I Was a Stranger: The Call for Relief

Jesus holds a little boy in his lap.

“Reaching out to others with love matters to the Lord.” This is why Latter-day Saint women announced a new refugee relief effort called “I Was a Stranger.”  “Have I done any good in the world today?” Thus began the General Women’s Session of the April 2016 general conference of The… Continue reading

Peaceful Politics: What Past Leaders Teach Us about Civic Charity

The examples of past American leaders can help us apply charity to politics and further democratic principles. I grew up in a family whose political opinions were quite different from the general opinion of the area. I was and am often hesitant to share my opinions for fear of being… Continue reading

Competition and Contention: Fighting Pride in Our Relationships

Angry woman in front of a poster

 “Pride is ugly. It says, ‘If you succeed, I am a failure.’” —Ezra Taft Benson Today, conflict has become an acceptable aspect of our culture. Society has normalized stereotypes like contentious family dinners and mud-slinging political debates, as if fighting were just a fact of life. But this is not… Continue reading

No Borders in Christ’s Kingdom

Women in black Hijab headscarf walking on field.

Although it may often seem that the world is divided by borders, religion, or politics, we are all one when we live in Jesus Christ’s kingdom. The year 2020 was defined by unrest in the United States. With a dangerous virus, a contentious election, and protests and riots taking place,… Continue reading

What Can I Do to Help?

“For those of us who have watched news of recent events and have felt helpless to know what to do, the answer might actually be right before us.” —Bonnie L. Oscarson What can one person do against the impossibly dark flood of war, disease, poverty, and hate? Christ answers with… Continue reading

In Our Eyes Too

Group of people taking photo near brown tree

We often separate ourselves into categories based on our differences, but these categories do not define our inherent value as eternal children of God. We often repeat the scripture that says “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (see D&C 18:10). However, sometimes the perceived differences… Continue reading

Emulating Christ’s Ministry to the Margins

Silhouette of people on hill photo.

To become better disciples of Christ, we must have “the courage to confront our own prejudices and to challenge the assumptions we make about ­others.” —Phillip D. Rash We may feel we belong when most of the people in our communities look like us and have similar experiences to us.… Continue reading

How Church Structure Brings Us Closer to Christ

Three Women Laughing

Without loving leaders and members at church, there would be few places for us to be buoyed up and “nourished by the good word of God”.  Sister Reyna I. Aburto was nine years old when a devastating earthquake rocked her home country of Nicaragua. Her brother died in the earthquake,… Continue reading

With Open Arms

Red hearts in a row with one green heart standing out

It’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside, but there is a place for everyone in Christ’s arms. I have never liked giving talks or saying prayers in front of a crowd. I felt like I couldn’t thank the Lord or express my thoughts as well as those around… Continue reading

Beat the Blues by Serving Others: President Spencer W. Kimball

elderly couple reading.

Learn from President Kimball how serving others and sharing the gospel can help you—and help you help others—stride over hurdles in your life. “Lengthen your stride.” You’ve probably heard this quote from President Spencer W. Kimball’s (1895–1985)  October 1974 address urging members to engage in missionary work. (Also see “Lengthen… Continue reading