scottyg

It is rare that I forget much in the way of significant events in my life.  In fact, many stupid, insignificant events which I wish to forget stick in my mind anyway.  But recently I've been having a series of flashbacks.  I've had memories of things I'd completely forgotten about start to make their way back to my consciousness.
Two extremely shame-filled moments have come to the front of my mind recently.  Since they tend to exemplify my greatest sin of commission and omission respectively, I tend to think that the Lord has seen fit to remind me of them because it is high time that I address them.  I  honestly don't know if I was prepared to address them until now.  But I thought I'd at least share one of them because I'm going to guess that it is one that many have a problem with.
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Around 4th grade or so a little girl moved into our school district.  Her name was Kim (I'll withhold her surname for privacy).  She was a cute little waif of a girl.  By little, I mean she was the shortest person in the class.  We all welcomed her.  To my knowledge no one ever teased her.  I even waved "hi" to her and gave her all the common greetings whenever I saw her.  But I now realize that I never actually got to know her.  I never carried on a conversation with her.  And to my knowledge, no one ever did.
Time went on.  She was always there.  I always greeted her as usual.  By the time we went to high school, I never really saw her anymore.  I was in advanced classes.  She wasn't  And such classes were on opposite ends of the school.  But I knew she was in the same school because she lived just a couple blocks from me.  And I never even visited her house.
One day I found myself in a different place than normal and I had to take a different route to make it to my next class.  I passed through the west side of the school where the druggies and gangsters hung out.  As I was thus traversing, I saw Kim in the middle of the cloud of smoke that frequented the area.  Our eyes locked.  
I had never really thought about what happened to her.  I never really thought about who her friends were.  I never really thought of her at all.  But right there I realized I'd never realized what path she ended up taking because of a dearth of good friends.  I gazed at her as if to ask, "What are you doing there?"
And in a true Thoreau-Emerson moment, her expression seemed to respond, "What are you doing there?"
To my shame, I shrugged it off and went on to my class.  Somewhere in my mind I was justifying to myself: I'm too busy right now.  I have to get to class.  Besides, she made her choices.  
All of that was true.  But the memory now haunts me.  What if I had invited her to my home to even ONE birthday party?  What if I invited her to play with me?  What if I even carried on ONE conversation with her?  What if she had just one good friend?  Would she have turned out any different?
Earlier this month, a new family moved into the ward.  The attended for two weeks.  Then they disappeared.  No one has said a word.  Then my son brought up their name.  He mentioned that he had been trying to get a hold of them.  Amazing parallels and contrasts.
Lately,  I have been doing what I can to get to know those who are attending, but aren't (if we were to make schoolyard equivalencies) the "popular kids".  I don't really know if I can do anything to help them in their struggles or ease their burdens.  But at the very least I can be there to say, "I'm your friend.  I care about you."
Some people who are down and out are afraid of becoming a "project" for ward leadership.  And maybe sometimes that's the attitude with which it is executed.  But I certainly hope that we do it with the attitude of "maybe I can't do much for you.  But I can at least be there to say I'm your friend."

Sorry, I quoted the wrong post I was referring to this one.
I've always been taught to support and even be involved in my government.  

Hi Comp, I'm sorry you're going through difficult times. I hope you're feeling better.  Are you keeping in touch with your son regularly? The reason I ask is because I find it strange that you don't know the name of his Mission President?
You said: "Anyway, he wants to come home now. I don't want him living in my house, and I'm not absolving him of his own part in it". Maybe I missed some of your posts. Absolving him of what exactly?
You mentioned  that he didn't return to his original mission and that you don't know why. I got the impression that you found this to be "unfair" since the rest of the group returned to their original missions but your son didn't. I can understand the disappointment. Having said that, as an outsider I'm seeing this differently.  I have the impression that Church leaders took this decision to protect your son, particularly because he went through counseling and is taking medication. We don't know the extent of his depression or the things he shared with his therapist. You mentioned that he said very little about it which means he is not ready to talk and perhaps when he is ready, he will. If your son comes home, welcome him with open and loving arms. He will need all the love and support he can get.
Depression is a highly complex and heterogeneous syndrome. It cannot be ignored so my advise to you right now is to focus on your son's mental/emotional health rather than WHERE he will be serving which is frankly, inconsequential. Because if he is not well enough to serve, will it matter the "where" at the end?
 

Everyone here can understand and empathize with things not going as expected and being harder then we assumed or otherwise thought they would be.  Even Jesus Christ our example encountered this.  The scriptures record him being 'sore amazed' in Gethsemane when he began atonement.   Now there are many ways that we might understand 'sore amazed' but none of them are 'as expected' or 'easy.'  We get further confirmation of this with his prayer to our Father in Heaven asking the cup (aka the pain of performing the Atonement) be taken from him.
Empathy and understanding does not change that our response to such hardships.  It needs to be to follow the example of Christ.  " nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. "
Sadly most of us need repeated hardships to learn this lesson, to learn to be like Christ.   To often we show that our faith is very weak, instead of trusting God and his promises, we like to throw blame. 'If it was not for this situation, or if it was not for this persons actions' everything would be going according to God's plan.  Which is a clear lack of faith that God is in control.  Or if we are not blaming we complain about it not being 'Fair.'  We look around comparing our situation to others, most of the time this puts us comparing our weakness to the image of strength someone else is projecting, which only leads to misery.  Even if we avoid comparison the complaint of 'its not fair' shows a lack of faith in God's Justice and Mercy.
If you fall in a pit... empathy and understanding is very nice... But pointing out the ladder you can use to climb out is much more charitable.

I think you're barking up the wrong tree here.  I don't think anyone here says that racism has no impact on the Black Community, which has the potential to affect black people's health.  
The point here is that the CDC is about COMMUNICABLE DISEASES. 
Since its inception, the CDC has been about these definitions.   But now it is going to be used as a tool for social engineering.
If you want to defend someone from a racist or sexist who is doing them harm or engaging in criminal behavior against someone else, then I'm right there with you.  I'll march right along side you.
But take the "racist" out of it and ask if you'd do anything different.  For me?  No, nothing different.  Wrong is wrong no matter who is doing it or to whom it is being done to.  Wrong is wrong.  The "hate crime" to me makes no sense.  Anyone who does something criminal to another person either hates them (for whatever reason) or is so self-absorbed that they don't even think about the other person.
So, why is it any different when the motive is "racism"?  Why aren't we trying to protect crime-ridden areas no matter what race?  If there is a crime-ridden white area (and believe me there are many around here) why aren't we doing more outreach to that area?  Why doesn't that area get a "public health" flag on them?
We have interesting ward boundaries.  There are two wealthy areas sandwiching several separate slums.  We minister to several families in that area.  It isn't easy.  They don't have it easy.  But they're all white.  So, the government doesn't care about them.

Yep, happens all the time. Doctors get annoyed when people come into their offices asking for prescriptions to new drugs that they don't even know about. So many people see commercials about new pharmaceuticals and rush in to get them before those companies can even get the literature out to all of the MD's. And, with the hundreds of new therapies and drugs coming out every year, even if your MD gets the information before you do, it takes them a fair amount of time to get caught up on everything, because the bulk of their day is spent actually providing treatment, not studying new drugs or reviewing research studies. Many do that kind of thing on their own time after their kids are in bed.

Look folks, it doesn't matter which side of the fence you fall on. Government is corrupt, period. I do not see how anyone can be a true student of the scriptures and think otherwise. "Government" will be on opposite side of the Lord and His servants when He comes, and He is coming. Prophecy after prophecy has been fulfilled...there really aren't that many left before the time of the second coming.
I appreciated many of Donald Trump's policies, but he is in no way a stalwart example of a good and just man, and not the kind of person you want to be a role model. Much of his crooked past is known, and much is not. You cannot stay in business as long as he has without doing some shady deals behind the scenes. That being said, it is harder to stay in politics for a long time without getting your hands dirty than any business I know of. Joe Biden is an evil man, and those who are working with him are slimier and more poisonous than any serpent. Put your trust in them, and you will fall.
Fauci knows no more about this virus than any other physician. He is not in his position because he is better or smarter than others. He is not the only one who gets data on studies being done. He just has a bigger platform with government leaders choosing to take his advice over that of others. Medical professionals are all learning at the same time, and can move the goalposts whenever and wherever they want to fit various narratives. They are people too, and can have agendas too. The vast majority of doctors care about their patients first and foremost. But there is no reason to believe that all are void of corruption. I work in healthcare and know two who work up at the university that are just in the profession for the money and notoriety gained from research...they have told me so themselves, and aren't ashamed of it. Trust in the Lord and His Prophet...not some cooks who claim to be the gods of medicine and social behavior in our country today. "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn 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."
If the church strongly urges something, then it must be important, so take the time and effort to pray about it with real intent. If the answer you receive is no, then it is no, and if it is yes, then it is yes. Stop being so sensitive because someone gets a different answer than you. The church doesn't tell everyone to get it because they know that the answer will be different for everyone; and that is between you and the Lord. For many (if not most) getting the shot will likely be the proper course of action, and that's okay. But if someone you know doesn't get it, and you disagree with their decision, you have no reason or foundation to cast stones.

Really? Seriously...really??? Do you not see all of the unnecessary power grabs currently taking place, let alone over the past decade? We learn form scripture that when men get a little bit of authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Is that counsel outdated? Are we currently so much wiser and better than persons 200 years ago? I think most of the national and state leaders the world over are corrupt in one way or another. And, those who aren't yet will be if they remain "in power" long enough.

Perhaps I am nit-picking here, because I am sure I know what you are saying and what you mean. But, getting a shot is in a completely different ballpark than actual commandments. Repentance, the Word of Wisdom, the Law of Chastity, etc...the Lord makes it quite clear that those things are mandates...hence naming them commandments. Committing adultery or distributing meth can subject you to church discipline. Refusing to get the shot will not. If you do not follow the commandments, and repent, you will reap the unfortunate consequences. Again, maybe nit-picking, but there is a difference.

The idea and feeling that the missionary is being punished, is simply wrong.  While it is understandable why that feeling exists it does not make it any less wrong.
The truth is the missionary is not being punished... he is being protected.  Hundreds of thousands of faithful Saints are regularly praying for the safety of the missionaries.  And the hand of God is reaching out (through his servants) and protecting this one, very clearly in this case.  But like in many cases the individuals in question do not see the hand of God in their lives when it is happening.
Missionary assignments are done by the same revelatory process that the church teaches its members to use.  The leaders study things out, make a choice, take it to the Lord for confirmation.  This is the spirit of revelation, the spirit of prophecy, this is what has called and assigned the missionary in question to where he is now.
It is not unheard of for a missionary to develop a medical condition while serving. When this happens it becomes something the leader include in their study for assignments.  While missions always have some dangers, it is unacceptable for a leader to purposely endanger a missionary by sending them some place they can not get the care they need.
Now one might be thinking that the leader's screwed up, and it is possible, our leaders are human.  That is where faith in the Lord comes in.  COVID might have caught our leaders by surprise, but it did not catch the Lord by surprise. An emergent medical issue might have caught a missionary and our leaders by surprise, but it did not catch the Lord by surprise. Our leaders might even screw up and forget about a missionary for a while, but the Lord never will.  Every missionary can exercise faith that he is exactly where the Lord wants him to be. The only question we need to ask is "Are we going to serve God with all our heart mind and strength even when we did not expect to be where we ended up?"   
 

Perhaps I am nit-picking here, because I am sure I know what you are saying and what you mean. But, getting a shot is in a completely different ballpark than actual commandments. Repentance, the Word of Wisdom, the Law of Chastity, etc...the Lord makes it quite clear that those things are mandates...hence naming them commandments. Committing adultery or distributing meth can subject you to church discipline. Refusing to get the shot will not. If you do not follow the commandments, and repent, you will reap the unfortunate consequences. Again, maybe nit-picking, but there is a difference.

I may have over stated my opinion and should have said, They have skipped too many of the testing protocols for me to feel comfortable with getting the shot. I know the Prophet has received the shot, but please keep in mind that he is in the age group that is the most in danger from this virus. I believe I have the right to choose for myself whether to receive the so called vaccine and I choose to not do it. My wife has gotten and two of my adult children have too.
I feel it is not what I need or have to do at this time. thank you very much. I am frankly very concerned about the potential long term risks compared to the short term, possible, benefits. Also, there is a lot of shaming going on right now in our society regarding the shot and masks, and I think people should learn to mind their own business.

Look folks, it doesn't matter which side of the fence you fall on. Government is corrupt, period. I do not see how anyone can be a true student of the scriptures and think otherwise. "Government" will be on opposite side of the Lord and His servants when He comes, and He is coming. Prophecy after prophecy has been fulfilled...there really aren't that many left before the time of the second coming.
I appreciated many of Donald Trump's policies, but he is in no way a stalwart example of a good and just man, and not the kind of person you want to be a role model. Much of his crooked past is known, and much is not. You cannot stay in business as long as he has without doing some shady deals behind the scenes. That being said, it is harder to stay in politics for a long time without getting your hands dirty than any business I know of. Joe Biden is an evil man, and those who are working with him are slimier and more poisonous than any serpent. Put your trust in them, and you will fall.
Fauci knows no more about this virus than any other physician. He is not in his position because he is better or smarter than others. He is not the only one who gets data on studies being done. He just has a bigger platform with government leaders choosing to take his advice over that of others. Medical professionals are all learning at the same time, and can move the goalposts whenever and wherever they want to fit various narratives. They are people too, and can have agendas too. The vast majority of doctors care about their patients first and foremost. But there is no reason to believe that all are void of corruption. I work in healthcare and know two who work up at the university that are just in the profession for the money and notoriety gained from research...they have told me so themselves, and aren't ashamed of it. Trust in the Lord and His Prophet...not some cooks who claim to be the gods of medicine and social behavior in our country today. "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn 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."
If the church strongly urges something, then it must be important, so take the time and effort to pray about it with real intent. If the answer you receive is no, then it is no, and if it is yes, then it is yes. Stop being so sensitive because someone gets a different answer than you. The church doesn't tell everyone to get it because they know that the answer will be different for everyone; and that is between you and the Lord. For many (if not most) getting the shot will likely be the proper course of action, and that's okay. But if someone you know doesn't get it, and you disagree with their decision, you have no reason or foundation to cast stones.

Look folks, it doesn't matter which side of the fence you fall on. Government is corrupt, period. I do not see how anyone can be a true student of the scriptures and think otherwise. "Government" will be on opposite side of the Lord and His servants when He comes, and He is coming. Prophecy after prophecy has been fulfilled...there really aren't that many left before the time of the second coming.
I appreciated many of Donald Trump's policies, but he is in no way a stalwart example of a good and just man, and not the kind of person you want to be a role model. Much of his crooked past is known, and much is not. You cannot stay in business as long as he has without doing some shady deals behind the scenes. That being said, it is harder to stay in politics for a long time without getting your hands dirty than any business I know of. Joe Biden is an evil man, and those who are working with him are slimier and more poisonous than any serpent. Put your trust in them, and you will fall.
Fauci knows no more about this virus than any other physician. He is not in his position because he is better or smarter than others. He is not the only one who gets data on studies being done. He just has a bigger platform with government leaders choosing to take his advice over that of others. Medical professionals are all learning at the same time, and can move the goalposts whenever and wherever they want to fit various narratives. They are people too, and can have agendas too. The vast majority of doctors care about their patients first and foremost. But there is no reason to believe that all are void of corruption. I work in healthcare and know two who work up at the university that are just in the profession for the money and notoriety gained from research...they have told me so themselves, and aren't ashamed of it. Trust in the Lord and His Prophet...not some cooks who claim to be the gods of medicine and social behavior in our country today. "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn 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."
If the church strongly urges something, then it must be important, so take the time and effort to pray about it with real intent. If the answer you receive is no, then it is no, and if it is yes, then it is yes. Stop being so sensitive because someone gets a different answer than you. The church doesn't tell everyone to get it because they know that the answer will be different for everyone; and that is between you and the Lord. For many (if not most) getting the shot will likely be the proper course of action, and that's okay. But if someone you know doesn't get it, and you disagree with their decision, you have no reason or foundation to cast stones.

Look folks, it doesn't matter which side of the fence you fall on. Government is corrupt, period. I do not see how anyone can be a true student of the scriptures and think otherwise. "Government" will be on opposite side of the Lord and His servants when He comes, and He is coming. Prophecy after prophecy has been fulfilled...there really aren't that many left before the time of the second coming.
I appreciated many of Donald Trump's policies, but he is in no way a stalwart example of a good and just man, and not the kind of person you want to be a role model. Much of his crooked past is known, and much is not. You cannot stay in business as long as he has without doing some shady deals behind the scenes. That being said, it is harder to stay in politics for a long time without getting your hands dirty than any business I know of. Joe Biden is an evil man, and those who are working with him are slimier and more poisonous than any serpent. Put your trust in them, and you will fall.
Fauci knows no more about this virus than any other physician. He is not in his position because he is better or smarter than others. He is not the only one who gets data on studies being done. He just has a bigger platform with government leaders choosing to take his advice over that of others. Medical professionals are all learning at the same time, and can move the goalposts whenever and wherever they want to fit various narratives. They are people too, and can have agendas too. The vast majority of doctors care about their patients first and foremost. But there is no reason to believe that all are void of corruption. I work in healthcare and know two who work up at the university that are just in the profession for the money and notoriety gained from research...they have told me so themselves, and aren't ashamed of it. Trust in the Lord and His Prophet...not some cooks who claim to be the gods of medicine and social behavior in our country today. "If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn 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."
If the church strongly urges something, then it must be important, so take the time and effort to pray about it with real intent. If the answer you receive is no, then it is no, and if it is yes, then it is yes. Stop being so sensitive because someone gets a different answer than you. The church doesn't tell everyone to get it because they know that the answer will be different for everyone; and that is between you and the Lord. For many (if not most) getting the shot will likely be the proper course of action, and that's okay. But if someone you know doesn't get it, and you disagree with their decision, you have no reason or foundation to cast stones.

Really? Seriously...really??? Do you not see all of the unnecessary power grabs currently taking place, let alone over the past decade? We learn form scripture that when men get a little bit of authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Is that counsel outdated? Are we currently so much wiser and better than persons 200 years ago? I think most of the national and state leaders the world over are corrupt in one way or another. And, those who aren't yet will be if they remain "in power" long enough.

That's so cute!

The irony of using the word "with" with "one" is that it automatically implies more than one. If I say I am "one with" nature then I am making a distinction between me and nature. That's not a true oneness. But we understand the intended point so we don't really think about it. But a true oneness, to me, would ultimately lead to a loss of individual identity. In the gospel of Jesus Christ this is brought to fruition through taking upon us the name of Christ and all that implies. We don't physically become Christ but our identity is swallowed up in him. 

I also agree that the cancel culture is disgusting and attacks American's freedom of speech.
Meanwhile the Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Khan-Cullors was sharply criticized recently after news broke that she had purchased a $1,400,000 million home in a mostly white Los Angeles area neighborhood.
I do not like the Black Lives Matter organization.  They care nothing about the many poor black Americans in this nation and are doing virtually nothing to help them.  They are also helping and pushing the cancel culture in America presently.
 

I see the alien invasion that is a huge disregard for immigration law as a symptom of the great rot within this nation.  This along with the out of control money spending and the many wicked secret combinations that infest the Federal government in the United States.
A nation without borders will cease to be a nation in the future.
In my belief part of America will be preserved in the future but not this whole nation.  Too many in the United States have rejected God and turn to wicked pleasure or other idols as their gods.

We follow the handbook instructions in our ward. We do not let family members get involved in planning the service and/or do anything out of the ordinary - no frilly/unnecessary stuff - baptisms are not weddings. Family can celebrate at home after the service.
A baptismal service should be simple, brief, and spiritually uplifting. It may include the following:
Prelude music
A brief welcome from the brother who is conducting the service
An opening hymn and prayer
One or two short messages on gospel subjects, such as baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost
A musical selection
The baptism
A time of reverence while those who participated in the baptism change into dry clothes (hymns or Primary songs may be played or sung during this time)
The confirmation of 8-year-old members of record; the confirmation of converts if determined by the bishop (see 38.2.3.2)
Bearing of testimonies by new converts, if desired
A closing hymn and prayer
Postlude music
When a baptismal service for 8-year-old children who are members of record involves only one ward, a member of the bishopric plans and conducts it. He may ask Primary leaders to help with planning.
When a baptismal service for these children involves more than one ward, a member of the stake presidency or an assigned high councilor plans and conducts it. He may ask Primary leaders to help with planning. A member of the bishopric from each ward with a child being baptized should attend.
Members should not request individual times for the baptism of a child. Nor should they prescribe the content of the service.

We follow the handbook instructions in our ward. We do not let family members get involved in planning the service and/or do anything out of the ordinary - no frilly/unnecessary stuff - baptisms are not weddings. Family can celebrate at home after the service.
A baptismal service should be simple, brief, and spiritually uplifting. It may include the following:
Prelude music
A brief welcome from the brother who is conducting the service
An opening hymn and prayer
One or two short messages on gospel subjects, such as baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost
A musical selection
The baptism
A time of reverence while those who participated in the baptism change into dry clothes (hymns or Primary songs may be played or sung during this time)
The confirmation of 8-year-old members of record; the confirmation of converts if determined by the bishop (see 38.2.3.2)
Bearing of testimonies by new converts, if desired
A closing hymn and prayer
Postlude music
When a baptismal service for 8-year-old children who are members of record involves only one ward, a member of the bishopric plans and conducts it. He may ask Primary leaders to help with planning.
When a baptismal service for these children involves more than one ward, a member of the stake presidency or an assigned high councilor plans and conducts it. He may ask Primary leaders to help with planning. A member of the bishopric from each ward with a child being baptized should attend.
Members should not request individual times for the baptism of a child. Nor should they prescribe the content of the service.

I agree. The same should go for the young men administering the sacrament. However, sometimes we need to reach out and be more concerned for the safety and well-being of the one over the ninety and nine. We have a less-active young man who only wears a blue shirt when he comes to church. If he comes, and says he is worthy, we allow him to bless the sacrament with the others who are in white shirts. Now that doesn't mean that we should always be catering to the one, or lower our standards long-term/permanently. But, this sister in particular perhaps needs to be in the temple as it is likely the best thing to prevent her from going down a path that will not lead to happiness. If she fades away later in life, she can't say that she wasn't given every opportunity. Sometimes bending the standard down a bit to help others reach it is the best route to take. Then once they do, the spirit has an opportunity to lift them up higher up.
These cases truly are exceptions though, and many latter-day saints that I see day to day need to stop trying to make themselves into an exception.

I would suggest he shift his thinking. It could be that he'll have better comps, more positive experiences, enjoy the area more, etc in his new assignment. The sooner he looks at this as an opportunity, the better off he'll be. Besides, the grass is not always greener after all.
Let me also add that the coming years may very well require adaptability in various ways so this is a chance to flex his ability to be flexible. It could really help him in the long run!!
 

David A. Bednar, "Called to the Work" (Salt Lake City, Utah, April 1, 2017)