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

Inspiring Others With Your Identity

The backs of four women hugging

Having a unique identity can seem important, but what’s more important is loving those who choose different paths than we do. We live in a world with ever-increasing controversial opinions and views. Each of us may want a strong sense of individual identity, including our political perspectives, social outlooks, and… Continue reading

The Secret Behind Cultivating Inclusivity at Church: Charity

A colorful picture frame with the words “You Belong.” The frame is surrounded by big green leaves.

Charity is cultivating inclusivity at church—it’s recognizing the signs of exclusion and learning to be inclusive toward excluded members. Moving to a new location usually means moving to a new ward. For shy people like me, the thought of starting over fills us with dread. Will I make friends? Will… Continue reading

Demystifying Ministering

Four young people in a side hug

Without a to-do list describing how to minister to our brothers and sisters, ministering may feel a little bit mystifying. But the Spirit can teach us how to fulfill the Savior’s invitation to minister in his way. The revised ministering program in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints… Continue reading

Becoming One Through Christ

Silhouette of someone helping pull someone else up

Society and the world often feel fractured in our day, but when we turn to Christ, we can come to truly love our friends and our enemies. While the world has always dealt with conflict, the past several years have been especially tense, with disputes arising over politics, religion, culture,… Continue reading

It’s Time to Let Go of Your Past

Silhouette of tree against sunset

If we don’t let go of the past, we run the risk of committing the greater sin of focusing on the past  instead of enjoying the present. Do you know what it’s like to have your past mistakes loop through your head repeatedly? I do. After you’ve done all you… Continue reading

The Transforming Power of Service

A group of people.

When we lose ourselves in the service of others, we can overcome personal anxieties and insecurities. At times we all experience loneliness, anxiety, or despair. How do we overcome these feelings? In his article “A Holier Pattern of Service,” Elder Patrick Kearon related a memorable experience from his youth that… Continue reading

Shake It Off

Hand catching raindrops

Recognizing our divine traits allows us to shed offense and live a happier life.  Have you ever shared an opinion, only to have it ridiculed? Have you ever been betrayed by another person’s indiscreet or foolish behavior? If these things have ever happened to you, you’ve probably felt hurt or… Continue reading

Four Tips to Love Yourself

woman greeting sunrise with arms spread

Here are some ways you can love yourself, starting today. I hated myself for a long time. I hated my imperfections, my mental illnesses, my poor choices. It became hard to love myself because I believed that everyone around me expected me to be a perfect woman.  One day I… Continue reading

Love is Our Response

Three people in suits arguing.

Active love and acceptance transcend mortal politics—but how can we live it? To say that the last year has been a charged one would be an understatement. Division has been at an all-time high, with issues like racial injustice, mask mandates, and even expansionist dogma on the world stage. It… Continue reading