Over the past few years, I have thought a lot about the social, educational, and spiritual development of my two teenagers. Most children struggle at some level with self-esteem, mild depression, feelings of disconnection, and loneliness. Kids today don’t have the same connection to others that we did when we were young.

Computer games, computers were nonexistent in my youth, not invented yet. Our old tube black-and-white television only had three channels. That didn’t matter because my mother restricted us from the house when the weather was good. We didn’t have time to watch much except when we sat down together as a family.

“…energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” – Brené Brown

Today, the youth, seem to want to be by themselves. Do they have the desire to reach out to others? We keep them busy with extra-curricular activities like basketball, swimming, acting, or music; these activities provide some level of engagement but how do we help them develop their desire to build connections? Do they know how vitally important it is to engage in positive personal interaction with others?

Now, the added responsibility of Bishop, I find myself concerned with those beyond my family to the youth and all the members of the ward. The non-stop, distracting noise of today, partly due to continual advancement of personal communications devices (Cell Phones, Tablets, Computer), other interactive systems (Virtual Reality, Tic Tok, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.), and AI technology (Analytics, Machine Learning, etc.) discourages one on one interaction and pulls us away from others. This society of self-expression and “what about Me” mentality is creating an environment that promotes attitudes of selfishness, unkindness, racism, hatred, and bigotry, all characteristics that are contrary to those of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

CONSIDER THIS:
Maybe the opposite of hate isn’t love but maybe it’s connection
CONNECTION, the ACTION of LOVE.

Nephi is a great example of how to start with HOPE. He continued to look for the Lord’s hand in his family’s trials. He didn’t complain, he looked forward with HOPE. He took actions of FAITH, not knowing how the path would unfold. He kept his covenants with the Lord and remembered what great things that Lord hath done.

As a parent, I’m grateful when I can be involved with those that could have an influence on the development of my children. As Bishop, I feel the added responsibility to try and help the youth find meaning in how they act, what they do, and where they go. I hope they find the desire to proactively act and not be passively acted upon. To move forward we need to first Look forward. Push our fears aside and be willing to try.

CHALLENGE:
Speak the Unspeakable (be heard),
Use your Gifts to Be a Gift (be valued),
Don’t Prove Yourself, Be Yourself (be seen).

I pray we can build relationships with our youth so they can have the courage to talk with us, their parents, about anything and everything. Have the courage to address their questions with love and kindness.

“And there was also written upon them new writing which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” – 1 Nephi 16:29

The Lord hath done “Great Things”, and with his help we experience miracles.

Love you all,

Bishop Anderson
“Stay Humble, Work Hard, & Be Kind”