I feel this virus, vaccine, masks, etc is about the journey you all have taken not about your destination. Maybe it's not about taking a vaccine but about growing closer to the Lord by following counsel to read scripture, pray, fast ponder, etc to find the answer that works for your body. No one on this earth is 100 percent following the prophet. We all need to reassess ourselves about our daily gospel "habits." Everyone needs repentance daily. Perhaps the Lord wants us to learn to make our own spiritual decisions and not judge or persecute others who make different decisions. We are all God's children and his love for the billion plus people who have taken or are now taking their earthly journey now is unconditional.
TerryNovember 3, 2021
I feel this article really portrayed those who were interviewed. It was a second witness both of my own struggle and how Heavenly Father spoke to me through it. Even through all the pressure around me, I felt peaceful and knew Heavenly Father gave me time to seek His will and come to understand more fully. It has been a significant, spiritual experience which i will draw on and cherish. I believe in and experience personal revelation and other's right to it as well. What a blessing it is for us to have a prophet who leads us and a Savior who died for us that we may repent and come to know Him better and be like Him!
BlakeOctober 5, 2021
Thank you for writing this article. It was very well done. I actually had grappled with getting the Vaccine all along and had made the decision not to. There was a distinct moment during conference when I felt the Spirit say to me, it's time to do it. It was a sure witness to me. So I made the appointment and got it on Monday afternoon. Then I saw this article a few hours later, and it reassured me that I wasn't pressured or wishy washy by doing it. I followed a sure prompting to do it even though I had previously decided otherwise. I appreciate seeking and receiving inspiration for ones self, and an article encouraging that.
WaltSeptember 30, 2021
I have not had covid. I've not taken any of the vaccines, and am not planning to get vaccinated. I realize Heavenly Father is in charge. Recently, it's reported on the Medicare website that about 50,000 of those on Medicare have died within 14 days after being vaccinated. The natural death rate of covid is about 1/2 of 1%, very small. While I'm not ready to leave this world, I'm not in charge--God is. So I'll obviously go when He wants me to. I don't want to be pushed by the drug pushers.
David TryonSeptember 30, 2021
If God tells you NO once you should not keep asking and demanding a yes. Brother Joseph learned that lesson the hard way and shared it in the D&C. And you should respect the feelings and personal revelations of others.
Debra MSeptember 30, 2021
A very thoughtful article- but I did have one point that stuck me--the part about two people sitting in the temple and both being worthy. Since I have been vaccinated as a protection to myself and others, I am not sure I would be comfortable sitting to someone I knew to be unvaccinated. Maybe with masks and social distancing? I have been back to the temple and we wore masks, but still sat next to each other. I knew (it was a family group) that we were vaccinated. I do feel like folks have the right to decide about the vaccination, but still worry that they could be infecting me. Delta has shown itself to be pretty infectious and there are breakthroughs even amongst the vaccinated. I guess I think we as a church body have been too quick to drop mask-wearing and social distancing inside our facilities. It has been a wearying experience for us all. So my husband and I still stay away from most indoor activities that cannot be social distanced, and pray for the day this will pass.
JaredSeptember 30, 2021
As one who readily followed President Nelson's urging to get the vaccine--I got it just as soon as I could (despite being afraid of needles)--I gained some helpful perspective from reading this article. However, the vaccine-hesitant seem to be focused almost entirely on potential side effects of the vaccine on themselves; "My body, my choice" is the mantra. What about the rest of society? Might the prophet's urging have as much to do with quelling the pandemic for everyone as with preventing harm to the individuals who heed his counsel? If enough people had accepted the vaccine early on, the virus may not have been able to mutate and spread so widely. Unfortunately, we're too late for that, and society is paying the price. Healthcare workers are inhumanely overworked due to the unvaccinated. I have a cousin who is a respiratory therapist at a regional hospital. His career has largely been in the NICU, but the pandemic has forced him into the adult ICU. There were only two days during August that he didn't go to work; he's been working 60-96 hours per week for months, and almost all of his patients are unvaccinated. The hospital has postponed needed surgeries because they have no more room for patients. Again, getting vaccinated may be a personal choice, but we don't have the luxury to pretend that the implications of that choice are only personal.
Michelle SchooleySeptember 30, 2021
I think this is a great article. I think it's important to remember that Abraham's test was to put his will on the alter and he was stopped before actually doing the sacrifice. You would have to continually be listening to the Spirit up to the moment of injection to be sure to move forward or know if you should stop.
Debbie HSeptember 30, 2021
Very helpful article. I took president Nelson’s first counsel to seek the counsel of your medical professional for vaccine info. I have done that and I am confident in that. I did what he asked me to do even though I had already had covid. My medical council was different than my husbands and we are ok with that for now. The test of faith has been gut wrenching! And that is ok too.
William R ToftSeptember 30, 2021
My wife and I had concerns about the vaccine before the First Presidency's counsel "urging" vaccination. This counsel only heightened our concerns as we re-evaluated what we knew about the vaccine, our own health situations (both of us are over 70), and previous prophetic counsel that personal revelation will be critical to navigating the last day. After much study, pondering, discussion with each other and close friends in the church we did NOT get a change in our feelings. We still felt getting the vaccine was wrong for us. During Labor Day week we both came down with COVID. We had fevers, aches, extreme fatigue, brain fog, long bouts of sleep, sleep and more sleep. After about 5 days the fevers and aches abated. Today marks 3 weeks since I first had COVID symptoms (my wife was 2 days behind me). The only lingering effects are tiredness after very little effort doing household chores or running errands. Others tell us that for them some symptoms lasted months before they were back to full strength. We feel vindicated that we made the right choice for us. We have another relative over 30 yrs younger than us who was unvaccinated, came down with COVID, and has been in and out of the hospital ICU for over 2 weeks.... survival still not assured. It goes to show that everyone needs personal revelation as to the course to take regarding COVID and the vaccines. We now have natural immunity, and from the sources I've been reading this immunity should endure the remainder of our lives... including for any COVID variants that are spawned in the future. In answering those who challenge my faithfulness to prophetic counsel I say that President Nelson, himself a doctor, would never write a one-size-fits-all prescription for every member of the church. Just like the scriptures we don't just blindly use one scripture and draw a firm conclusion. In our case we took President Nelson's "urging" to get vaccinated and combined it with his urging to increase our capacity for personal revelation. Together we came to the conclusion we did, for us only, and allow others to follow the same process to reach their own decisions on how to act in this matter.
BobSeptember 30, 2021
COVID-19 vaccination is not an Abrahamic test. The Lord has offered us the Holy Ghost so that we can confirm the truth of all things. I sustain the brethren. I continue to serve faithfully in leadership callings. I have not decided to get the vaccine. It is not something I wrestle mightily with. The Lord has corrected me before when I've been sure of the answer and was trying to follow church guidance, so I know he can tell me if what I'm doing is right or wrong. As well written as this article is, it is very one-sided (mostly focusing on people who decided to get the vaccine and downplaying those who still have not).
A McCuneSeptember 30, 2021
Thank you so much for this beautiful, thoughtful, and love-filled article. A message we all need, no matter where we stand on this issue.
stevie mckennaSeptember 30, 2021
Excellent article. In many cases following the prophet is an Abrahamic test. I don't think that President Nelson would make such an announcement without the counsel of others. I'm sure when all the information was evaluated his impression was to make this strong urge to all church members to get vaccinated.
The cheap jab about Biden forcing people to get vaccinated was very inappropriate for part of a response. President Biden wants to get a handle on this illness just as everyone else does and isn't forcing anyone. The virus is not a political issue, it is a medical one. People should understand that.
Coral C. WeaverSeptember 30, 2021
Thank you! I think you covered it well and hope that we will treat each person’s decision with love and respect.
Mark HopkinsSeptember 30, 2021
I suffered an experience with GBS years ago as a result of a flu shot. It’s a rare reaction that can result from flu vaccinations and viruses. I won’t go into details, but it’s worth a look on google. I used to get vaccinated every year for the flu until my adverse reaction so, I’ve also struggled with the decision whether to get the COVID shot. I’ve gotten the opinion of 4 different doctors. 1 advised me not to get it and 2 advised me to get it. The forth doctor told me to get an antibody test first to see if I’ve had it before I risked the shot. I did and I do have antibodies. I’m not sure when I had COVID I’m in my late 60’s, but needless to say, I’m not going to get the shot now. I’ve struggled with this debate since the shot was made available and when President Nelson urged all members to get it. I studied it out extensively and was about to take my decision to God for conformation, but was given a gift of relief when the forth doctor gave me the guidance to take a more informed approach. My own understanding about the urging the Prophet gave makes sense to me. It’s time to get back into the business of living and enjoying the fellowship of family, the Saints, and friends. Put in your due diligence. Be patient and understanding of all who are struggling with this decision.
BobSeptember 30, 2021
I pray. I study. I serve. My desire is to serve my heavenly father and my fellows. I sustain the brethren. I do not consider vaccination an Abrahamic Test. I don't feel fiercely about it. I believe I'll be OK either way. I haven't gotten vaccinated. I haven't agonized over it. I understand that Pres. Nelson has urged church members to get the vaccine. If and when I feel the time is right, I'll get vaccinated. When I face my final judge, I don't expect him to ask me about vaccination, even if I meet him sooner rather than later because of (or lack of) the vaccine. Unless translated, all men and women die. I'm at peace for now. The Lord can tell me otherwise. He's guided me before and I trust he will do so again. I'm surprised that this is being turned into a test of obedience. I don't think President Nelson or the other brethren intend that. Maybe I'll hear differently at this general conference. I WANT the spirit to guide me, but I don't think this is the issue that will determine my salvation or exaltation. It is not a litmus test for me.
Christine FosterSeptember 30, 2021
We have a split family relating to the vaccination. We've talked openly about it but not harangued each other. Many of us have had covid and we cant see that the vaccination has made much difference except in the length of time spent being sick. I loved the story because it presented all views with thoughtfulness. I am surprised that it isnt good enough for the media and social warriors that people have been sick with covid. They have no trust in our antibodies and seem to want to force us to do their will. Hmm, wasn't that the plan of another being?
RebeccaSeptember 30, 2021
So well written!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can relate to everything the interviewees shared. This article is an answer to our prayers and pleadings. Again, THANK YOU!
Lennea GasserSeptember 30, 2021
Thanks for that excellent article. It was very helpful for me!
KJBSeptember 30, 2021
So the same people who bellow THE PROPHET HAS SPOKEN!!!!!! whenever the leadership says something that confirms their right-wing bias are suddenly sensitive little snowflakes who we need to just understand and be more tolerant of. Never mind that hospitals are filled with people who "did their own research." Never mind that they're prolonging a deadly pandemic and putting other people at risk for no better reason than I DON'T WANNA!!!!! (And I got a sore arm after my first Moderna shot and have flu-like symptoms for about a day after my second. Am I still glad I got it? Absolutely, because I'm not a selfish crybaby...)
Cynthia M. MoorheadSeptember 30, 2021
We would all be at much higher risk of getting Covid-19 and even dying if a majority of the population had decided not to be vaccinated. The same is true of all vaccinations, which have saved countless lives. I agree that the government should not mandate vaccination -- there are some people whose health is compromised to the point where it would be risky for them. But for most of us it is the right thing to do, both for ourselves and to avoid passing on the virus to others. The vast majority of those who are dying from the new variants of the virus are those who are not vaccinated. D&C 5:19 and 97:22-26 really struck me as I have been studying the prophecies relating to the Second Coming of the Lord. Could this "scourge" that continues to be poured out be the coronavirus? There is a reason why the Lord chose a medical doctor to be His prophet at this time.
Taylor StonelySeptember 30, 2021
What a well thought out article this was! I appreciated the depth and breath of the issues mentioned and the personal interviews conducted. The approach to finding an answer about whether or not to get vaccinated is a personal one. Thank you!
LisaSeptember 30, 2021
It’s 4:30 AM and I can’t tell you how much I needed this article. It made me cry because I’ve experienced all those feelings and I’m still in the process of making a decision. We have been very much against the vaccine even though we’re not totally anti-VAX. My husband shocked me by doing a 180 even though he was very upset with the prophet when he first came out with a statement. He had to go through his own spiritual journey. I’m still in the process and have not yet received a yes answer. I am earnestly seeking and it helps to know I’m not alone. We can be faithful members of the church, yet still be struggling with this decision. Thank you so much for writing this.
Comments | Return to Story
Karyl MorganNovember 28, 2021
I feel this virus, vaccine, masks, etc is about the journey you all have taken not about your destination. Maybe it's not about taking a vaccine but about growing closer to the Lord by following counsel to read scripture, pray, fast ponder, etc to find the answer that works for your body. No one on this earth is 100 percent following the prophet. We all need to reassess ourselves about our daily gospel "habits." Everyone needs repentance daily. Perhaps the Lord wants us to learn to make our own spiritual decisions and not judge or persecute others who make different decisions. We are all God's children and his love for the billion plus people who have taken or are now taking their earthly journey now is unconditional.
TerryNovember 3, 2021
I feel this article really portrayed those who were interviewed. It was a second witness both of my own struggle and how Heavenly Father spoke to me through it. Even through all the pressure around me, I felt peaceful and knew Heavenly Father gave me time to seek His will and come to understand more fully. It has been a significant, spiritual experience which i will draw on and cherish. I believe in and experience personal revelation and other's right to it as well. What a blessing it is for us to have a prophet who leads us and a Savior who died for us that we may repent and come to know Him better and be like Him!
BlakeOctober 5, 2021
Thank you for writing this article. It was very well done. I actually had grappled with getting the Vaccine all along and had made the decision not to. There was a distinct moment during conference when I felt the Spirit say to me, it's time to do it. It was a sure witness to me. So I made the appointment and got it on Monday afternoon. Then I saw this article a few hours later, and it reassured me that I wasn't pressured or wishy washy by doing it. I followed a sure prompting to do it even though I had previously decided otherwise. I appreciate seeking and receiving inspiration for ones self, and an article encouraging that.
WaltSeptember 30, 2021
I have not had covid. I've not taken any of the vaccines, and am not planning to get vaccinated. I realize Heavenly Father is in charge. Recently, it's reported on the Medicare website that about 50,000 of those on Medicare have died within 14 days after being vaccinated. The natural death rate of covid is about 1/2 of 1%, very small. While I'm not ready to leave this world, I'm not in charge--God is. So I'll obviously go when He wants me to. I don't want to be pushed by the drug pushers.
David TryonSeptember 30, 2021
If God tells you NO once you should not keep asking and demanding a yes. Brother Joseph learned that lesson the hard way and shared it in the D&C. And you should respect the feelings and personal revelations of others.
Debra MSeptember 30, 2021
A very thoughtful article- but I did have one point that stuck me--the part about two people sitting in the temple and both being worthy. Since I have been vaccinated as a protection to myself and others, I am not sure I would be comfortable sitting to someone I knew to be unvaccinated. Maybe with masks and social distancing? I have been back to the temple and we wore masks, but still sat next to each other. I knew (it was a family group) that we were vaccinated. I do feel like folks have the right to decide about the vaccination, but still worry that they could be infecting me. Delta has shown itself to be pretty infectious and there are breakthroughs even amongst the vaccinated. I guess I think we as a church body have been too quick to drop mask-wearing and social distancing inside our facilities. It has been a wearying experience for us all. So my husband and I still stay away from most indoor activities that cannot be social distanced, and pray for the day this will pass.
JaredSeptember 30, 2021
As one who readily followed President Nelson's urging to get the vaccine--I got it just as soon as I could (despite being afraid of needles)--I gained some helpful perspective from reading this article. However, the vaccine-hesitant seem to be focused almost entirely on potential side effects of the vaccine on themselves; "My body, my choice" is the mantra. What about the rest of society? Might the prophet's urging have as much to do with quelling the pandemic for everyone as with preventing harm to the individuals who heed his counsel? If enough people had accepted the vaccine early on, the virus may not have been able to mutate and spread so widely. Unfortunately, we're too late for that, and society is paying the price. Healthcare workers are inhumanely overworked due to the unvaccinated. I have a cousin who is a respiratory therapist at a regional hospital. His career has largely been in the NICU, but the pandemic has forced him into the adult ICU. There were only two days during August that he didn't go to work; he's been working 60-96 hours per week for months, and almost all of his patients are unvaccinated. The hospital has postponed needed surgeries because they have no more room for patients. Again, getting vaccinated may be a personal choice, but we don't have the luxury to pretend that the implications of that choice are only personal.
Michelle SchooleySeptember 30, 2021
I think this is a great article. I think it's important to remember that Abraham's test was to put his will on the alter and he was stopped before actually doing the sacrifice. You would have to continually be listening to the Spirit up to the moment of injection to be sure to move forward or know if you should stop.
Debbie HSeptember 30, 2021
Very helpful article. I took president Nelson’s first counsel to seek the counsel of your medical professional for vaccine info. I have done that and I am confident in that. I did what he asked me to do even though I had already had covid. My medical council was different than my husbands and we are ok with that for now. The test of faith has been gut wrenching! And that is ok too.
William R ToftSeptember 30, 2021
My wife and I had concerns about the vaccine before the First Presidency's counsel "urging" vaccination. This counsel only heightened our concerns as we re-evaluated what we knew about the vaccine, our own health situations (both of us are over 70), and previous prophetic counsel that personal revelation will be critical to navigating the last day. After much study, pondering, discussion with each other and close friends in the church we did NOT get a change in our feelings. We still felt getting the vaccine was wrong for us. During Labor Day week we both came down with COVID. We had fevers, aches, extreme fatigue, brain fog, long bouts of sleep, sleep and more sleep. After about 5 days the fevers and aches abated. Today marks 3 weeks since I first had COVID symptoms (my wife was 2 days behind me). The only lingering effects are tiredness after very little effort doing household chores or running errands. Others tell us that for them some symptoms lasted months before they were back to full strength. We feel vindicated that we made the right choice for us. We have another relative over 30 yrs younger than us who was unvaccinated, came down with COVID, and has been in and out of the hospital ICU for over 2 weeks.... survival still not assured. It goes to show that everyone needs personal revelation as to the course to take regarding COVID and the vaccines. We now have natural immunity, and from the sources I've been reading this immunity should endure the remainder of our lives... including for any COVID variants that are spawned in the future. In answering those who challenge my faithfulness to prophetic counsel I say that President Nelson, himself a doctor, would never write a one-size-fits-all prescription for every member of the church. Just like the scriptures we don't just blindly use one scripture and draw a firm conclusion. In our case we took President Nelson's "urging" to get vaccinated and combined it with his urging to increase our capacity for personal revelation. Together we came to the conclusion we did, for us only, and allow others to follow the same process to reach their own decisions on how to act in this matter.
BobSeptember 30, 2021
COVID-19 vaccination is not an Abrahamic test. The Lord has offered us the Holy Ghost so that we can confirm the truth of all things. I sustain the brethren. I continue to serve faithfully in leadership callings. I have not decided to get the vaccine. It is not something I wrestle mightily with. The Lord has corrected me before when I've been sure of the answer and was trying to follow church guidance, so I know he can tell me if what I'm doing is right or wrong. As well written as this article is, it is very one-sided (mostly focusing on people who decided to get the vaccine and downplaying those who still have not).
A McCuneSeptember 30, 2021
Thank you so much for this beautiful, thoughtful, and love-filled article. A message we all need, no matter where we stand on this issue.
stevie mckennaSeptember 30, 2021
Excellent article. In many cases following the prophet is an Abrahamic test. I don't think that President Nelson would make such an announcement without the counsel of others. I'm sure when all the information was evaluated his impression was to make this strong urge to all church members to get vaccinated. The cheap jab about Biden forcing people to get vaccinated was very inappropriate for part of a response. President Biden wants to get a handle on this illness just as everyone else does and isn't forcing anyone. The virus is not a political issue, it is a medical one. People should understand that.
Coral C. WeaverSeptember 30, 2021
Thank you! I think you covered it well and hope that we will treat each person’s decision with love and respect.
Mark HopkinsSeptember 30, 2021
I suffered an experience with GBS years ago as a result of a flu shot. It’s a rare reaction that can result from flu vaccinations and viruses. I won’t go into details, but it’s worth a look on google. I used to get vaccinated every year for the flu until my adverse reaction so, I’ve also struggled with the decision whether to get the COVID shot. I’ve gotten the opinion of 4 different doctors. 1 advised me not to get it and 2 advised me to get it. The forth doctor told me to get an antibody test first to see if I’ve had it before I risked the shot. I did and I do have antibodies. I’m not sure when I had COVID I’m in my late 60’s, but needless to say, I’m not going to get the shot now. I’ve struggled with this debate since the shot was made available and when President Nelson urged all members to get it. I studied it out extensively and was about to take my decision to God for conformation, but was given a gift of relief when the forth doctor gave me the guidance to take a more informed approach. My own understanding about the urging the Prophet gave makes sense to me. It’s time to get back into the business of living and enjoying the fellowship of family, the Saints, and friends. Put in your due diligence. Be patient and understanding of all who are struggling with this decision.
BobSeptember 30, 2021
I pray. I study. I serve. My desire is to serve my heavenly father and my fellows. I sustain the brethren. I do not consider vaccination an Abrahamic Test. I don't feel fiercely about it. I believe I'll be OK either way. I haven't gotten vaccinated. I haven't agonized over it. I understand that Pres. Nelson has urged church members to get the vaccine. If and when I feel the time is right, I'll get vaccinated. When I face my final judge, I don't expect him to ask me about vaccination, even if I meet him sooner rather than later because of (or lack of) the vaccine. Unless translated, all men and women die. I'm at peace for now. The Lord can tell me otherwise. He's guided me before and I trust he will do so again. I'm surprised that this is being turned into a test of obedience. I don't think President Nelson or the other brethren intend that. Maybe I'll hear differently at this general conference. I WANT the spirit to guide me, but I don't think this is the issue that will determine my salvation or exaltation. It is not a litmus test for me.
Christine FosterSeptember 30, 2021
We have a split family relating to the vaccination. We've talked openly about it but not harangued each other. Many of us have had covid and we cant see that the vaccination has made much difference except in the length of time spent being sick. I loved the story because it presented all views with thoughtfulness. I am surprised that it isnt good enough for the media and social warriors that people have been sick with covid. They have no trust in our antibodies and seem to want to force us to do their will. Hmm, wasn't that the plan of another being?
RebeccaSeptember 30, 2021
So well written!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can relate to everything the interviewees shared. This article is an answer to our prayers and pleadings. Again, THANK YOU!
Lennea GasserSeptember 30, 2021
Thanks for that excellent article. It was very helpful for me!
KJBSeptember 30, 2021
So the same people who bellow THE PROPHET HAS SPOKEN!!!!!! whenever the leadership says something that confirms their right-wing bias are suddenly sensitive little snowflakes who we need to just understand and be more tolerant of. Never mind that hospitals are filled with people who "did their own research." Never mind that they're prolonging a deadly pandemic and putting other people at risk for no better reason than I DON'T WANNA!!!!! (And I got a sore arm after my first Moderna shot and have flu-like symptoms for about a day after my second. Am I still glad I got it? Absolutely, because I'm not a selfish crybaby...)
Cynthia M. MoorheadSeptember 30, 2021
We would all be at much higher risk of getting Covid-19 and even dying if a majority of the population had decided not to be vaccinated. The same is true of all vaccinations, which have saved countless lives. I agree that the government should not mandate vaccination -- there are some people whose health is compromised to the point where it would be risky for them. But for most of us it is the right thing to do, both for ourselves and to avoid passing on the virus to others. The vast majority of those who are dying from the new variants of the virus are those who are not vaccinated. D&C 5:19 and 97:22-26 really struck me as I have been studying the prophecies relating to the Second Coming of the Lord. Could this "scourge" that continues to be poured out be the coronavirus? There is a reason why the Lord chose a medical doctor to be His prophet at this time.
Taylor StonelySeptember 30, 2021
What a well thought out article this was! I appreciated the depth and breath of the issues mentioned and the personal interviews conducted. The approach to finding an answer about whether or not to get vaccinated is a personal one. Thank you!
LisaSeptember 30, 2021
It’s 4:30 AM and I can’t tell you how much I needed this article. It made me cry because I’ve experienced all those feelings and I’m still in the process of making a decision. We have been very much against the vaccine even though we’re not totally anti-VAX. My husband shocked me by doing a 180 even though he was very upset with the prophet when he first came out with a statement. He had to go through his own spiritual journey. I’m still in the process and have not yet received a yes answer. I am earnestly seeking and it helps to know I’m not alone. We can be faithful members of the church, yet still be struggling with this decision. Thank you so much for writing this.
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