His Comprehensive Grace vs. Our Faulty Works

How does our understanding of “grace” combat our perfectionism, shame, depression, or anxiety? BYU Studies explains. There is a recurring thought in my mind: “I am not the person I wish I were. I do not have the capacity to be that person.” Many overly occupied, ambitious, and earnest people...

The Gospel Bridge: Moving from Complacency to Connection

As followers of God, who loves all his children, we cannot remain indifferent to the experiences of those who live outside our own communities; true discipleship invites us to be uncomfortable enough to listen when we’d rather look away. In a world where polarization seems to be increasing daily, followers...

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...

History Published, Faith Strengthened

Newly released documents from the Joseph Smith Papers project provide fascinating insights on Church history topics that can build faith in Jesus Christ. As members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints build faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, they often develop questions about...

The Dangerous Pursuit of False Perfection

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...
Our Words May Minister Grace

Our Words May Minister Grace

Our language can either lift others or tear them down. As Christ’s disciples, we can use good language and humor to uplift others and bring light to their lives. Everybody loves people who have good humor and wit. On the other hand, it is harder to communicate with people who...
Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

Trials—those seemingly bad things that happen to us—give us opportunities to learn patience, humility, and faith; ultimately, they teach us how to become more like God.   God is all-powerful and all knowing, right? Yes. And God can stop any bad thing from happening, right? Yes. So that means God...
The God Hypothesis

The God Hypothesis

You don’t have to reject science to believe in God. But to prove a spiritual theory, you need spiritual evidence. I recently heard of a chemist who strongly opposed the existence of God. He claimed that his belief in science was so intense, it could never coexist with religious faith....
Sadness Is Not Suffered Alone

Sadness Is Not Suffered Alone

As members of the Church, we can lean on our Heavenly Father, the Savior, and other members to lift the burdens of sadness and mental despair.  Since I was a young girl, I remember always feeling nervous. This nervousness persisted and became a part of my permanent thought process. Eventually,...
The Journey is the Destination

The Journey is the Destination

We may not always be happy with our circumstances, but when we try to make the best of the situation, we will be blessed. We may think we know how our life is going to turn out. We may imagine having a big house, a well-paying job, or the perfect...
Becoming Whole

Becoming Whole

We can become whole and find healing through Jesus Christ, despite the brokenness of this world. In my last two months serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my body started to seriously falter. I could barely walk and I struggled to get up...