I look up to her.

Many years ago we were asked by some good friends, if their newly married son and his wife could spend the night in our home. They had come into town for their wedding reception. 

They had been married all of a week, I think.

Since I was single at the time, I got my room and bathroom all ready for them while I took the guest room down the hall.

Next morning I woke up to find McKay and Tyler (about ages 10-11) standing by the newlyweds' bedroom door. As soon as they saw me they excitedly whispered, "I think they're awake!" 

I'm sure I whispered something like, "Get away from their door!"

That's about all I remember from that night.

Now I'm going to take a flying leap, and move ahead at least 2 decades. 

Those "newlyweds" now have 9 children!


A few weeks ago I saw a letter on Facebook from the woman in that couple, who btw, I have known and respected all those years since, so I read it....

I had no idea there's such a war out there on Facebook...

"Dear Friends,
I would like to express a deep concern. Like all of you, I am worried about the spread and impact of this virus and the heavy blow it is inflicting on people’s lives and the economy. But now I am starting to worry about something else. 

There is great divide in opinions of what we should do in regards to restrictions. Though I know my knowledge is imperfect, I have done my best to research and study, and I have come to my own conclusions about what our course should be which I hope would result in the least harm to as many people as possible. I am seeing by many posts here that my view is in conflict with quite a few of the members of my family, friends, and those who attend my church. Those with whom I often agree. It has been hard to be at odds with those I am normally close to, but I acknowledge that their own research and perspective has lead them to a different conclusion which they also believe is in the best interest of all.

Two weeks ago, my church held a worldwide fast in hopes of receiving blessings from God to help us through this time. All were invited to join, no matter their faith, views, situation or background. A Facebook group was started to help invite all to join and unify us in this effort. People of all types and persuasions responded and posted of their commitment to join. Many belonged to religions whose beliefs I don’t share, or whose lifestyle choices I don’t agree with. But there was an overwhelming spirit of welcoming extended to each of them. It was emotionally and spiritually uplifting and healing. It’s something I’m sure many of us have not felt in a long time. People went out of their way to be kind and gracious and, because of that, I felt a connection and unity with them in spite of our differences. I felt power in it. It was a blessing in and of itself.

That feeling is rapidly slipping. While I see people around our country that I don’t know engaged in protests that can be downright ugly, people that I do know are posting and commenting in order to express their opinion on the matter, and what they are saying to each other is smug, snide, condescending and condemning. It is hurting people, whether that was their intention or not. I fear that no matter how and when this lockdown ends, when we gather together again in our meetings and congregations there will be deep wounds and divides that remain between us if we are not very careful in what we post and say. At worst, I fear that we will not be deserving of the blessings that we came together and fasted for in the first place.

In the earlier days of my church, the members were struggling with contention based on differences in political views. The prophet of the time, Wilford Woodruff, said this:

“Every man has as much right—prophets, apostles, saints, and sinners—to his political convictions as he has to his religious opinions. Don’t throw filth and dirt and nonsense at one another because of any difference on political matters. That spirit will lead us to ruin.”

I feel that same spirit that he spoke of will hurt us today more than this virus or financial ruin. Please, let’s not let it in! I have been no better than others at this. I have not been as patient, kind and charitable to those I disagree with as I should have been. I want to do better. I will work harder to be respectful and loving in my interactions. I will not post articles that frame the opposition in a demeaning way or call them hurtful names. I will not presume to know people’s minds and hearts and why they believe the way they do. I will not blame people’s situations on their own choices or be dismissive of their fears and concerns. Everyone is hurting. I want to help them, not add to their pain. No matter what happens or who is shown to be right, I will strive to be happy that we found a solution and feel neither superior nor resentful, whether I am right or wrong. Please help me! In spite of our diversity, I need to feel connected and unified with my fellow man to get through this."

I think her humility is what makes all the difference. 

Just reading her sweet humility, takes all defensives away.