This Seat Is Yours

If you feel like you don’t belong, just remember there’s a seat for you here—and it’s not going anywhere. Growing up as a member of the church, I felt excitement about worshiping in a congregation, but I often felt like my family didn’t belong. Having a brother with special needs… Continue reading

The Dangerous Pursuit of False Perfection

A young woman sitting in a public place with sunlight shining on her face through the blinds of a nearby window, in black and white.

When a demanding secular world tells us who to be and what to do, we can let the gospel of Jesus Christ be our guide and our primary source of comfort. In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with checklists: what to eat, what to wear, what to do with… Continue reading

Faith in the Face of Political Division

Rolled paper saying “We the People” on a piece of red, white, and blue cloth.

Many have heard that church and state in the United States should be separated by a wall, but President Oaks asks more of us than mere division. The separation between church and state in the United States has often been compared to a wall: rigid, uncompromising, dividing, impartial. This famous… Continue reading

God’s Love Is BIG

Milky way amongst stars

Bigger than anything we may face, carry, or worry about. God’s all-encompassing love is vaster than we can comprehend. Sister Kristin M. Yee emphasizes this truth in her worldwide Relief Society devotional message, “Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice Was and Is for You.” To begin her talk, she shares an anecdote from… Continue reading

Find Christ in the Temple

Woman standing near yellow flowers.

Sincere seekers of Christ are promised they will find him in the temple. Relief and answers to questions can come through him. I have had my fair share of personal experience with anxiety and panic attacks. Particularly, this last month has been one of acute anxiety as I have sought… Continue reading

Creating Space for God

A teenage girl sits on concrete stairs and looks into the distance.

No matter how busy we are, being intentional with our time opens up opportunities for God to speak to us. I love a good audiobook or podcast to keep me company while I drive or walk someplace—it keeps me occupied and helps me feel like I’m making good use of… Continue reading

How Christ Can Help You Heal from Sexual Assault

Holding hands

Being a victim of sexual assault often leads to confusion, hopelessness, and guilt. Yet the versatility of Christ’s Atonement can still be a comfort for guiltless victims.  There are few things more devastating than being sexually abused. The aftermath of one’s agency being ignored is often full of regret, anxiety,… Continue reading

Building the Courage to Stand Alone

Man silhouetted against bright neon signs.

In 2011, Thomas S. Monson counseled us all to “dare to stand alone.” What can we learn from his words 15 years later? My high school in San Diego, California, had nearly two thousand students. Around 15 of those were members of the Church, including my brothers and me. Throughout… Continue reading

What We Ought to Know About Eternity

Man carrying children

What does the gospel of Jesus Christ teach us about our life’s purpose and eternal destiny? Familial bonds don’t end with mortality. There are millions of pop culture portrayals of the afterlife and speculations about what it’s like. For instance, I recently watched a movie with a depiction of an… Continue reading