The Gospel and Sexual Assault

A man looking away from the camera

The plan of salvation shapes the way we respond to sexual assault. As society grapples with sexual harassment and sexual assault, Latter-day Saints join with others in condemning such offensive behavior. In a devotional address given at BYU, Benjamin M. Ogles, dean of the College of Family, Home, and Social… Continue reading

Prayer of an Atheist: Out Loud and in His Name

back view of girl overlooking road and river

As an atheist, I knew nothing about prayer. But when I learned about Joseph Smith and the First Vision, I learned how to get answers from God. I asked God every night for eight years if he was real, and I never got an answer. Growing up as an atheist,… Continue reading

Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching: What Counts?

an image of a group of women sitting on a couch

It might feel like something to check off every month. But home teaching and visiting teaching are about more than just delivering a scripted message.  Home teaching and visiting teaching are supposed to be “the Church’s first source of help” for its members (see True to the Faith, “Priesthood”), but these assignments can… Continue reading

From God to You: Your Patriarchal Blessing

girl praying and background unfocused

Do you ever wonder who you are or what message God wants you to remember throughout your life that is specifically for you? Your patriarchal blessing gives some answers to these questions.  We sometimes lose sense of our divine nature. We stand, looking at our reflection in the mirror, wondering if we have… Continue reading

Our Sacred Temple Garments

Woman in front of the temple

Temple garments worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide blessings when worn properly.  People who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often raise questions about the temple garment. In “The Temple Garment: ‘An Outward Expression of an Inward… Continue reading

A Woman’s Place: What Does Gender Equality Really Mean?

silhouette of woman at sunset

Where is a woman’s place? What is gender equality? See what millennials, scholars, and prophets are saying. For some, gender equality means that men and women are equal only if they do exactly the same things in the workplace and at home. However, many recent studies show a wave of traditionalism sweeping over the… Continue reading

Single, Faithful, and Struggling

Guy in beanie looking down

Although faithful Latter-day Saints can struggle to find their eternal companion, that does not mean the Church isn’t meant for us. For young adults who feel they can’t seem to get a second (or even a first) date, it can be particularly painful to be surrounded by married and engaged friends. This heartache is… Continue reading

Action: A Product of Our Thoughts and Words

snowy mountain view

The way you think about yourself directly impacts your level of success. Choose to think positively, and your own ability might surprise you.  “I am so bad at math—my brain just doesn’t work that way!” “I forget things all the time!” “I’m never going to be able to manage all of… Continue reading

Overcoming Offense

Pug in the city

Taking offense is not only harmful to us, but it may also prevent future generations from receiving the blessings of the gospel. It does not take many words to potentially offend another, but we can decide whether or not to be offended. In his general conference talk “And Nothing Shall… Continue reading