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Just curious what you think you might do differently as a result of Elder Uchtdorf’s talk? I personally think I’m going to be a little more at peace when I’m at church and I see all the deification of our leaders in our church. At least I know someone in a high place doesn’t necessarily agree with a blanket title of near perfection for every leader. And I think my expectations of church leaders will be much more realistic, but in a church sanctioned kind of way, which is liberating.
I will also be more at peace when I get hit with judgmentalism as it’s clear — I DO have a right to worship according to the dictates of my own conscience. I find that strengthens me knowing there is still loyalty to me personally even though my personal matters of conscience differ from mainstream Mormon culture.
Will I jump right back into fully active service again? I feel a bit of a tug to be that way based on his talk. Isn’t it amazing how love and acceptance has the potential to change hearts?
But of course, there is much that needs to change in my life to be that way again…the slow burn of dissaffection has led me to adopt my own, personally negotiated path in the church. And this involved rejecting certain cultural and behavioral practices given the unyielding and gospel inappropriate attitudes I’ve experienced from others there — particularly local stake leaders.
And this includes redirecting my perseonal service time to the secular community. And so far, the secular community service I give is far more fulfilling than any experience I can imagine in the church right now.
Elder U’s comment that there are many opportunities to do good in the church is tantalizing for many people. But I have also learned that the church does not have a corner on service opportunities. The entire non-profit world competes for the hearts of good people.
What does the church offer in terms of good works that one cannot find in the vast world of non-profits and service organizations? I would like to hear an answer to that question – not as a challenge, but as enlightenment as currently, I don’t see it.Nonetheless, I hope Elder Uchtdorf’s ideas persist throughout time. I hope they are not simply a flash in the pan, forgotten or left behind as the train of Mormon culture continues its inertia forward. Hopefully I can return to the site of the cave eventually, and see that time and change has turned into a much better place where I can put down roots and grow again. For now, I’m in a new pasture with only brief trips back to the site of the cave with my family who loves the site.
I think I will find more peace also SD. Honestly, I am still somewhat elated. I am especially encouraged by Pres. Uchtdorf’s words regarding each of us fitting in and each of us having talents to share, and I do have talents that I am willing to share but have not due, in part, to my status. Like you, SD, I don’t believe that’s going to mean jumping back in with both feet – I still do have some reservations regarding how much I give with little in return. I still haven’t had my meeting with the bishop (still building up to it), but when I do I will ask him to read Pres. Uchtdorf’s talk and encourage him to share it next time they are talking of “The Rescue” in ward council. Lastly, I will share Pres. Uchtdorf’s points at any appropriate opportunity I have, and do so from the perspective of one to whom he spoke. If the opportunity is presented, I would even consider speaking on the subject. SilentDawning wrote:Will I jump right back into fully active service again? I feel a bit of a tug to be that way based on his talk.
Isn’t it amazing how love and acceptance has the potential to change hearts?. . . . .
Elder U’s comment that there are many opportunities to do good in the church is tantalizing for many people. But I have also learned that the church does not have a corner on service opportunities. The entire non-profit world competes for the hearts of good people.
What does the church offer in terms of good works that one cannot find in the vast world of non-profits and service organizations? I would like to hear an answer to that question – not as a challenge, but as enlightenment as currently, I don’t see it.Yes, it is amazing.
Re. non-profit service. I am heavily involved at a non-profit and I have thought a lot about the differences and similarities between serving there and serving at church. I won’t go into the similarities, because there are so many. You asked for the
difference. We don’t pray. We can’t, of course. We shouldn’t. But sometimes I wish we sat down at a board meeting, and could have an opening prayer in which we thanked God for the opportunity to serve, for the common cause that unites us and asked for guidance and blessing as we strive to accomplish our mission.
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