It seems not so long ago that most of us understood that we could disagree with a person and still be friends and have respect for them. Today the message pushed by social media, politics and the agenda of the world seems to be, “No, I am right. You are wrong. If you don’t agree with me, you are a bad person and I can not associate with you.” This message has created so much animosity and ugliness. The desire to be right and prove others wrong is destructive. As daughters of God and sisters in Zion, we must be aware and not allow this spirit of contention to permeate our lives, our homes and our communities.
I believe that we all are doing our best to be who we believe God wants us to be. We are individuals with strengths and weaknesses that make each of us different and we each face a very specific journey that no one else can truly understand. As we deal with one another, we should remember this. We are not perfect. None of us are. If we wish for the Savior’s grace to redeem us, we must try to extend grace to others.
Many of you know that I am sometimes called, “Pumpkin.” That is because I used to use that name for a little girl who is very special to me. When she learned to talk, she called me “Pumpkin”. I love the little people in my life and am honored to be Pumpkin. There was a time, however, when I struggled to connect with children who were not mine. I used to babysit for a child and I wanted to love her but for various reasons it was not happening. I prayed about it and one day the thought came to me that “This is God’s child.” I realized that He valued her beyond measure and He expected me to do the same. It really changed my heart. I suddenly could not look at her without realizing how precious she was and I don’t think I have struggled to love another’s child since. This was a gift to me - to realize that I must try to see others through God’s eyes.
He loves each one of us and sees great value in who we are and in who we may become. I do not believe that He compares us and loves one more than another. He knows us as individuals with weaknesses and strengths and fears and anxieties. He loves us for all that we are and does not expect perfection. He roots for us and mourns with us and waits for us to come to Him. And more importantly, He expects us to love each other. It does not matter that we do things differently or come from different situations or have different struggles or opinions. We have no right to judge. We are to love. Period.
This world can be a harsh, cold place. As members of His church, we have an obligation to build Zion as a protection from the world. In Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, the Lord said, “Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.”
The world wants to spread contention and build up the kingdom of the king of lies. It is becoming easier to see and harder to fight against. Take a moment, when you are frustrated, before you react, to recognize the forces that are at work.
“ For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.”(3 Nephi 11:29)
The following is one of my favorite talks. Most of you have heard it. Please listen to it again. It is deeper than you may remember. Consider how it applies to you .
I appreciate each of you and the unique and beautiful women that you are. I really do. Please forgive me for my imperfections which are many and look for the good in one another. You have the potential to do so much good in this world. Never forget who you are.
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