"Hold my root beer" - the Russell M. Nelson thread

[Bo Diddley]

I've been thinking a lot about President Nelson's April 2023 "Peacemakers Needed" conference address. As evidenced by this 113 page thread, President Nelson has been a transformational church leader. But I think this talk was genuinely one of the most prophetic of his presidency. Prophetic as in acting as a mouthpiece of God speaking to his children and telling them to stop fighting and be nice.



One of the challenges of this talk is that it forces introspection, especially when my natural instinct is to think of all the others to whom it applies. Back in the October 2020 General Conference Elder Oaks gave a talk titled "Love Your Enemies." In the talk he vaguely referenced the BLM riots of Summer 2020, but also spoke of peacefully accepting election results. Around the time I was EQ instructor and asked to use this talk for a lesson in late December, just prior to Jan 6. After teaching the lesson I got a handful of texts from a few of our more conservative members referencing the BLM riots. A couple weeks later after the Capitol riots I had a couple conversations with more liberal members where they mentioned the talk. I was struck by how in all of these interactions the condemnation was pointed outward. As if they were using a conference talk as a mote x-ray for their brother when the entire point is that it should be a self-administered beam scanner.

This has been on my mind a lot lately and inspired me to try be better, particularly as the election season rolls around. My tendency is to seek after anything that is the opposite of 'virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.' Especially when it makes someone I don't like look bad. It's not easy and I'm sure I'll fail at times, especially when I'm really good at saying mean things. Like if it were a gift of the spirit I'd have it. But I'm trying to listen carefully and redefine my standard of communication.

Preach!

After this talk, I recognized that one of the side effects of my poor communication with the missus was that I'd often just try to bottle things up and that often came out as me giving her the silent treatment. I've repented and worked on my communication and things are so much better now. I credit that talk as a large part in the change.

I am also trying to temper the way I interact with people on here and elsewhere. This world needs peacemakers.

[Pelado]

One of the challenges of this talk is that it forces introspection, especially when my natural instinct is to think of all the others to whom it applies.

True. This passage really got me:

At this point you may be thinking that this message would really help someone you know. Perhaps you are hoping that it will help him or her to be nicer to you. I hope it will! But I also hope that you will look deeply into your heart to see if there are shards of pride or jealousy that prevent you from becoming a peacemaker.

[frank ryan]

I've been thinking a lot about President Nelson's April 2023 "Peacemakers Needed" conference address. As evidenced by this 113 page thread, President Nelson has been a transformational church leader. But I think this talk was genuinely one of the most prophetic of his presidency. Prophetic as in acting as a mouthpiece of God speaking to his children and telling them to stop fighting and be nice.



One of the challenges of this talk is that it forces introspection, especially when my natural instinct is to think of all the others to whom it applies. Back in the October 2020 General Conference Elder Oaks gave a talk titled "Love Your Enemies." In the talk he vaguely referenced the BLM riots of Summer 2020, but also spoke of peacefully accepting election results. Around the time I was EQ instructor and asked to use this talk for a lesson in late December, just prior to Jan 6. After teaching the lesson I got a handful of texts from a few of our more conservative members referencing the BLM riots. A couple weeks later after the Capitol riots I had a couple conversations with more liberal members where they mentioned the talk. I was struck by how in all of these interactions the condemnation was pointed outward. As if they were using a conference talk as a mote x-ray for their brother when the entire point is that it should be a self-administered beam scanner.

This has been on my mind a lot lately and inspired me to try be better, particularly as the election season rolls around. My tendency is to seek after anything that is the opposite of 'virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.' Especially when it makes someone I don't like look bad. It's not easy and I'm sure I'll fail at times, especially when I'm really good at saying mean things. Like if it were a gift of the spirit I'd have it. But I'm trying to listen carefully and redefine my standard of communication.

Thanks for this post.

[YOhio]

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[Bo Diddley]

I love that talk. And a good reminder how we should treat each other--especially when we are hunkered down in the bunker with our computer.

[MartyFunkhouser]

I've been thinking a lot about President Nelson's April 2023 "Peacemakers Needed" conference address. As evidenced by this 113 page thread, President Nelson has been a transformational church leader. But I think this talk was genuinely one of the most prophetic of his presidency. Prophetic as in acting as a mouthpiece of God speaking to his children and telling them to stop fighting and be nice.



One of the challenges of this talk is that it forces introspection, especially when my natural instinct is to think of all the others to whom it applies. Back in the October 2020 General Conference Elder Oaks gave a talk titled "Love Your Enemies." In the talk he vaguely referenced the BLM riots of Summer 2020, but also spoke of peacefully accepting election results. Around the time I was EQ instructor and asked to use this talk for a lesson in late December, just prior to Jan 6. After teaching the lesson I got a handful of texts from a few of our more conservative members referencing the BLM riots. A couple weeks later after the Capitol riots I had a couple conversations with more liberal members where they mentioned the talk. I was struck by how in all of these interactions the condemnation was pointed outward. As if they were using a conference talk as a mote x-ray for their brother when the entire point is that it should be a self-administered beam scanner.

This has been on my mind a lot lately and inspired me to try be better, particularly as the election season rolls around. My tendency is to seek after anything that is the opposite of 'virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.' Especially when it makes someone I don't like look bad. It's not easy and I'm sure I'll fail at times, especially when I'm really good at saying mean things. Like if it were a gift of the spirit I'd have it. But I'm trying to listen carefully and redefine my standard of communication.

I think it is messages like this where the LDS church can and does a really good job. I have absolutely no belief in the truth claims the religion. I also have serious disagreements with many of the policies and doctrines of the LDS church, but anyone would benefit by considering the advice given in that message.

[LVAllen]

Single dudes over 40 can now be called on missions. Also, single women over 40 can be called to serve in visitors’ centers, historic sites, employment centers and "additional roles in area and mission offices."

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[BigPiney]

no thanks

[BigFatMeanie]

no thanks

I didn't think you were single

[Northwestcoug]

no thanks

No kidding, especially if I'm a 19 year old companion to one.

[Shaka]

I may do it. I had planned to retire and hang out with Clack in the Philippines. going on a mission might be a better option.

[BigFatMeanie]

No kidding, especially if I'm a 19 year old companion to one.

I can tell you didn't read the tweet nor the linked newsroom announcement that the tweet referenced.

Similar to most single senior sisters, single senior elders will be devoted to their individual area of responsibility and will not serve in a companionship.

[Jeff Lebowski]

That’s nice. I always thought it was odd that they allowed single women to go on missions when they are older, but not single men.

[BigPiney]

I didn't think you were single

I'm not. But you've got to consider all possibilities.

[Northwestcoug]

I can tell you didn't read the tweet nor the linked newsroom announcement that the tweet referenced.

No I didn't. It was just a joke anyways.