November is a time people often think about giving thanks more abundantly than any other time of year. As turmoil and contention loom heavily over us, I am comforted by the words of the Prophets. Modern and ancient prophets have spoken of times like these where people will be confused and contentious. Times where evil seems to be the only choice. Evil is never the only choice. We have been blessed with a living Prophet and other righteous leaders who share our concerns, hopes, and beliefs.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband spoke of this in the April General Conference 2016. A quote from his talk reads:
“We have sustained leaders today who, by divine inspiration, have been called to teach and guide us and who are calling out to us to beware of the dangers we face each day—from casual Sabbath-day observance, to threats to the family, to assaults on religious freedom, and even to disputing latter-day revelation. Brothers and sisters, are we listening to their counsel?
Many times in conferences, sacrament meetings, and Primary we have sung the tender words, “Lead me, guide me, walk beside me.”
What do those words mean to you? Who comes to mind when you think of them? Have you felt the influence of righteous leaders, those disciples of Jesus Christ who have in the past and continue today to touch your life, who walk the Lord’s path with you? They may be close at home. They may be in your local congregations or speaking from the pulpit at general conference. These disciples share with us the blessing of having a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, the leader of this Church, the leader of our very souls, who has promised, “Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.”
So in this contentious world full of sadness, anger, and hopelessness, I am thankful for righteous leaders; for a God who appointed them to communicate with Him in my behalf. I choose to follow Him and I choose to be Grateful despite the turmoil I often feel around me. May I suggest that we choose who we will follow and what messages we will listen to and then pray to open our hearts to those messages God wants us to hear. I know as we do this, we will feel peace and comfort amidst all our trials.
Written by: Shanna
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Thank you for your voice – it is terrific to recognize the harmony that we can experience with one another when we ‘choose to be grateful’ and to share the words that are meaningful in our lives. Thank you for sharing yours – I love the tender mercies afforded us as we realize the Spirit is whispering a unified message of peace to us IN our trials.
Very nice! Evil is NEVER the only choice! Beautiful.