Bishopric Message – April 2020

Wow, a lot has happened during the month of March, social distancing, homeschooling, limited physical contact with others, reduction of group gatherings.  We have never experienced these kinds of changes in our lifetime.  My sister was reading in our grandmother’s journal and she shared a passage with our family.  This passage was from when she was 18 years old and just graduated from high school and was starting the next chapter in her life:

“The fall of 1918 Mother took me on my first trip to Salt Lake City, where I registered at the University of Utah and stayed with my Aunt Eliza.  The University and all the schools were closed down in a few weeks because of the terrible influenza epidemic, which took the lives of people in droves.  I became ill, so Mother came and took me home.  My sickness was more loneliness than influenza.  Schools were closed for months.  While I was in Salt Lake City, the prophet, Joseph F. Smith, died and no funeral was held.  All public gatherings were closed for the duration of the epidemic.”

It is interesting how history repeats itself.  They didn’t have the technology that we have today which allows us to stay connected to friends and loved ones. 

How technology has changed everything. Today’s youth have electronics attached to their appendages at most hours of the day.  Their minds don’t slow or stop, always wanting stimulus, afraid to feel bord.  They don’t take the time to be still.  Take this time to read, study, ponder, and pray.

As today is Easter, I ask that everyone you spend some time connecting with those that you love.

I have attached a few links to messages that you might enjoy as a family. What wonderful insight some of our leaders and others in the church have to offer at this particular time.

https://www.comeuntochrist.org/easter/easter-video-playlist

https://www.comeuntochrist.org/

Don’t Miss This – SPECIAL EDITION: Purpose in this Place

Now, the life of our youth is filled with pressures from unknown sources from all over the world.  The technology of today establishes voices from unnamed, faceless critics from unknown locations.  It empowers the individual to speak whatever they feel without seeing how their statements are received or without recognizing the effects of their statement on others because there is not a personal connection to the audience.  Social distancing naturally creates isolation.  Please reach out to others and so this isolation doesn’t get the best of you.

What have you learned from this experience so far?

“God has a purpose in this Place. God is not limited during the quarantine, God is Limitless!” — Emily Freeman “Don’t Miss This: Special Edition: Purpose in this Place

Find your purpose in your place.  Talk about your story.  Believe that God will show you the work that he needs you to do.  Connect and share with others your challenges. 

May the Lord bless you and your families,

Bishop Anderson

CHALLENGE
FaceTime (Zoom, Discord, or visual platform) with someone you haven’t talked to for a while. Reach out and connect.