November 7, 2012

This life is full of so many wonderful things.  It breaks my heart that we don't all see it.  It's hate and hardheartedness that hold us back.  If we but learn to embrace the values that have stood timeless as the foundation of all that is good, the poison of that hate can be cured.

I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This drives every part of my being.  I believe in truth, light, love, and purity.  I believe that if you follow the word of God and do your very best, no matter what horrors exist in the mortal world, you will find peace in your heart.

What I don't believe in is greed, selfishness, or cruelty.  I don't believe any human being has the right to judge another.  We are all children of God.  We have all been made in his image.  We all stood with God before this life and chose Him.  Whatever mistakes are made or whatever differences arise, this all remains true. 

I know people are not perfect.  Not even close.  But, I do believe that people behave according to their best understanding of themselves and the world.  That understanding may not be perfect.  Indeed, it may very well be opposite of the truth.  But we all try.  And that is what's important.

I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father.  I love my family, near and far.  I love my friends, the old and the new.  I love my neighbors, those that I know and those that I don't.  I love the opportunity we all have to partake in free agency, to learn and grow, to embrace individuality.  I love that conflicts and disagreements have the potential to drive us forward.  I love the opportunities that failure presents to those who are not afraid to keep trying.

I pray that truth will be revealed in all things.  I pray that the people of this world do not turn a blind eye or deaf ear to that truth.  I pray that we all have the courage to stand up for what is right and what is good, despite the evil that tries to hold us back.  I pray that we all find that joy that has been promised to us, the joy that cannot even compare to the fleeting "happiness" so many have learned to settle for.  And in the midst of so much political unrest I pray that we do not forget the principles that made this or any other country great - it is those same principles that create strength and stability in any system: the home and family, a business, the Church, and even your own heart and mind.  Life is simple.  It's the mortal cloud that complicates everything.