For me a highlight of General Conference was Elder Juan Uceda’s talk in the Priesthood Session on Saturday, especially his story about a Mormon father who angered his daughter by ordering her to participate in family scripture study. The MP3 file is available already. In the story, the LDS father was angry with the attitude of his teenage daughter. When she stormed away and locked herself in her room, he realized something was wrong and wisely took a moment to turn to the Lord in prayer to understand how he should approach the mess.
Thank goodness he calmed down and sought divine help! He then felt the inspiration come: he needed to apologize. Such a simple thing, but it softened her heart and helped them both see that they needed to overcome the easily provoked “natural man” in each of us and seek to live closer to God. The details of that story and the spirit of Elder Uceda’s message brought tears to the eyes of a number of fathers. Are there any of us that don’t regret moments when we were angry with a child or loved one? How all of us cranky men need the softening influence of the Spirit of God that comes through prayer.
Trust me, sometimes we moms need help with that, too.
It was a beautiful talk, Jeff – and, yes, we all need to hear the message.
I need more help than most.
This was my favorite talk of the session. Thanks for drawing attention to it.
Thanks for sharing your feelings about this talk. My husband also mentioned how much he loved it.
It is amazing how inviting the Spirit into our relationships (even when it means we need to apologize or change) helps to build and strengthen them.
I can't believe you totally ducked the kerfuffle that BKP stirred up. Not even interested in the revision of his talk downgrading the PoF to a "guide"?
Have been traveling and a bit overwhelmed with my non-blogging life, otherwise I'd have joined in the fray. I think it was important to revise the comment.
For those who struggle with their homosexual orientation and would like to change it, the journey can be far more complicated and frustrating than something like quitting smoking. Change is possible for some, as a couple of people I have encountered have told me from their personal experiences and as born out by some scattered studies, but many have tried and have gone through extensive therapy without seeing the change they hoped for. We need to be aware of some of the biological realities that can obviate any attempt to make absolutist statements about one's innate nature and what God would or would not do to someone.
For every aspect of our biology, there are those born with variations and problems that may sometimes seem cruel and painful. Challenges relating to gender and sexual attraction can also fall into that category. While some aspects of our attractions may be shaped by environmental factors and even our own choices and actions over the years, more is at play here. Biology and genuine innate aspects of our nature, however formed, deserve some degree of consideration. There are further dimensions to these issues that require attention and sensitivity, without the need to reject the scriptures or core teachings of the Church.
In other words, I really don't know. But I think the revision of the statement was wise. I also think we should not be too harsh on anybody who throws out a poorly considered comment that may be offensive to others. I think we'll see a little more awareness and sensitivity of the complexities involved in future discussions.