then should not assume that he knows very much of the important nature of this work. He or she may have been born in the Church, have attended Primary and seminary and all of the other activities made available to us, yet have remained a fence straddler into adulthood. If one has chosen that course, he at least should have the courage to admit that he’s never joined the fray, has never battled as a witness that there is a God and that his Son is our Savior and the Redeemer of the world. Let him, then, not assume that he can speak with any certainty on the subject of the Sacred Grove and Moroni and the plates of Nephi. Knowledge by itself has never been conviction.

Now, we are not without support when we throw ourselves into the battle to establish the great plan of the Eternal God in our personal lives. Let me share an example of what I mean. I quote from Brigham Young:

You that have not passed through the trials, and persecutions, and drivings, with this people, from the beginning, but have only read of them, or heard some of them related, may think how awful they were to endure, and wonder that the Saints survived them at all. The thought of it makes your hearts sink within you, your brains reel, and your bodies tremble, and you are ready to exclaim, “I could not have endured it.” I have been in the heat of it, and I never felt better in all my life; I never felt the peace and power of the Almighty more copiously poured upon me than in the keenest part of our trials. They appeared [as] nothing to me. [JD 1:313]

Well, are the days of sacrifice over? Certainly not. The missionaries who scatter across the earth have left behind school, family, occupations, friends, fiancées and fiancés, scholarships, and more. Are the blessings attached to personal sacrifice over? Most certainly not! Any devoted mother who nurtures her little ones knows something of sacrifice. Any father who struggles to support and to teach his children knows something of sacrifice. Everyone who gives diligent effort in Church service or service to his fellowman experiences the blessings that come from sacrifice. But we must recognize that there is a price, and so often the price is opposition from the world.

Fourteen days after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Willard Richards and John Taylor, who were with them in the jail at Carthage at the time of the attack, wrote a letter to the president of the British Mission. It is very applicable to us.

It is in this period of time that we are permitted to live. It is at the dawning of that day of days in which our heavenly Father is about to usher in that glorious period when times and seasons shall be changed and earth renewed, when after rumors and commotions, turmoils, strife, confusion, blood and slaughter, the sword shall be beaten into ploughshares, and peace and truth triumphantly prevail o’er all the footstool of Jehovah. The day of these events has dawned, although to human view a cloud has o’erspread the horizon. [HC 7:172; emphasis added]

That day is here. That day is now. My beloved young people, place sentinels by the entrance to your personal hall of fame. Let no one be honored there who is not worthy of your highest respect and emulation. I might suggest to you that the highest positions of honor might be given to our Father in Heaven; to his Son, our Savior and Redeemer; then to the prophets, particularly the Prophet Joseph and the living prophets—because they have given and sustained, through worthy lives, the great plan of happiness devised by our Eternal Father. Learn the plan. Live it. Testify of it, and expect the scorn of the world. When you do, you will find the “peace and power of the Almighty more copiously poured” out upon you.

I bear my personal witness to you that there is a God in Heaven. He is real. He exists. I bear witness that his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, was born in the flesh, that he literally walked forth from the tomb, inhabiting that body which hung upon the cross. I bear testimony to you that they love us and desire for us only happiness, and the process of happiness has been given to us by them in a plan. When we find ourselves in opposition to the plan, we can expect for certainty the tragedy and the sorrow to follow. I bear witness to you that the Lord Jesus Christ lives this very instant and directs his living prophets on the earth today, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

L. Aldin Porter was a member of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional address was given at Brigham Young University on 14 February 1995.

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Invitations from 2023

 Here we are looking at a New Year.  For many 2023 was a trying and difficult year and they are hoping 2024 is better.  For me it was another year of growing and amazing changes which will help me become a better disciple of my Lord and Savior.  I admit I had days where I stomped my feet and threw my childish tantrums.  But I can honestly admit 2023 was an amazing year with amazing experiences that I shall never forget.  It also brought me new friends and took away old friends who had wonderful doors open up to them but I still continue to have my true friends who have stood beside me for many years and many years to come.

Since becoming our churches 17th Prophet and Leader President Nelson has issued many invitations that sunk deeply into my soul and ignited my passion to become a better disciple of my friend and mentor Jesus the Christ.  Oh, how I love Him!!

As I have been reflecting on the ending year and the New upcoming year, I know one thing that has not changed:  "I Know That My Redeemer Lives, He is my trusted Mentor and Friend..."  and He is going to continue to guide me into wonderful new opportunities in 2024.

My hope is that those who read the inspired invitations from our beloved Prophet that they will find some that will sink deep within their hearts and they too in the coming year can become better disciples of our Lord and Savior.

Happy New Year my friends know that you are loved and great things are in store for you when you learn and come to know that YOU are a beloved son and daughter of an Eternal Heavenly Father that loves you unconditionally and has great blessings in store just for You!

Invitations President Nelson has given since he became President of the Church

To those confronting a dilemma, facing temptation, recovering from an injury or losing someone to death prematurely, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day offered two words of counsel: “Think celestial.”

In his October 2023 general conference talkgiven remotely, President Nelson invited all to have an eternal perspective and “take the long view” when making choices.

“Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement,” he taught. “It is also dependent upon your obedience to His laws. Obedience paves the way for a joyful life for you today and a grand, eternal reward tomorrow. 

Throughout his ministry as 17th President of the Church, President Nelson has used general conference, social media and other means to extend invitations to Latter-day Saints worldwide — invitations to act in faith and come closer to Jesus Christ. Here is a look at some of his other invitations.

‘Stay on the covenant path:  In a January 2018 press conference following his ordination as President of the Church, President Nelson said: “Now, to each member of the Church I say: Keep on the covenant path. Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women and children everywhere.”

Whether one is moving along the covenant path, has slipped from the path or can’t see the path from where they are, President Nelson said to priesthood holders during the April 2019 general conference: “I plead with you to repent. Experience the strengthening power of daily repentance — of doing and being a little better each day.”

Increase spiritual capacity, ‘hear Him’:  During his first general conference as the Prophet, President Nelson urged Latter-day Saints to increase their spiritual capacity to receive revelation. “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,” he warned.

In light of the home-centered, Church-supported curriculum emphasized during October 2018 general conference, President Nelson invited individuals and families to remodel their homes into “a sanctuary of faith” and “center of gospel learning.” He promised that changes would be “dramatic and sustaining.”

To help women increase their spiritual capacity, President Nelson invited them during the October 2019 general conference to prayerfully study Doctrine and Covenants 25 and “all the truths you can find about priesthood power.”

President Nelson extended an invitation in a February 2020 social media post tied to the 200th anniversary of the First Vision. He explained that Heavenly Father personally introduced His Son, Jesus Christ, to Joseph Smith, with a specific charge to “hear Him.”

“I invite you to think deeply and often about this key question: How do you hear Him?” President Nelson wrote. President Nelson spoke more about this invitation during April 2020 general conference.

Gather Israel and ‘let God prevail:  The gathering of Israel is “the most important thing taking place on earth today,” President Nelson told youth during a worldwide devotional in June 2018, inviting them to enlist in the Lord’s youth battalion to gather Israel. “This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.”

He encouraged the youth to read daily from the Book of Mormon, and he offered five invitations he promised “will change you and help change the world”:

  • Hold a seven-day fast from social media.
  • Make a weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord.
  • Stay on the covenant path. 
  • Pray daily that all of God’s children might receive gospel blessings. 
  • Stand out and be a light.

During his address in the general women’s session of October 2018 general conference, President Nelson extended “a prophetic plea” to the women of the Church to participate in the gathering of Israel. He invited the women to hold a 10-day fast from social media, read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year, attend the temple regularly and participate fully in Relief Society. 

One of the Hebraic meanings of the word “Israel” is “let God prevail,” President Nelson taught during October 2020 general conference. He asked Church members across the globe: “Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life?” He encouraged members as they study their scriptures to make a list of God’s blessings to covenant Israel.

Build bridges of understanding:  Amid protests, riots and violence across the United States in late May and early June 2020, President Nelson posted a statement on social media condemning racism and pleading for peace.  “We need to work tirelessly to build bridges of understanding rather than creating walls of segregation,” President Nelson wrote. “I plead with us to work together for peace, for mutual respect and for an outpouring of love for all of God’s children.”

 

In a joint op-ed column published June 8, 2020, President Nelson and senior leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People called for racial reform, asking “people everywhere to join us in a journey of understanding and overcoming.”

“We invite all to pray to God that the people of this land will heed the divine call to abandon attitudes of prejudice against any group of God’s children,” wrote the leaders. “We also invite people of goodwill everywhere to look for ways to reach out and serve someone of a different background or race. Everyone can do something.”

A few months later, in October 2020 general conference, President Nelson called upon Latter-day Saints to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice

#GiveThanks:  To bring hope and healing during a time of global instability and uncertainty, President Nelson prescribed a “fast-acting and long-lasting” spiritual remedy in a worldwide video message on Nov. 20, 2020. He extended two invitations related to the “healing power of gratitude.” 

“First, I invite you — just for the next seven days — to turn social media into your own personal gratitude journal. Post every day about what you are grateful for, who you are grateful for and why you are grateful,” he said, inviting all to use the hashtag #GiveThanks.

“Second, let us unite in thanking God through daily prayer. Jesus Christ taught His disciples to pray by first expressing gratitude to God, and then petitioning Him for the things we need. Prayer brings forth miracles.”

Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available in this life, said President Nelson during the April 2021 general conference

“My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith,” he declared. “Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.”

President Nelson offered five suggestions to help Latter-day Saints develop that faith and trust:

  • Study. Become an engaged learner.
  • Choose to believe in Jesus Christ.
  • Act in faith.
  • Partake of sacred ordinances worthily.
  • Ask Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.

Strengthen spiritual foundation:  When the major renovation to the Salt Lake Temple is complete, there will be no safer place during an earthquake in the Salt Lake Valley than inside that temple, said President Nelson during October 2021 general conference. He called on Latter-day Saints to implement “extraordinary measures” to strengthen their personal spiritual foundations

“If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ,” he said.

On Jan 1, 2022, as many were setting aside time to write down resolutions for the coming year, President Nelson shared three suggestions in a social media post:

  • Resolve to strengthen your spiritual foundation.
  • Resolve to be kind to others. 
  • Resolve to be resolute. 

“The Lord loves effort,” he wrote. “The Lord loves consistency. The Lord loves steadfastness. While we surely will come up short from time to time, our persistent efforts to hear Him and follow the inspiration He gives us will help us to ‘wax strong in the Spirit’ (Mosiah 18:26).”

Maintain spiritual momentum:  To counteract the speed with which evil is intensifying, positive spiritual momentum is needed now more than ever, President Nelson said during April 2022 general conference  Echoing previous invitations he had extended, President Nelson suggested five specific actions that can help maintain positive spiritual momentum:

  • Get on the covenant path and stay there. 
  • Experience the joy of repenting daily. 
  • Learn about God and how He works. 
  • Seek and expect miracles. 
  • Strive to end conflict in your life.

“As you act on these pursuits,” President Nelson said, “I promise you the ability to move forward on the covenant path with increased momentum, despite whatever obstacles you face. And I promise you greater strength to resist temptation, more peace of mind, freedom from fear, and greater unity in your families.”

Focus on eternal identifiers, ‘take charge’ of testimony:  In a worldwide devotional in May 2022, President Nelson taught young adults three fundamental truths that will help them make righteous choices for eternity. He told them that first and foremost, “you are a child of God, a child of the covenant and a disciple of Jesus Christ. …

“I plead with you not to replace these three paramount and unchanging identifiers with any others, because doing so could stymie your progress or pigeonhole you in a stereotype that could potentially thwart your eternal progression.

He emphasized that each individual must work out their own conversion and extended an invitation that he later reiterated on social media: “I plead with you to take charge of your testimony. Work for it. Own it. Care for it. Nurture it so that it will grow. Feed it truth. Don’t pollute it with the false philosophies of unbelieving men and women and then wonder why your testimony is waning.

“Engage in daily, earnest, humble prayer,” President Nelson continued. “Nourish yourself in the words of ancient and modern prophets. Ask the Lord to teach you how to hear Him better. Spend more time in the temple and in family history work. As you make your testimony your highest priority, watch for miracles to happen in your life.”

Focus on the temple and find rest:  At the close of October 2022 general conference, President Nelson invited Church members around the globe to “focus on the temple in ways you never have before.”

Spending more time in the temple, he said earlier in the conference, is one way to find rest — or peace — from the challenges of today’s world. “My plea to you this morning is to find rest from the intensity, uncertainty and anguish of this world by overcoming the world through your covenants with God,” President Nelson said.

President Nelson reiterated an invitation he extended to young adults “to take charge of your own testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. He called upon Latter-day Saints everywhere to “become [a] righteous people.”

Patience, persistence and prayer:  In his first official communication of 2023, President Nelson shared three lessons he has learned as a deep sea fisherman to help others in the coming year:

  • Be patient.
  • Be persistent.
  • Be prayerful.

“Call upon God for the strength you need as you labor diligently to become a better version of yourself — a better disciple of Jesus Christ, a brighter light in the world,” he wrote in a social media post on Jan. 1.

Be a peacemaker  How individuals treat one another at home, at church, at work and online really matters, President Nelson said during April 2023 general conference. “Today, I am asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way. … 

“Contention is a choice. Peacemaking is a choice. You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to be a peacemaker, now and always.”

 

Latter-day Saints can change the world one person and one interaction at a time. “How? By modeling how to manage honest differences of opinion with mutual respect and dignified dialogue,” President Nelson said.