I have wanted to post this for a while now. They are some of my notes from a talk/article that I reread recently, about some things that have been on my mind for a while. I am taking a different approach to my scripture study this year. For years I have wished that I had a catalog of thoughts that I could refer to whenever I felt so inclined. I have a file of some topics but I wanted a much more intense and detailed one. So now when I sit down to read/study, I have my little notebook next to my scriptures, and every time I read something that makes an impression (or causes me to have an impression or insight) I write it down. I first write the topic, then the reference and thought underneath. Someday I will type it all up by category so I have a nice little personal reference file. It is coming along nicely. It is also interesting to go back and read the impressions I have had about certain things at certain times. It is one of the invaluable blessings of the gospel. Personal revelelations is a true blessing, one that reminds me, daily, that Heavenly Father is aware of us, He knows us, and wants us to learn and grow. He speaks to his children. Why wouldn't He?
Once a month we get the Ensign (a church publication.) I like to sit and read it cover to cover (just like a Reader's Digest, only better!) I came across a talk that really articulated well, what I had been thinking about and trying to make sense of for some time.
It is a talk called "Defending the family in a troubled world" by Elder Bruce D. Porter (Ensign June 2011) These were some of the quotes that stood out to me.
"Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together". It's true, right? Any time any one of us, parents or children, put ourselves and our wants above the others, the balance is thrown off and there is discontent. (Notice I said wants, and not needs. That is quite different.)
"Today, however, the world is in danger of abandoning all sense of absolute right and wrong, all morality and virtue, and replacing them with an all encompassing "tolerance" that no longer means what it once meant. And extreme definition of tolerance is now widespread that implicitly or explicitly endorses the right of every person to choose their own morality and truth were mere matters of personal preference. This extreme tolerance culminates in a refusal to recognize any fixed standards or draw moral distinctions of any kind. When tolerance is so inflated out of all proportions, it means the death of virtue, for the essence of morality is to draw clear distinctions between right and wrong. Regardless of what the future may hold, God has ordained that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, the parents of the church will be given power to help save their children from the darkness around them."
It struck a chord with me for lots of reasons. One, being that there are a lot of issues around us today, both in the social and political arenas that separate us as members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are a rather conservative religion with solid beliefs about where we come from, who we are and where we are going. We have a road map of how to do that, it is unwavering. And yet in the world that we live in, our views are pegged as being intolerant, biased, bigoted and close minded. We strive to preserve the family, which is central to our Heavenly Father's plan. We are defending it because it is more precious than anything else. It does not mean that we hate people, or that we are un-compassionate or unloving towards human condition. There are, without a doubt, challenges all around us and in us that complicate life and its beliefs, but trial and adversity is the key to unlock experience, which begets growth, understanding and knowledge. It is not supposed to be easy. Nothing that is of worth, comes without a fight.
I fear for my kids who are growing up, surrounded and saturated by the belief that we need to be more "open minded" and "tolerant". Because in most cases all that means is that people want us to forsake our core beliefs in order to accept anything and everything. In moving that line of morality so often we are dissolving it all together. It will not be easy. We will be ridiculed for it. People will look at our "intolerances" and interpret that as hatred toward individuals which is a gross misrepresentation. We are taught love and acceptance of the individual. I know that it is a difficult task for some to separate the individual from their beliefs or actions, but that is what we are taught. It is at the core to love one another. No one is perfect, and it may be a difficult thing to understand or separate in some minds but that's what it is.
I hope that I can have the fortitude to teach my kids. My hope is that they will be able to understand and embrace the doctrine of these truths. It will save them in a world that is swirling about them. The gospel and these truths will be the anchor.
But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they.
(Mormon 5:18, Book of Mormon)
Ironic as it is, I don't like the ocean (ironic because my husband is in the Navy and we have always lived near the ocean....love the coast, love the shore, don't love being out in the ocean.) It is this image of being out in the water, away from the shore, being tossed upon the waves without sail or anchor that terrifies me. And when thinking of the spiritual ramifications of being "without sail or anchor", that is even more paralyzing. What then, of the thought of it being my children out there? I will not shirk from teaching them right from wrong. My prayer is that I can do it while teaching an increase of love and compassion. They may be ridiculed, they may be teased or called awful things that are a shadow of the truth. I hope they will understand that what people may think of them, because of their beliefs, is born of a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of our beliefs.
It will be worth it.
I hope this post was interesting, even if it had no pictures.
Once a month we get the Ensign (a church publication.) I like to sit and read it cover to cover (just like a Reader's Digest, only better!) I came across a talk that really articulated well, what I had been thinking about and trying to make sense of for some time.
It is a talk called "Defending the family in a troubled world" by Elder Bruce D. Porter (Ensign June 2011) These were some of the quotes that stood out to me.
"Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together". It's true, right? Any time any one of us, parents or children, put ourselves and our wants above the others, the balance is thrown off and there is discontent. (Notice I said wants, and not needs. That is quite different.)
"Today, however, the world is in danger of abandoning all sense of absolute right and wrong, all morality and virtue, and replacing them with an all encompassing "tolerance" that no longer means what it once meant. And extreme definition of tolerance is now widespread that implicitly or explicitly endorses the right of every person to choose their own morality and truth were mere matters of personal preference. This extreme tolerance culminates in a refusal to recognize any fixed standards or draw moral distinctions of any kind. When tolerance is so inflated out of all proportions, it means the death of virtue, for the essence of morality is to draw clear distinctions between right and wrong. Regardless of what the future may hold, God has ordained that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, the parents of the church will be given power to help save their children from the darkness around them."
It struck a chord with me for lots of reasons. One, being that there are a lot of issues around us today, both in the social and political arenas that separate us as members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are a rather conservative religion with solid beliefs about where we come from, who we are and where we are going. We have a road map of how to do that, it is unwavering. And yet in the world that we live in, our views are pegged as being intolerant, biased, bigoted and close minded. We strive to preserve the family, which is central to our Heavenly Father's plan. We are defending it because it is more precious than anything else. It does not mean that we hate people, or that we are un-compassionate or unloving towards human condition. There are, without a doubt, challenges all around us and in us that complicate life and its beliefs, but trial and adversity is the key to unlock experience, which begets growth, understanding and knowledge. It is not supposed to be easy. Nothing that is of worth, comes without a fight.
I fear for my kids who are growing up, surrounded and saturated by the belief that we need to be more "open minded" and "tolerant". Because in most cases all that means is that people want us to forsake our core beliefs in order to accept anything and everything. In moving that line of morality so often we are dissolving it all together. It will not be easy. We will be ridiculed for it. People will look at our "intolerances" and interpret that as hatred toward individuals which is a gross misrepresentation. We are taught love and acceptance of the individual. I know that it is a difficult task for some to separate the individual from their beliefs or actions, but that is what we are taught. It is at the core to love one another. No one is perfect, and it may be a difficult thing to understand or separate in some minds but that's what it is.
I hope that I can have the fortitude to teach my kids. My hope is that they will be able to understand and embrace the doctrine of these truths. It will save them in a world that is swirling about them. The gospel and these truths will be the anchor.
But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they.
(Mormon 5:18, Book of Mormon)
Ironic as it is, I don't like the ocean (ironic because my husband is in the Navy and we have always lived near the ocean....love the coast, love the shore, don't love being out in the ocean.) It is this image of being out in the water, away from the shore, being tossed upon the waves without sail or anchor that terrifies me. And when thinking of the spiritual ramifications of being "without sail or anchor", that is even more paralyzing. What then, of the thought of it being my children out there? I will not shirk from teaching them right from wrong. My prayer is that I can do it while teaching an increase of love and compassion. They may be ridiculed, they may be teased or called awful things that are a shadow of the truth. I hope they will understand that what people may think of them, because of their beliefs, is born of a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of our beliefs.
It will be worth it.
I hope this post was interesting, even if it had no pictures.
6 comments:
Thanks Em. I needed something to lift me today, and I felt the spirit while reading this post. It seems daunting, this responsibility we have to teach our kids. I feel it everyday, and many times don't feel equal to the task. But on we go, because we must, and we know how important it is.
Well said. What a fabulous way to explain 'tolerance'. This task of teaching children is essential, and I too am thankful for the anchor of the gospel, and magazines like the Ensign.
I love your idea of writing down your inspirations by topic. Lately I find myself praying by a pen and paper to write things down since my mind forgets so easily.
Absolutely. Aren't you glad that you have such insight before you have teenagers? You're a smarty pants, so your kids will be too.
It is not only interesting, it is profound. I think I need to save your comments in my file! Your observations on tolerance are right on and something I have been trying to articulate for some time. Thanks for doing it for me. Can I just say that I am really glad you are raising my grandchildren. I don't think I could do it half as well as you are doing!
So well said Emily. The hypocrisy of the so-called tolerance ideology is that it is always tolerant of anything EXCEPT the Judea/Christian faith, because that includes absolute morality. One of the reasons I don't watch the news is that the media makes it out that only a few wild-eyed out of touch mean people are Christians. That is not the case. But you are right, most people are without a strong compass, like a piece of driftwood. And as you know driftwood won't raise strong families. You as a Mormon, and myself as a Protestant Christian have very different theological beliefs, but our core beliefs in family, morality, and goodness, are so much alike, and I have heaps of respect for the life you are trying to lead for your family.
How's that for tolerance?
Cheers,
Leah
Your thoughts are profound - especially as you are writing from the perspective of a mother and therefore a teacher. You are such a good example to me!
Post a Comment