a time for optimism

The United States are quickly becoming a scary place. With politicians eroding the Constitution until it is now just a shell of the once beautiful promise of liberty it once was and media spokes people twisting the news for profit on both sides of the fence, we all might sink into the depths of despair. Or then again we might not.

Last winter my husband and I sat in our living room with our Bishop (also our Home Teacher.) Bishop became thoughtful as we recited the bleak picture before us. When we finished our lamentations, he gently taught us a profound lesson, echoing the late Gordon B. Hinckley. Be optimistic.

Certainly, we must be aware of events that will affect us, but we should not let them cause fear. We can turn to God--He will lift us. "Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul” (Psalm 25:1) “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord” (Psalm 121:1–2)." Bishop continued to suggest that we must move forward even in these times. Build our businesses. Flesh our our year's supply and expand it. Beautify our homes and property. Get an education. Go on a mission. Basically, increase in knowledge and in stature, and in favor with God and man. Don't let fear rob us of life and progress.

To rid ourselves of fear, we must pray for strength, peace, and courage. “If ye would hearken unto the Spirit [of God] which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit … teacheth him that he must not pray” (2 Nephi 32:8). “The sincere prayer of the righteous heart opens to any individual, the door to divine wisdom and strength in that for which he righteously seeks.” (Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places (1974), 318)

Have faith that God is in charge and will in the end be triumphant. This does not mean that we will not have hardships and trials. However, with God, nothing is impossible. Most of us recognize the signs of the times and the coming events. But if we are prepared we need not fear. We have been instructed to prepare so that our families suffer as little as possible. Moving forward with faith and courage are much better options than cowering with a fallen countenance.