General Conference

Earlier this month, we watched General Conference. This fall especially, I've been yearning for peace. The messages during conference helped bring me hope during this pandemic. Since conference, I have been off of social media. As a result, I feel like I've been able to feel the spirit more and I've been happier. 

The birth of my newest niece, Daisy helped put things in perspective for me too. Things were very scary in the beginning. It's a miracle she's alive. The election and coronavirus are short-term things that don't really matter eternally. Daisy, and my other family members mean the world to me and I was devastated at the thought of losing Daisy.

I had some questions and thoughts going into conference. There were various themes, but the one that stood out to me was: racism. This was validating and has been a topic I've been thinking a lot about. Here are quotes from 3 speakers about racism:

1) Elder Oaks' talk really resonated with me. Titled, "Love Your Enemies," he said: "This country should be better in eliminating racism not only against Black Americans, who were most visible in the recent protests, but also against Latinos, Asians, and other groups. This nation’s history of racism is not a happy one, and we must do better."

2) Elder Cook said this: "With our all-inclusive doctrine, we can be an oasis of unity and celebrate diversity. Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity. During the period I served in the San Francisco California Stake presidency, we had Spanish-, Tongan-, Samoan-, Tagalog-, and Mandarin-language-speaking congregations. Our English-speaking wards were composed of people from many racial and cultural backgrounds. There was love, righteousness, and unity. Wards and branches in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are determined by geography or language, not by race or culture. Race is not identified on membership records."

3) President Nelson said: "Each of us has a divine potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female.” I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin."

I was grateful to hear these messages and hope that members of the church and people everywhere can be more united. Throughout this year, I've done some reading to gain more understanding about racism. Here are some of the books I've read:

"Just Mercy" By: Bryan Stevenson

"American Dirt" By: Jeanine Cummins

"The Vanishing Half" By: Brit Bennett

"How to be Antiracist" By: Ibram X. Kendi

"Let's Talk About Race" (Picture book I read with my kids) By: Julius Lester, Illustrated by: Karen Barbour

I want to focus more on the good, eternal things that surround me. (Which might help explain why we want to move even closer to my family and just attempted our 3rd offer on a house.) I want to be bold enough to change the subject and avoid getting into constant political conversations. I miss talking and laughing about naughty kids, latest TV binges, and best food joints. I'm done letting politics and loud opinions run my life. Thanks to baby Daisy and the prophets and apostles for opening my eyes. Here's to keeping the peace!