never acquiesce your convictions

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

My husband loves teaching youth. He is forever telling them in one way or another that it is alright to be good. It is just fine to pick friends, who keep good standards and influence you for good. He tells them that we can make this easy for ourselves or hard. It's all in our attitude. We can contentedly choose to follow the Savior or mourn our loss of "fun." Sometimes this takes courage.

So what exactly does it mean to be good? Webster tells us good is possessing moral excellence or virtue; virtuous; pious; religious; -- said of persons or actions. "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity," Tutus 2:7

What is courage? Again I turn to Webster; Courage is that quality of mind which enables one to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear, or fainting of heart; valor; boldness; resolution.

God will not leave us alone in our quest to be good. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Isaiah 40:29

I know; I know. I've thought so just how is God going to help me? "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

Why should we mourn?
Or think our lot is hard?
Tis not so, all is bright
Why we think to earn a great reward?
If we now shun the fight
Gird up your loins
Fresh courage take
Our god will never us forsake
And soon we'll have this tale to tell
All is well! All is well! (Come, Come Ye Saints verse 2)

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

At times it has been hard for me to stand up for what is right. In my younger days, I never came right and told people that I was LDS. I was always afraid they would hate me. Sometimes when they found out, they did. Wanting the benefits without the burdens of church membership, I abdicated my responsibility to always be a light on a hill. I hid my candle under a bushel. I feel differently about this now. I am who I am. It's not as important for me to feel accepted by the world. This has been a freeing choice. Fear is no longer what drives me.

I've been harassed and reviled by family members of different or no religion. It is hard to show love and take the time to explain. I've had to stand alone under the mocking. In my cowardly youth and young adulthood, I ran from these confrontations whenever I could. Although I'm not sure I stand very tall now, but I quietly stand my ground an refuse to acquiesce my convictions. Even though these instances leave a wrenching feeling in my heart, I also feel peace standing as a daughter of God.