I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable. —Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead: Diaries and Letters of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1929-1932 (1973),... Continue Reading →
What Is Wisdom?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob gives us the following counsel: "O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12). Near the end of the book, the prophet Moroni advises us, "Be wise in the days of your probation" (Mormon 9:28). The words "wisdom" and "wise" appear exactly 100... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Hopeful?
Hope is an expectation of a positive outcome. When we have hope, we believe that good things will come. Hope empowers us to persevere when we encounter obstacles and to avoid discouragement. In daily conversation, the word "hope" often conveys substantial uncertainty. "I sure hope that happens" often means "I doubt it will happen, but... Continue Reading →
What’s Wrong with Seeking Signs?
The prophet Zenos foretold a sign which would coincide with the Savior's death hundreds of years later. Some members of the house of Israel, who would be living on "the isles of the sea," would experience three days of darkness (1 Nephi 19:10). Just five years before the Savior's birth, a prophet on the American... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Humble?
It’s hard to feel that you are sufficiently humble. If you did, you might not be. — Henry B. Eyring, "Come Unto Christ," BYU Speeches, 29 Oct 1989 The word "humble" (or "humbled") appears 68 times in the Book of Mormon. About 2/3 of the time (42 occurrences), the word functions as a reflexive verb:... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Patience?
Today, I reviewed the passages in the Book of Mormon about patience. I learned the following principles: God is patient with us. King Benjamin wanted his people to understand that God has great power and wisdom, but that He is patient with us (Mosiah 4:6). Alma taught the people of Ammonihah that Jesus Christ is... Continue Reading →
What Should I Do About Economic Inequality?
Earlier this week, I wrote about how wearing "costly apparel" can distract us from caring for the poor and the needy. Yesterday, we discussed the Lord's expectation that we be responsive to the needs of the people around us. The Book of Mormon also talks about these principles on a larger scale: social classes, wealth... Continue Reading →
What’s Wrong with “Costly Apparel?”
People are more important than things. We all know that. But at times we are all tempted to prioritize things over people. Why is that? Here's one reason: We all want to be appreciated and respected. In our world, appearances matter. The things you own, including the clothes you wear, influence the way other people... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Be “Long-Suffering?”
The word "longsuffering" (without a hyphen) appears 17 times in the King James Version of the Bible. The word "long-suffering" (with a hyphen: the modern spelling of the word) appears 17 times in the Book of Mormon. What does it mean? In the Old Testament, it is a translation of the phrase erek appayim (אֶ֥רֶךְ... Continue Reading →
