This Seat Is Yours

A young woman feeling stressed and alone in a crowd full of people.

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

Turn to Him for Answers

Sunlight streams through tall pine trees in a misty forest, creating golden rays of light between the trunks.

In a world overflowing with opinions and uncertainty, we are reminded that the clearest answers are found in Jesus Christ.  Everywhere we turn, people seem to be telling us how to fix our lives, whether they’re giving advice on how to stop a bad habit, be successful at work, improve… 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