person0

I've decided to try to just let it go.  I know the Church is true, and I know the Lord has a plan that will not be frustrated.  I can strive to live and teach the truth where I am able, and then just let go the things I cannot/should not control, and trust that the Lord will show me and others the way.  I will strive harder to have the holy spirit with me at all times, to help me be the man I want to be, and more importantly, the man our Heavenly Father wants me to be.
Despite the evils of the world and the work of the adversary, with Christ's help, I got this! And so do you!
(Interestingly, it isn't as if most of us don't already know these things, but it is astounding how much angst we can feel to preserve our environment, especially when we see our family, friends, and brethren being torn down by the adversary.  These are truly the last days, and it is becoming more and more clear that learning to navigate them is part of our calling as Latter-Day Saints!)

I've decided to try to just let it go.  I know the Church is true, and I know the Lord has a plan that will not be frustrated.  I can strive to live and teach the truth where I am able, and then just let go the things I cannot/should not control, and trust that the Lord will show me and others the way.  I will strive harder to have the holy spirit with me at all times, to help me be the man I want to be, and more importantly, the man our Heavenly Father wants me to be.
Despite the evils of the world and the work of the adversary, with Christ's help, I got this! And so do you!
(Interestingly, it isn't as if most of us don't already know these things, but it is astounding how much angst we can feel to preserve our environment, especially when we see our family, friends, and brethren being torn down by the adversary.  These are truly the last days, and it is becoming more and more clear that learning to navigate them is part of our calling as Latter-Day Saints!)

Just musing, but perhaps they hold those leadership positions not because they know, but so they can gain experience, learn, and eventually come to know. I had a leader once who was a terrible choice for the position...he was  truly just awful. But, the man he became over those few years was much different than who he was before.

This is what I do, and what I believe the Lord would do. He would not lie or indirectly encourage / reenforce sin in any way.

What does it look like to 'treat someone as if they're mentally ill'?
I know three people with PTSD, half a dozen with some type of depression or anxiety disorder, more than a few dealing with suicidal ideation, someone with paranoid delusions, and someone with dissociative identity disorder.  I've thought I've been treating all of them the way I should, but I'd like to hear what you have to say, in case I've been doing it wrong all this time.

The Spirit prompted me to ignore this parenthetical warning.

@person0, the only approaches I can think of to your situation are:
Prayer - lots of it - you really need the Holy Ghost to guide you here Studying, to the the point of memorization, if possible, the relevant scriptures Collecting the relevant General Conference talks - a tag or notebook in the Church's "Library" app so that you can pull it all up as needed and quote and cite directly Charity - to see these leaders through Christ's eyes (as much as any of us can do that) Beyond that, pure love brings courage and sometimes courage is needed to confront sin.  The Lord had some pretty strong condemnations all through the Bible for leaders who led his sheep astray.  If called to speak, speak the truth; if called to teach, teach the truth.  Were I in your shoes, I don't think I'd hesitate to tell my children that their leaders were wrong and shouldn't be trusted on this issue.  Growing up in "low-density Zion", knowing that everyone else would be doing something different from what my family did made it a little easier to be different - I was expecting to be different, expecting the temptations and mockery - not saying that's easy, but expectation helps.
Finally, with all that study, I think I would never say phrases like, "you're wrong", "that's false", "you're leading people astray" (unless the Holy Ghost clearly told me otherwise).  Instead, I would not directly respond at all, but would rather say, "In the book of Moses we read...", "In his 2009 GC talk, Elder So-n-So said..." and just read the doctrine / gospel / truth.  Remember what Alma had to say:
Don't try to logic them or argue, quote the word to them.  And inoculate your children against false leaders - kids often like their leaders, often trust them more than parents - you need to find a way to counter that tendency.
(Ignore anything I wrote above that the Spirit tells you to ignore, and follow his promptings instead. )

I don't agree with this. It is truth that's sets us free and only then can a person truly be happy. And if a person is not ready for the truth we don't start pretending it's not the truth. Modern revelation teaches us that we need to teach truth and even reprove if necessary (as moved upon by the Holy Ghost) and then show forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy. We can teach correct principles and show love at the same time. Anything less only makes us hypocrites and reinforces a lie. I don't see how that would ever help a person.

To know what the actual Christlike thing to do is.  To know when my anger is righteous, like Captain Moroni, and when it is not.
I have been in meetings with leaders where I had to ask them to explain how it is possible to teach someone that they are a daughter of God, and then in the next breath refer to them with male pronouns without contradicting what they just taught for both that child and all the other children in the room witnessing it.  They didn't have an answer other than to ask something like "what about just loving that person?"  To even be in a situation where it is needful to point out that problem, and the problem with the logic of the response is very frustrating at best, but I find it hard to hold back my anger because I am speaking with someone who's responsibility is to know better on such fundamental issues.
I think those leading and teaching other members of the Church, especially youth, should be expected to both believe and uphold the teachings of the Family Proclamation, and just the doctrines of the gospel in general.  Not sure how much a thing could be confirmed/enforced.

Today during our Elder's Quorum meeting, we discussed President Nelson's recent conference talk, Peacemakers Needed.
Within the context of this thread, I really struggle with this, and I think I would appreciate more examples of real life application from the brethren.
One thing that bothered me is that, this quote from the talk seems to easily lead to the false conclusion that confrontation is never the answer:
Pres. Nelson gives a very clear context for his message later, saying:
I brought up in the meeting today that confrontation, contention and conflict are sometimes the answer, such as liberating captive people's during WW2, and that Pres. Nelson was referring specifically to how we interact with one another.
All that considered, I can't seem to help but feel the anger rise when I consider sending my children to Church with leaders who's 'difference of opinion' means they will lead my children astray, either by their words, or their actions which betray their words, and which will betray the doctrine of Christ and the Restored Gospel.  It is too much for me to expect perfection from human leaders, but somehow, when they are lacking in areas that are fundamental doctrine, I don't know how to act or feel.
How was Alma able to cope with Alma the Younger leading astray members of the Church?  I can only imagine that he at least taught against the flattering words of his wayward child, but we don't really know.  We do see other examples of prophets and missionaries publicly defending the truth against those who sought to destroy it, such as Sherem, etc.
This message is what strikes me the most:
What happens when it is a brother/sister in your ward and those views violate everything you believe in, and also violate everything you are under the impression that they are also supposed to believe in as members of the Church (especially when it is one in a leadership position)?
Will an angry cutting retort help?  No, but what will help?  And how can we accomplish it.  And how can I avoid being angry when I can see so clearly how the allowance of these things has directly impacted my children and the children of others?  With as much gospel focus as we try to have in our home, have I not taught my children well enough that they will see these actions of others and ignore them and forge their own way on the covenant path?  Am I actually angry at myself for not being a good enough father and example?
Or is at least some of my anger and frustration justified?  If so, how do I channel it into being a peacemaker and maintain composure?  I often feel like an outsider and stranger just for believing in and defending the principles of the gospel in the Church from whence they come.  How can I/we cope in such surroundings?
This stuff is hard, and I really seem to suck at it, and most of the time I don't know what to do.  Elder Oaks' answer was helpful at validating the truth, but as @Carb pointed out, seemed lacking in the practical application department.
Thoughts?

That seldom happens. In most cases it’s much more fun to admonish someone publicly because everyone can then bask in how holy and righteous I am. That’s partially why people admonish in public and almost never take you aside and talk to you. No one would see them doing that and they don’t really care about you at all in the end.
 
that said I don’t think that’s applicable here. I don’t get those vibes at all from @person0  
 

Okay. Best of luck you to you with this. It’s obviously something you are struggling with. 😞 

My understanding, and that which our Area Presidency was willing to issue guidance on, is that only names should be observed.
Problem #1, I don't really care about other things enough for that to be realistically feasible.  Or perhaps better said, the other things we could discuss we also don't have in common.
That said, in general, the individuals relevant to this discussion have much more disdain for me than I do for them.  I don't tend to hold grudges, and I would have no problem sitting down to play a game or have a chat at any time.

Today during our Elder's Quorum meeting, we discussed President Nelson's recent conference talk, Peacemakers Needed.
Within the context of this thread, I really struggle with this, and I think I would appreciate more examples of real life application from the brethren.
One thing that bothered me is that, this quote from the talk seems to easily lead to the false conclusion that confrontation is never the answer:
Pres. Nelson gives a very clear context for his message later, saying:
I brought up in the meeting today that confrontation, contention and conflict are sometimes the answer, such as liberating captive people's during WW2, and that Pres. Nelson was referring specifically to how we interact with one another.
All that considered, I can't seem to help but feel the anger rise when I consider sending my children to Church with leaders who's 'difference of opinion' means they will lead my children astray, either by their words, or their actions which betray their words, and which will betray the doctrine of Christ and the Restored Gospel.  It is too much for me to expect perfection from human leaders, but somehow, when they are lacking in areas that are fundamental doctrine, I don't know how to act or feel.
How was Alma able to cope with Alma the Younger leading astray members of the Church?  I can only imagine that he at least taught against the flattering words of his wayward child, but we don't really know.  We do see other examples of prophets and missionaries publicly defending the truth against those who sought to destroy it, such as Sherem, etc.
This message is what strikes me the most:
What happens when it is a brother/sister in your ward and those views violate everything you believe in, and also violate everything you are under the impression that they are also supposed to believe in as members of the Church (especially when it is one in a leadership position)?
Will an angry cutting retort help?  No, but what will help?  And how can we accomplish it.  And how can I avoid being angry when I can see so clearly how the allowance of these things has directly impacted my children and the children of others?  With as much gospel focus as we try to have in our home, have I not taught my children well enough that they will see these actions of others and ignore them and forge their own way on the covenant path?  Am I actually angry at myself for not being a good enough father and example?
Or is at least some of my anger and frustration justified?  If so, how do I channel it into being a peacemaker and maintain composure?  I often feel like an outsider and stranger just for believing in and defending the principles of the gospel in the Church from whence they come.  How can I/we cope in such surroundings?
This stuff is hard, and I really seem to suck at it, and most of the time I don't know what to do.  Elder Oaks' answer was helpful at validating the truth, but as @Carb pointed out, seemed lacking in the practical application department.
Thoughts?

One of my biggest concerns surrounding this whole issue is what feels like the absence of the 'Church Supported' part.  If my kids are going to Church and learning by example to believe that living and acting and speaking in ways that are contrary to God's truth are okay, then I think the other ways the Church provides support become less valuable when weighed together.  If the support received is not one of a firm and unwavering doctrinal foundation that is taught and reinforced, then everything else is just social or financial for some.
I agree.  His answer came across so clear, yet also very much in a 'he who hath ears to hear' kind of way.  I actually don't think the parable was meant for Amy, I think it was more for the small number of members who would be inclined to ridicule and treat the gender dysphoric individual with cruelty.  In the same vein of thought, the members who are supporting inappropriate behaviors through word or deed are also unrepentant about their support for it.  So your analysis applies to them as well.
Ultimately, I am happy to welcome individuals who are struggling with their identity and/or attractions.  And there is plenty of room for members who are not quite there in terms of testimony on those issues.  What concerns me the most is when leaders participate and nothing seems to be done about it at any level, or at least, not without a great effort from the members seeking refuge from this unexpected onslaught.
I never would have imagined that Church could stop being a refuge from the world.  Perhaps this further elevates the importance of temple worship.  At least for now, in the temple these issues can still be escaped, given the barriers to entry there.  Then again, when I think of people changing their speech in the ways they have been, the question comes to mind, "Do you strive to be honest in all that you do?" And I am left wondering how this social contagion can be ignored to allow individual application in that context.

Oh really?
Knock knock
 

We’ll give you 15%.

I certainly haven't bought Bud Light in the past 2 months.

Is anyone familiar with this new book?  A member in my area posted this and it has me worried about the material and beliefs that seem to be infiltrating the Church unchecked.
I believe we should love all our brothers and sisters, regardless of their background.  That love leads us to share the truth and the Gospel of Christ.  Christ will then enable them to overcome the world, through His infinite Atonement.  This can lead us all to deny ourselves of all ungodliness, in the myriad forms it manifests throughout our mortal sojourn.
The quote shared in the attached image seems to directly subvert the eternal truths declared in the Family Proclamation.  Am I misreading it, or misunderstanding something?  Members of my ward have asked for copies of this book, and I can't imagine it will lead them toward Christ.  Is anyone here familiar with it and/or what the author's intent and teaching is?  My initial impression is that the title itself identifies it as a book that 'teaches a different gospel'.
[Image Removed]

That's an awfully presumptive (and accusative) question.
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."  Yes. I'm familiar with all such verses. But you're making the same mistake that so many others make when reading this entire passage.  Context matters.
Jesus was explaining that the Law of Moses was a lesser law.  Now he was asking his followers to raise the bar.
Thou shalt not kill -- > Don't be angry, don't cuss them out, don't call him names. Thou shalt not commit adultery --> Don't even look upon a woman (who isn't your wife) to lust after her. Always stay true to your oaths --> Keep all your commitments regardless of whether you've sworn a formal oath or not.  Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Love thy neighbor --> Love thine enemy. Do you honestly believe that being angry at someone is equal to killing them?
Notice that I said "they can be a member in good standing" and "your thoughts and feelings are of lesser magnitude."  That doesn't mean they are without sin or weakness.  It means that it isn't cause for excommunication or other Church discipline.  I'd hope you understand the difference.
Some may think I'm psychotic for admitting this, but I've had several times in my life where I was so angry with someone, who I definitely believed to have been worthy of capital punishment, that I began planning out how I might dispose of the body such that I could get away with it.  And, yes, I believe I could have disposed of enough evidence that there would have been much more than reasonable doubt as to my guilt.
Am I worthy of excommunication?  Have I lost all opportunity for Celestial Glory?  No.  Why?  Because I never went through with it.  I never ACTED on that plan.
Was that mental exercise a sin?  Absolutely.  But the sin I was guilty of certainly wasn't murder.
We all have weaknesses.  We all have evil tendencies.  And if every tendency or thought was exactly the same as the act, we'd all be in a lot of trouble.

And Satan is just as happy to mock them as he leads them on to destruction.  He'll take those who really believe in him, those who use his name while claiming not to believe in him, and those who call him God - he's an equal-opportunity destroyer.

I'm in your neighborhood this week.

Feels good to know I've been missed!  I uh, guess I've just been a bit sidetracked, lol.  The thought just came to mind to check in.

Actually, I am so grateful that my Bishop does not currently have the permission or authority to make an announcement like that.  The reason is because my wife and I fought for over a year and were able to get our Area Presidency to officially clarify that leaders in our Area should avoid anything that could be perceived as affirmation of or support for a gender transition, including the use of preferred pronouns that do not match a member's biological sex.
It all started when one of my children was being impacted and we disagreed with ward leaders regarding the final section you quoted from the handbook.
More important than the 'may', this passage only grants permission to record the name, and then separately to use the name.  It does not grant permission to use pronouns in any way, shape, or form.  The text only recognizes that an individual may decide to change their pronouns for themselves.  Members/leaders who then choose to grant themselves permission to use those pronouns, are adding in that which is neither expressly nor incidentally permitted by the text.
Of course I would welcome Sheila into the Ward, and strive to treat Sheila with the love and respect our Savior expects of us.

I just wish to point out that, true to form, this shirt is a lie.  Satan doesn't respect pronouns.  He'll be the first to destroy you and your pronouns and mock your foolishness the whole time.  Liar from the beginning and for all eternity.
(PS: I respect pronouns, just not the erroneous / grammatically incorrect use of them.  My pronouns are I, me, mine, and myself.  I'm happy to share them with you, should you wish to use them for yourself... Isn't it strange how you're not me and yet we can both be I...)