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I came across a wonderful quote for this forum a while ago – before I became involved here. I remembered it today, so I hope it helps someone: “Happiness comes more from loving than being loved; and often when our affection seems wounded it is only our vanity bleeding. To love, and to be hurt often, and to love again – this is the brave and happy life.” – J. E. Buchose.
Ray- Thank you for the beautiful quote. It fits right into what I was thinking this morning about “what I want” when I walk through the doors of church. I realized as I thought through this….that “what I want” is best expressed as what I want everyone to feel when they walk through the doors or interact with latter-day saints.
What I want everyone who walks into our lives, into our homes, or into our meetinghouses to experience:
–A feeling that they are valued, accepted for who they are and where they are
–The presence of the Savior’s love and an environment which encourages them to come unto Christ
–Language and terminology that is more inclusive and includes more “this has been my experience” and “this has worked for me” and encourages each person to find the solution that is best for him/her and their family
–Language that expresses that the standards and commandments and guidelines are designed to bring us greater happiness, that we are all imperfect, and that such guidelines shouldn’t be used to beat each other up
–A desire to look at the whole person and not judge one aspect of behavior*
–Paying attention to those who might be in the minority and making sure that our language and teachings make a special effort to include them and are representative of their “status”
And when I get to the root of the matter…it is all about ME offering that kind of love and support to the others in my life and letting go of the expectation that it has to be returned to me in a form and fashion of my own vain creation. I am simply called to love and as I do so in a manner that is Christ-like and mindful of the needs of the person with whom I am interacting, I believe I will naturally find more of the love and acceptance I am seeking (and will have the ultimate love and acceptance of the Savior with me in greater abundance which is the ultimate peace and comfort I seek).
This is what I will be seeking to do in my life.
*I am not talking about serious issues here such as child molestation or other public safety issues. I am a strong proponent of ensuring our people are not placed in situations where they can be victims of abusers.
Yes, Ray, that is a brave and happy quote. I think it captures the essence of what makes each person who ventured to come into the world a courageous and noble soul.
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