4 Ways To Spot and Help Those in Abusive Relationships

Black and white image of woman lying on the ground in the shadows

We all have different opinions about our friends’ significant others. Understanding the warning signs can help us identify if a loved one is in an abusive relationship and know how we can best support them. I met Annie (name changed) in tenth grade, our first year of high school. We… Continue reading

Befriending Our Missionaries

spiderweb over water

Missionaries are more than just the name tags they wear; they are individuals who need support just like us. When I returned home for the holidays last year, my family invited four missionaries over on Christmas Day: three that currently served in the ward, and one that had served in… Continue reading

Be a Light, Not a Judge

A group of people watch the sunset while camping in Cubelles, Spain

As human beings, we all crave a sense of belonging. How should we reach out to others to satisfy this hunger? Creating an atmosphere of unity and inclusion is certainly easier said than done. But if there is anything to learn from the 2021 BYU Women’s Conference, it’s that we… Continue reading

Creating a More Welcoming Church Community

Four girls sitting in a grassy field, facing away from the camera, holding their hands together to form hearts

Everyone has a place in the Church, and as disciples of Christ we can help new and returning members feel like they belong. When my family first moved to Southern California, I found it challenging to figure out how to fit into the new community. When we joined The Church… Continue reading

If You Want to Be My Lover, You’ve Got to Be My Friend

Friends spelled out in scrabble letters

Dating isn’t just a time to fall in love; it’s a time to strengthen friendships. Everybody knows somebody—or knows somebody who knows somebody—with a story about a couple who got engaged after only dating for a few months, weeks, or even days. That quick jump between dating and marriage can… Continue reading

When Friends Leave the Church

When your friends leave the Church, you don’t have to leave them. Read these five tips for maintaining great relationships with friends who are no longer Latter-day Saints. Several of my friends have recently left the Church. Even though I love and care about them, I have really struggled to… Continue reading

Building the Church through Friendship

Strengthening our relationships with others is a big part of living the gospel. The third hour of my Sunday church block generally goes like this: I walk into Relief Society, grab my usual seat next to my roommates, and promptly leave as soon as the meeting ends. In other words,… Continue reading

The Divinity of Differences

Heavenly Father has given us differences from the very beginning to make the world more beautiful, not to divide us. Have you ever felt that someone is so different from you that you have absolutely nothing in common and can’t possibly become friends? We live in a world where social… Continue reading

Maintaining Balance: Loving Others While Defending the Faith

In a world where having a different opinion is often laughed at, it is possible to follow Jesus Christ’s example of loving others, being kind, and avoiding contention while standing up for the gospel. It can be intimidating to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.… Continue reading

Our Words May Minister Grace

One young woman whispers to another.

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… Continue reading