It is always comforting to have books, articles, people come into your life at just the right moment in answer to heartfelt prayer. I saw this article in Good Housekeeping July 2009 and shared it with the father-of-my-children when we had been separated for about a year and a half.
CHEERIOS
My five-year-old granddaughter was sitting across the kitchen table from me one bright Sunday morning several years ago, digging into a bowl of CHeerios while I read the paper.
Suddenly she said, "Grandma, you're married to Grandpa Frank, right?"
"Yes, Megan," I said
"But you used to be married to Grandpa John, right?"
I braced myself. Here we go, I thought. The grandchildren are beginning to puzzle over why they have multiple sets of grandparents, and I'm going to have to explain what divorce is all about. "Yes, Megan."
Eyes thoughtful, she slowly began spooning in more Cheerios. "You used to be married to Grandpa John, and now you are married to Grandpa Frank..." She paused and nailed me with her eyes. "But you still love Grandpa John, right?"
I hadn't expected this, and I realized I had a millisecond to reassure this child that the world of divorce and remarriage, with all its anger and hurt, did not threaten her small circle of loved people. "Yes, Megan," I said. She let out a sigh of relief and dug back into the Cheerios. Her world was whole.
That evening , I reported the exchange to my husband: how a simple declaration of love had given this grandchild a feeling of safety that my ex-husband and I had been unable to give to our children. Our divorce had left our daughters for some time with divided loyalties, guilt and plenty of residual anger. They had survived and flourished, but why should the grandchildren be forced to pledge allegiance to the same grievances? Wasn't there a point where the enmity could be put to rest? "Who cares anymore who was right or who was wrong?"
He agreed. Soon after that, I talked to my ex-husband and his wife, and the four of us found ourselves agreeing on one bedrock commitment: to give the gift of completeness to our grandchildren. Our story was old news- we had the chance to live a new, better one.
Since then we've shared most family holidays, often in my ex-husband's converted Wisconsin barn. We've wrapped gifts together; taken the kids to the fireworks together; washed dishes together. We're happily remarried to spouses we love and if anyone asked if either he or I pined for the other, I'd have to say, "not in this lifetime or any other."
So was my answer to Megan truthful?
It was. My ex and I could let go of our old disappointments. The reward? Something huge- a chance to give our grandchildren the gift of a shared history. It's their family story now. Written better and true.
(Patricia O'Brian)
The father-of-my-children read this and answered that I was such a Pollyanna, and that this scenario would never happen in our family if we divorced. He was quite emphatic about this and added it to his harangue of threats towards me. (Those threats made it so easy for me to finally walk away from him with assurance because Heavenly Father was showing me his true, unrepentant, addictive heart.)
It has been four years since we separated, 1 1/2 since divorce, and I realize it takes two to create a loving, shared history for our posterity. I have every expectation and a clear vision of our family getting there some day; it's just the right thing to do for our children and as disciples of Christ.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Miracles
I received this Christmas letter last week and must share it with everyone:
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle" Albert Einstein
Most of us think of miracles as big events of unusual circumstances. That may well define some miracles, but others occur in our daily lives as we are challenged to cope with life as it is. Our personal miracles come in harmony with our decision to cope well with the unexpected.
Longfellow believed the situations that call upon our coping skills are "celestial benedictions" in disguise, sent not to try our souls but to enlarge them. Every time we cope well we have made another personal deposit of confidence, creativity and courage - we have added to our reserve and strengthened our character.
We believe in miracles because we have seen them in your lives as well as our own. There are those with the heaviest burdens who still brighten our day. There are those who have given up much but still manage to express their gratitude. There are some amazing people around us who teach us with their strength, courage and resilience. These are the people whose miracles inspire us!
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle" Albert Einstein
Most of us think of miracles as big events of unusual circumstances. That may well define some miracles, but others occur in our daily lives as we are challenged to cope with life as it is. Our personal miracles come in harmony with our decision to cope well with the unexpected.
Longfellow believed the situations that call upon our coping skills are "celestial benedictions" in disguise, sent not to try our souls but to enlarge them. Every time we cope well we have made another personal deposit of confidence, creativity and courage - we have added to our reserve and strengthened our character.
We believe in miracles because we have seen them in your lives as well as our own. There are those with the heaviest burdens who still brighten our day. There are those who have given up much but still manage to express their gratitude. There are some amazing people around us who teach us with their strength, courage and resilience. These are the people whose miracles inspire us!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Ruling
Check out the footnote for Matthew 2:6d. The Greek for 'rule' is tend, protect, nurture.
Go back and plug that into Genesis 3:16 or Moses 4:22 (thy husband shall rule over thee) and 1 Timothy3:4,5,12 (one that ruleth well his own house). Find other places in the scriptures that mention rule or ruling. I love this insight! Now we have three verbs to be trying liken to ourselves and implement instead of just one...
(RULE!!! sounds harsh)
The man (or woman) of God who is ruling over his wife, family or the church is tending, protecting and nurturing them. Great concept!
Go back and plug that into Genesis 3:16 or Moses 4:22 (thy husband shall rule over thee) and 1 Timothy3:4,5,12 (one that ruleth well his own house). Find other places in the scriptures that mention rule or ruling. I love this insight! Now we have three verbs to be trying liken to ourselves and implement instead of just one...
(RULE!!! sounds harsh)
The man (or woman) of God who is ruling over his wife, family or the church is tending, protecting and nurturing them. Great concept!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Thoughts on Virtue from BYU Magazine
"The abundance of life, the fullness of purpose and meaning are to be found in virtue- virtue that reflects and reaches for the godly virtue of the Savior Himself.
Virtue is the very purpose of life and the essence of our nature as children of God."
Virtue is to be for others- to act in their best interests, and to have a heart of compassion and charity turned outwards. When we are being virtuous, we exhibit specific characteristics...we invite and entice one another to be virtuous: being compassionately persuasive,gentle, meek and kind- in a spirit of charity, of love, of patience. It is in this way of being that we show ourselves and to others who we are and who we should be. This is what life is really like as we moment by moment put off the natural man. Our attempts must begin in the hearts of individuals.
Virtue is about strength, goodness and excellence- about what we do and how we do it. The example of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31: She seeketh,worketh, bringeth, riseth, giveth, considereth, planteth, girdeth, strengtheneth, perceiveth, stretcheth, reacheth, maketh, selleth, and delivereth. Only one thing she doesn't do: she does not fear. I think it is because it never occurs to one who seeks, rises works, gives and all the rest- to be afraid. What she doesn't do is merely the by-product of what she does do.
Virtue is the very purpose of life and the essence of our nature as children of God."
Virtue is to be for others- to act in their best interests, and to have a heart of compassion and charity turned outwards. When we are being virtuous, we exhibit specific characteristics...we invite and entice one another to be virtuous: being compassionately persuasive,gentle, meek and kind- in a spirit of charity, of love, of patience. It is in this way of being that we show ourselves and to others who we are and who we should be. This is what life is really like as we moment by moment put off the natural man. Our attempts must begin in the hearts of individuals.
Virtue is about strength, goodness and excellence- about what we do and how we do it. The example of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31: She seeketh,worketh, bringeth, riseth, giveth, considereth, planteth, girdeth, strengtheneth, perceiveth, stretcheth, reacheth, maketh, selleth, and delivereth. Only one thing she doesn't do: she does not fear. I think it is because it never occurs to one who seeks, rises works, gives and all the rest- to be afraid. What she doesn't do is merely the by-product of what she does do.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Notes on Meekness (James Allen and me)
Meekness is a divine quality and as such is all powerful. The meek overcome by not resisting. The meek man is found in the time of trial; his patience is not destroyed by the foolish passions of others and when they come against him he does not 'strive nor cry'. That the meek man should be neglected, abused or misunderstood is reckoned by him as of no account and therefore not to be considered much lass resisted. To them who give him evil he gives good.
What sayest thou, thy neighbor has spoken thee falsely? Well, what of that? Can a falsity hurt thee? That which is false is false, and there is an end to it. It is without life , and without power to hurt any but him who seeks to hurt by it. It is nothing that thy neighbor should speak falsely of thee, but it is much to thee that thou shouldest resist him, and seek to justify thyself for, by so doing thou givest life and vitality to thy neighbor's falseness, so that thou art injured and distressed. If any man slander me, that is his concern, not mine. Though all the world misjudge me, it is no business of mine; but that I should possess my soul in Purity and Love, that is all my business.
Meek tools are gentleness, patience, humility, purity, sacrifice, and love. We must sacrifice self (our passions,opinions, prejudice and accusations).
Passions: keep emotions in check by forbearing (never taking offense in the first place). Think well of everyone; emotions come from thoughts and then opinions form.
Opinions: I don't have a handle on truth. Other people's truth can be different than mine. Everyone is accountable for their own choices; my way is not the only way. The only Truth is Love. God IS love.
Prejudice: Clinging to your own selfish opinions which are based on limited perception. Prejudice leads to unrighteous judgment and condemnation of others. Holding on to those judgements is pride or enmity.
Accusing: Pride is the source of accusations. Lucifer is the original accuser and he accused continually.(Revelations 12:10) Lehi worried about Laman and Lemuel because they were 1)accusing Nephi and 2) murmuring among themselves (2Nephi 1:25-26).
Humility: regard everyone with eye of charity. Sacrifice my opinions so I can love more. Truth (charity) is an unselfish, holy heart aspiring for peace with all. Cherish everyone with thoughts of acceptance. Seeing ours and others potential = dwelling in good will and compassion.
Strive after meekness! Increase thy forbearance and patience day by day. Watch thy thoughts; ceasing to have or hold any selfish, condemnatory, or retaliatory thoughts. Bid thy tongue cease from all harsh words; withdraw thy mind from selfish arguments, and refuse to brood upon wrongs. Rejoice that thou art so favored to have thine own imperfections revealed to thee as to necessitate within thee a constant struggle for self-mastery and perfection. Each trial becomes an opportunity to practice what is preached. So living, thou shalt carefully tend and cultivate the pure and delicate flower of Meekness in thy heart.
Thou shalt bless where others curse; love where others hate; forgive where others condemn.
What sayest thou, thy neighbor has spoken thee falsely? Well, what of that? Can a falsity hurt thee? That which is false is false, and there is an end to it. It is without life , and without power to hurt any but him who seeks to hurt by it. It is nothing that thy neighbor should speak falsely of thee, but it is much to thee that thou shouldest resist him, and seek to justify thyself for, by so doing thou givest life and vitality to thy neighbor's falseness, so that thou art injured and distressed. If any man slander me, that is his concern, not mine. Though all the world misjudge me, it is no business of mine; but that I should possess my soul in Purity and Love, that is all my business.
Meek tools are gentleness, patience, humility, purity, sacrifice, and love. We must sacrifice self (our passions,opinions, prejudice and accusations).
Passions: keep emotions in check by forbearing (never taking offense in the first place). Think well of everyone; emotions come from thoughts and then opinions form.
Opinions: I don't have a handle on truth. Other people's truth can be different than mine. Everyone is accountable for their own choices; my way is not the only way. The only Truth is Love. God IS love.
Prejudice: Clinging to your own selfish opinions which are based on limited perception. Prejudice leads to unrighteous judgment and condemnation of others. Holding on to those judgements is pride or enmity.
Accusing: Pride is the source of accusations. Lucifer is the original accuser and he accused continually.(Revelations 12:10) Lehi worried about Laman and Lemuel because they were 1)accusing Nephi and 2) murmuring among themselves (2Nephi 1:25-26).
Humility: regard everyone with eye of charity. Sacrifice my opinions so I can love more. Truth (charity) is an unselfish, holy heart aspiring for peace with all. Cherish everyone with thoughts of acceptance. Seeing ours and others potential = dwelling in good will and compassion.
Strive after meekness! Increase thy forbearance and patience day by day. Watch thy thoughts; ceasing to have or hold any selfish, condemnatory, or retaliatory thoughts. Bid thy tongue cease from all harsh words; withdraw thy mind from selfish arguments, and refuse to brood upon wrongs. Rejoice that thou art so favored to have thine own imperfections revealed to thee as to necessitate within thee a constant struggle for self-mastery and perfection. Each trial becomes an opportunity to practice what is preached. So living, thou shalt carefully tend and cultivate the pure and delicate flower of Meekness in thy heart.
Thou shalt bless where others curse; love where others hate; forgive where others condemn.
Friday, July 8, 2011
I always loved Elder Ashton
Peace—A Triumph of PrinciplesMarvin J. Ashton, 1985
Many years ago I heard a story that impressed me. I share it with you today as I endeavor for a few minutes to direct your thinking toward the important word peace. A beautiful little blind girl was sitting on the lap of her father in a crowded compartment in a train. A friend seated nearby said to the father, “Let me give you a little rest,” and he reached over and took the little girl on his lap. A few moments later the father said to her, “Do you know who is holding you?” “No,” she replied, “but you do.”
Some might be inclined to say, “What a perfect trust this child had in her father.” Others may say, “What a wonderful example of love.” And still others might say, “What an example of faith.” To me it indicates a beautiful blending of all of these principles, which brought a priceless inner peace to the child. She knew she was safe because she knew her father knew who was holding her. Affection, respect, and care over the years had placed in this little girl’s heart a peace that surpasseth all understanding. She was at peace because she knew and trusted her father.
We plead for peace in our prayers and thoughts. Where is peace? Can we ever enjoy this great gift while wars, rumors of wars, discord, evil, and contention swirl all around us? The answer is yes. Just as the little blind girl sat on the stranger’s lap with perfect contentment because her father knew him, so we can learn to know our Father and find inner peace as we live his principles.
Certainly peace is the opposite of fear. Peace is a blessing that comes to those who trust in God. It is established through individual righteousness. True personal peace comes about through eternal vigilance and constant righteous efforts. No man can be at peace who is untrue to his better self. No man can have lasting peace who is living a lie. Peace can never come to the transgressor of the law. Commitment to God’s laws is the basis for peace. Peace is something we earn. It is not a gift. Rather, it is a possession earned by those who love God and work to achieve the blessings of peace. It is not a written document. It is something that must come from within.
Never will peace and hatred be able to abide in the same soul. Our trust and our relationship with our Father should be one similar to that of the little blind girl and her earthly father. When sorrow, tragedy, and heartbreaks occur in our lives, wouldn’t it be comforting if when the whisperings of God say, “Do you know why this has happened to you?” we could have the peace of mind to answer “No, but you do.”
However, only those at peace can properly cope with accusations and slander. Inner peace is the prized possession of God’s valiant. A testimony of the truthfulness of the teachings of our Savior gives personal peace in times of adversity. It must be constantly nurtured by the individual who is soundly anchored to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only then can a person realize that the trials and tribulations of daily life are less important than God’s total goodness.
Lasting peace is an eternal personal quest. Peace does come from obedience to the law. Peace comes to those who develop character and trust.
No peace will be lasting unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles such as love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. Those who love their neighbors can bring peace and happiness to many.
When we properly blend into our lives true principles of love, honesty, respect, character, faith, and patience, peace will become our priceless possession. Peace is a triumph of correct principles.
None of us will avoid the storms of life. The winds and the waves will periodically interfere with our chosen course. The laws of the gospel can bring us back on course and guide us to peaceful waters.
Many years ago I heard a story that impressed me. I share it with you today as I endeavor for a few minutes to direct your thinking toward the important word peace. A beautiful little blind girl was sitting on the lap of her father in a crowded compartment in a train. A friend seated nearby said to the father, “Let me give you a little rest,” and he reached over and took the little girl on his lap. A few moments later the father said to her, “Do you know who is holding you?” “No,” she replied, “but you do.”
Some might be inclined to say, “What a perfect trust this child had in her father.” Others may say, “What a wonderful example of love.” And still others might say, “What an example of faith.” To me it indicates a beautiful blending of all of these principles, which brought a priceless inner peace to the child. She knew she was safe because she knew her father knew who was holding her. Affection, respect, and care over the years had placed in this little girl’s heart a peace that surpasseth all understanding. She was at peace because she knew and trusted her father.
We plead for peace in our prayers and thoughts. Where is peace? Can we ever enjoy this great gift while wars, rumors of wars, discord, evil, and contention swirl all around us? The answer is yes. Just as the little blind girl sat on the stranger’s lap with perfect contentment because her father knew him, so we can learn to know our Father and find inner peace as we live his principles.
Certainly peace is the opposite of fear. Peace is a blessing that comes to those who trust in God. It is established through individual righteousness. True personal peace comes about through eternal vigilance and constant righteous efforts. No man can be at peace who is untrue to his better self. No man can have lasting peace who is living a lie. Peace can never come to the transgressor of the law. Commitment to God’s laws is the basis for peace. Peace is something we earn. It is not a gift. Rather, it is a possession earned by those who love God and work to achieve the blessings of peace. It is not a written document. It is something that must come from within.
Never will peace and hatred be able to abide in the same soul. Our trust and our relationship with our Father should be one similar to that of the little blind girl and her earthly father. When sorrow, tragedy, and heartbreaks occur in our lives, wouldn’t it be comforting if when the whisperings of God say, “Do you know why this has happened to you?” we could have the peace of mind to answer “No, but you do.”
However, only those at peace can properly cope with accusations and slander. Inner peace is the prized possession of God’s valiant. A testimony of the truthfulness of the teachings of our Savior gives personal peace in times of adversity. It must be constantly nurtured by the individual who is soundly anchored to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only then can a person realize that the trials and tribulations of daily life are less important than God’s total goodness.
Lasting peace is an eternal personal quest. Peace does come from obedience to the law. Peace comes to those who develop character and trust.
No peace will be lasting unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles such as love of God, love of neighbor, and love of self. Those who love their neighbors can bring peace and happiness to many.
When we properly blend into our lives true principles of love, honesty, respect, character, faith, and patience, peace will become our priceless possession. Peace is a triumph of correct principles.
None of us will avoid the storms of life. The winds and the waves will periodically interfere with our chosen course. The laws of the gospel can bring us back on course and guide us to peaceful waters.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Getting Out There
Okay, I started attending Single Adult Dances and Conferences a few months ago. I went with trepidation (and a non-member friend)to the first dance. We actually had a blast. We looked at it as a service project: we were there to help other people have a fun time by just dancing and talking up a storm with anyone. The second one was fun too but she left early so I didn't stay long. The conferences have been fun too. I just returned from my third conference and my heart is going out to the dear, single folk. I went alone down to San Diego this week and was taken in by four sisters as soon as I registered. (I was a stranger and they took me in!) I was able to pull in other guys and gals to our little group throughout the day and evening. When I saw someone wandering around alone, I went up to them and invited them to sit with us. I even created a little match between two of the younger friends I gathered in.
I just finished a good book by Dr. Bernie Siegel titled, Prescription For Living (lessons for living a joyful life). "I have learned we are here to make life easier for each other", he says. This attitude is wrapping itself around my little, lonely heart like a down comforter. Most of us 'single-folk' probably wish we were married, but in the meantime we can befriend,listen and lift each other.I have days when I am lonely but I either go for a walk or go to visit one of my senior 'sweethearts' (male and females).
I love another recurring theme of his book:
"Good things come of adversity. God is redirecting you. Something good will come of this.Despite the difficulty, the darkest times of our lives are often the most meaningful. These are the times when we cannot deny our fears and we are forced to pay attention to what we are feeling inside. What happens when you listen to your feelings? Your problems become your teacher, healer and enlightenment." I have found this to be true. First, that something good is going to come as a result of this pain or change in life.Second, that there is the potential for tremendous spiritual growth as you work with the problems of life. You see your weaknesses and having light thrown upon them, enables you to change and grow.
So..life is good right now. There are people out there to love, lift and bless with my (strong) personality. I may be afraid of calling people on the phone but I have little fear in person. I really enjoyed reaching out to so many people yesterday and last night at the conference. I am on a mission to touch the hearts of these fellow-singles and be a friend to everyone. I came to this conclusion after I realized I am pretty sure I won't find my future husband here. It freed me to just relax and be on God's errand; be there for others instead of worrying about myself.
I just finished a good book by Dr. Bernie Siegel titled, Prescription For Living (lessons for living a joyful life). "I have learned we are here to make life easier for each other", he says. This attitude is wrapping itself around my little, lonely heart like a down comforter. Most of us 'single-folk' probably wish we were married, but in the meantime we can befriend,listen and lift each other.I have days when I am lonely but I either go for a walk or go to visit one of my senior 'sweethearts' (male and females).
I love another recurring theme of his book:
"Good things come of adversity. God is redirecting you. Something good will come of this.Despite the difficulty, the darkest times of our lives are often the most meaningful. These are the times when we cannot deny our fears and we are forced to pay attention to what we are feeling inside. What happens when you listen to your feelings? Your problems become your teacher, healer and enlightenment." I have found this to be true. First, that something good is going to come as a result of this pain or change in life.Second, that there is the potential for tremendous spiritual growth as you work with the problems of life. You see your weaknesses and having light thrown upon them, enables you to change and grow.
So..life is good right now. There are people out there to love, lift and bless with my (strong) personality. I may be afraid of calling people on the phone but I have little fear in person. I really enjoyed reaching out to so many people yesterday and last night at the conference. I am on a mission to touch the hearts of these fellow-singles and be a friend to everyone. I came to this conclusion after I realized I am pretty sure I won't find my future husband here. It freed me to just relax and be on God's errand; be there for others instead of worrying about myself.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Old Post
This post got spammed so I am reposting it 17 months later:
Anonymous asked way back in Jan 2010 if I believe the 'mantra' will really make one a forgiving person. I don't know if your question is doubtful or hopeful but either way it's a good comment.
Forgiveness is for YOU. It is not something you give someone; you give it to yourself. I believe forgiveness is the feeling of peace you have because you are letting go of your grievance / grudge / anger / resentment. You are deciding you're done with blaming someone for how poorly you've been treated and how miserable you are. Forgiveness is you deciding to stop letting other people control you.
My experience with 'repeating the mantra' ("I hoped _____ would ______ but I acknowledge I have no control over the choices of other people. I choose to focus on beauty, gratitude and love.") is really similar to Alma 32 in the Book of Mormon. Alma compares the word (a teaching or a principle)to a seed. Planting (or experimenting on) the word on tithing; the word on love;the word on forgiveness or whatever, is the way to discern if it is a true or good seed.
Try it! Get the Forgive For Good book and exercise a particle of faith by experimenting on it. Pray for grace (that enabling power which is given to us through the atonement after all we can do). If you experience more frequent and longer periods of peace, you are truly becoming a forgiving person!
It doesn't matter what you decide to do about the relationship; becoming a forgiving and loving person begins to be 'delicious' to you. Then you will know (or have a testimony) that it is a good seed; that forgiveness is not only possible but preferable.
Anonymous asked way back in Jan 2010 if I believe the 'mantra' will really make one a forgiving person. I don't know if your question is doubtful or hopeful but either way it's a good comment.
Forgiveness is for YOU. It is not something you give someone; you give it to yourself. I believe forgiveness is the feeling of peace you have because you are letting go of your grievance / grudge / anger / resentment. You are deciding you're done with blaming someone for how poorly you've been treated and how miserable you are. Forgiveness is you deciding to stop letting other people control you.
My experience with 'repeating the mantra' ("I hoped _____ would ______ but I acknowledge I have no control over the choices of other people. I choose to focus on beauty, gratitude and love.") is really similar to Alma 32 in the Book of Mormon. Alma compares the word (a teaching or a principle)to a seed. Planting (or experimenting on) the word on tithing; the word on love;the word on forgiveness or whatever, is the way to discern if it is a true or good seed.
Try it! Get the Forgive For Good book and exercise a particle of faith by experimenting on it. Pray for grace (that enabling power which is given to us through the atonement after all we can do). If you experience more frequent and longer periods of peace, you are truly becoming a forgiving person!
It doesn't matter what you decide to do about the relationship; becoming a forgiving and loving person begins to be 'delicious' to you. Then you will know (or have a testimony) that it is a good seed; that forgiveness is not only possible but preferable.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Meekness by James Allen (& me)
Meekness is to be non-resistant in thought. (Jesus is the ultimate example of meekness; this submission of every thought to his Father's will. When you have love as your motive, there is no need to resist others in thought/word/deed). Cease condemning, retaliatory or selfish thoughts. The meek can't take offense or have their feelings hurt...they have submitted to truth (charity - what is there to argue about?).
Increase patience and forbearance each day. Withdraw thy mind from arguments; refuse to brood on wrongs of others. (Accept everyone's use of agency) Bless where others curse; love where they hate; forgive where they condemn; yield where they strive; give up as they grasp. That which is real can never be destroyed: love, virtue, honesty, humility, meekness, integrity, purity, patience.
That the meek person should be neglected, abused or misunderstood is considered by her as of no account and therefore not to be considered, much less resisted. To those who give evil- return good. The meek submit; they resist none and they conquer all. She who imagines she can be injured by others and who seeks to justify and defend herself against them does not understand meekness, nor comprehend the meaning of life.
Someone has spoken falsely of you? Can falsity ever really harm you? That which is false is false. and there is an end to it. A lie is without power to hurt any but the one who seeks to hurt by it. When you try to defend yourself, you give life to the lie so you become injured and distressed. (Yes I do!) Take all evil out of your heart and you will see the folly of resisting evil in another. The injury you see coming from another comes only from yourself. All the world can misjudge you. You must possess your soul in purity and love. Strife ends when one party ceases defending herself. By inward, spiritual submission the meek conquers.
(Well, I just love this. It is taken from All These Things Added. You can download it for free from i store. This is even better than As a Man Thinketh/From Poverty to Power which I have recommended before. What amazing insight he had. He lived a hundred years ago but truth is truth. I love pondering principles of the gospel no matter where you find them. Enjoy!)
Increase patience and forbearance each day. Withdraw thy mind from arguments; refuse to brood on wrongs of others. (Accept everyone's use of agency) Bless where others curse; love where they hate; forgive where they condemn; yield where they strive; give up as they grasp. That which is real can never be destroyed: love, virtue, honesty, humility, meekness, integrity, purity, patience.
That the meek person should be neglected, abused or misunderstood is considered by her as of no account and therefore not to be considered, much less resisted. To those who give evil- return good. The meek submit; they resist none and they conquer all. She who imagines she can be injured by others and who seeks to justify and defend herself against them does not understand meekness, nor comprehend the meaning of life.
Someone has spoken falsely of you? Can falsity ever really harm you? That which is false is false. and there is an end to it. A lie is without power to hurt any but the one who seeks to hurt by it. When you try to defend yourself, you give life to the lie so you become injured and distressed. (Yes I do!) Take all evil out of your heart and you will see the folly of resisting evil in another. The injury you see coming from another comes only from yourself. All the world can misjudge you. You must possess your soul in purity and love. Strife ends when one party ceases defending herself. By inward, spiritual submission the meek conquers.
(Well, I just love this. It is taken from All These Things Added. You can download it for free from i store. This is even better than As a Man Thinketh/From Poverty to Power which I have recommended before. What amazing insight he had. He lived a hundred years ago but truth is truth. I love pondering principles of the gospel no matter where you find them. Enjoy!)
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