To Thine Own Self Be True

This post is to talk about how sometimes you need to be yourself. Sometimes you have to stand up for what is right, even if you don't know what the outcome will be. In this video, our Prophet - Thomas S. Monson - speaks of a time when he had to go through the same thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_92mKlQOlk&feature=youtu.be

This post is going to be relatively short. Basically, stand up for what you know to be true. "This above all; to thine own self be true." If it's a personal standard, or a cultural thing, it is important to do what you know to be right. Sometimes we forget this, and end up making mistakes. But that's the beauty of the gospel - you can still repent. Through our Savior's love we can return to live with our Father in Heaven. You can be forgiven of your sins.

So remember, stand up for what is right - and if you slip up a bit, you can always repent.

Take Comfort, He Understands

In D&C 122:7 you will find:

"And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that lal these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."

To me this is a scripture of great comfort. When you first glance over it (or at least when I did) it appears disturbing. Nobody wants to have every terrible thing in the world thrown at us, but neither does our Heavenly Father. Though He would rather let us go through life with no harm, He knows that it is for the better. He was willing to send his Only Begotten Son down to suffer for all of the pains and afflictions of the world.

Alma 7:11-13
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how o succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

When this scripture says that He suffers for pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind, it literally means every kind. For each person individually. This is absolutely amazing to me - to know that He truly does know everything I've gone through and will go through - both mentally and physically. The most amazing part of that is - He did it all for us because He loves us. Not because He felt obligated to. Because of the Atonement we can repent and return to live with our Father in Heaven. I know with a surety that this is true. I have been grateful for the Atonement throughout my life and I have felt our Savior's love for us. Jesus Christ loves us, He understands us, and He personally knows each and every one of us. I can honestly tell you that if you seek out His help you will be comforted, even if it seems impossible.


Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mark 9:23
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mark 10:27
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.