Christmas is now behind us and a new year is before us. We have a new president. My major in college was sociology and I am
currently finishing my MSW degree. I
love to sit back at times and just observe and consider how we and others about
us get into the circumstances we find ourselves. Being older has its advantages. We have watched pendulums swing one way and
then another. I even had the advantage
of having older parents who lived through the depression and world wars. My mother’s bottom drawer was filled with
panty hose until her dying day because nylon was scarce during hard times. She always kept a small wad of cash in
another drawer in case banks folded once again.
My father was born in 1905 and my mother in 1912.
Many people are upset because Trump is now president. I think it was fear on the part of many that
got him elected and that it is fear that is currently causing others’ hearts to
faint because he was elected. The consistency I see is that too many
Americans feel at the mercy of others’ actions. The sad part is that reacting to our fears
never produces the best behaviors. LDS scriptures indicate that fear is sinful
and that despair is the fruit of iniquity, (Moroni, 10:22). Both
despair and fear are the antithesis of faith.
Those who are familiar with scriptures in the Bible and the Book of
Mormon will see that prophecy is being fulfilled, (Mormon chapter 8). It really shouldn’t surprise us all that
much. But, clearly, we do need to get our
bearings and decide what are our best courses of action.
One course of action is to teach children positive values and the importance of education.
Again, I turn to my religious beliefs and what I believe is sound doctrine to help me go forward in faith. Much in LDS doctrine establishes that America is a promised land. It was foretold that it would be a great nation, but it was also foretold that it would reach a point of pride and arrogance, and a general abandonment of righteous values. The Book of Mormon prophets and Jesus Christ all admonished saints to be very familiar with the writings of Isaiah, for that which had been would be repeated. Isaiah teaches of a nation that was quite arrogant and powerful and felt it would always reign supreme, but history proved its vulnerability. I think the modern-day equivalent of that nation is America. Leviticus warns about what happens to a promised land when it abandons the sanctity of the Sabbath Day, worships idols and abandons moral standards, (see Leviticus chapter 26).
Gathering with family both for fun and mutual edification can increase our hope in things to come.
The reason that the “gospel” is good news, (which is the
literal mean of the word), is that no one can prevent you from being righteous
and passing your life’s test, not even Donald Trump, nor a Hillary Clinton,
should she have been elected. The fact
that we have illegal immigrants in America does not weaken it, nor does the
fact that ISIS is growing in strength and power, make us vulnerable. But, ISIS may be the ax that brings us to our
knees. The problem is that we, as
individuals, have lost the art of connecting to heaven and learning the real
purpose of life. We desperately need that personal connection
to God, coupled with a desire to know what is true and how God would have us
behave and what we should do at this hour.
I personally don’t think it is to picket the Tabernacle Choir for
singing at the inauguration. While I
didn’t vote for Trump, nor Hillary, I still planned on being law abiding,
informed and involved in the political process, regardless of the outcome of
the election. I think it is the
adversary who fosters despair, intolerance and a general lack of civility, both
within families and toward society at large.
Let it begin with me.
I can be kinder, more deliberate and prayerful and if I do that, I will
be at peace. Let us remember the Prince
of Peace who relied upon His Father for direction. We need not only follow his example in what
He did, but how He got his errand. Everyone is capable of change and growth, including
me.
And Daily in the temple and in every house they ceased not to preach and teach Jesus Christ
Acts 5:42
