Highland 28th Ward
Experience the Reward of Feeling Good by Doing Good
We have heard the saying; “It takes a village to raise a child.” This is more evident in this time than in generations of the past. In fact, today’s environment demands this evolution, yet we don’t have as much influence on how or who the village employs. It is vital that we build our homes as safe havens where our children feel safe, loved, and heard.
As the church has adjusted its focus on home-taught gospel / church supported learning, I have noticed a decrease of active individual & family learning. It is the responsibility of us together and individually to build our testimonies. We have been directed to develop a closer relationship with the spirit so that we can defend ourselves, families, and communities from the destroyer. I’m concerned that most families are struggling with implementing some form of educational structure.
Today’s youth are afraid to take on a new task or challenge, demanding a physical, monetary, or exciting reward. When something appears to be difficult, they provide endless excuses stating why it isn’t important to do or that the effort expended isn’t worth the result. Maybe we can all start by making some small steps in the same direction.
Consider This:
Stop using the word “JUST”
Especially when talking about ourselves or others.
Have you ever thought about how this word reduces, deemphasizes, and degrades when it is used to explain the role, position, or character of a person?
Here are some examples of the negative impact of including this word: I’m just a housewife. I’m just an elder. I’m just a primary teacher. I don’t need to worry about that.
Now exchange the word for another adjective or remove it from the explanation and exchange the contraction for the formal pronoun (I am instead of I’m): I am a homemaker, I am an elder, I am a primary teacher, I do not need to worry about that.
Remember:
I AM a child God, I WANT to know my Heavenly Father, and I DO have value.
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. There will be many opportunities for me as Bishop to have frank, open, and honest conversations with the youth. In the spirit of transparency, I’m informing you that these frank and open conversations might be discussed in an open forum or with an Individual, one on one conversation in the confines of the Bishop’s office.
Hopefully these discussions will lead them to you as parents with follow-up discussion, building levels of trust between you and them. I pray the youth find the courage to talk with their parents about anything and you have the courage to address any follow-up questions they might have with patience, love and kindness.
Please review “My 2020 Invitation to You” by President Russell M. Nelson which is included as a preporation to General Conference in April.
Love,
Bishop Jeff Anderson
Stay humble, work hard, and be kind.