I love you, Melissa. Per usual, you express the desire of my heart in a living and eloquent way. You are a gift and I’m grateful for your friendship.
Jeff JacobsOctober 2, 2017
I served a foreign mission and loved the people there, as did my brothers. That has been a strength to the Church as thousands have done the same. Until we get out of the little circles we inhabit and meet and know people who are different, we will never know that we are the same.
MicheleOctober 2, 2017
This is so wonderfully written and artfully articulate, thank you.
I almost didn't write in response after all due to the number of wonderful comments, but the pain you describe deserves to be acknowledged. My own is closer to home, as well as the general challenges of a disintegrating, fallen world. I suspect I'm far from alone in this. I allowed triggers from an angry family member and the bias of an inexperienced leader to lead me into a short period of despair. Like yours, mine was and still is overcome by the powerful love of my Lord and Savior, in enveloping others with a saving circle of charity, which lifts each up, rather than tears down. As I participate in self healing in the process, I gain everything by letting it go without defensive response, instead allowing my Saviors' Atonement to cover it, and they are left at least a little better for not feeling attacked. At best, they are allowed to work out their own salvation faster.
DianeSeptember 29, 2017
"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."
He did not call them Zion because they accepted diverse viewpoints
Pamela PickettSeptember 29, 2017
Instead of celebrating diversity, which divides people, we should be celebrating unity--what we have in common. The Muslim people have contributed much to the world culture, and their religion is largely misunderstood by many. However, I still believe that to be a Zion people we must be unified in purpose and charity. "And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and they dwelt in righteousness, and there were no poor among them." (Moses 7:18)
Alec AndrusSeptember 29, 2017
Well and truly said. It is hard for me to not hunker down this year. Thanks for your inspiring words. We are all refugees in this divisive world. We all need grace from others and to extend it. I seem to disagree on politics with most in my circles so I try to leave that behind in my relationships in the church. Bu it is hard. I see nothing fearful in dialogue but watch people vilify others because they plead to be included in the civic dialogue. I love and honor muslims who honor God. I was a soldier for them and for all who hope to find their better angels. Bless you Sister for your work and commitment.
BeckySeptember 29, 2017
Thank you. So very well said.
TracieSeptember 28, 2017
Line upon line, making our circles more expansive. I love your words, Melissa! Thank you for your work!
YvonneSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you Melissa, for your beautiful writing and well-expressed sentiments. I couldn't agree more and you got me thinking about God's love for us in a whole new way. Bless you for all you do!
Kathleen HSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for so beautifully expressing my feelings as well! We need each other and we need to love each other. In the end, it does not matter which country or political party I choose, but that I choose to follow Christ in all ways. Thank you!
CraigSeptember 28, 2017
If these comments get any more lovey dovey we're going to have to put up a parental advisory.
David H BaileySeptember 28, 2017
Dear Melissa. I lovingly recognize and champion your huge heart but my learning tells me "our covenant community" cannot save the world for the simple reason the world has agency and there are scriptural "last days" and "end times" that clearly prophesy the world will not be saved, the earth yes, but not the total population. And if we compare the Constitution as originally organized, and the destroying liberalism that has crept into it, you might conclude, as I have, that it legally is essentially null and void. And any nation that accepts a culture of multiculturalism and diversity has already sown into itself the ingredients of self-destruction. I remember John Adams made it clear that the Constitution was written for a moral people and entirely unsuited for any other. In its wisdom to preserve Constitutional principles, I learned that immigrants wanting to enter our United States had to learn our language and provide loyalty to our jurisprudence, that is, they willingly became Americans. My readings in D&C 98 and D&C 101 clearly direct Latter Day Saints to support the Constitution, and if obeyed, that would do away with the theater of political parties. Yes, in today's culture my views are probably radical, but they hopefully represent a touch of reality-rub that I hope helps me to see reality despite all the subtle propaganda to the contrary. There is much more to expose but please allow me to give you two names of courageous men whom you can search for more connection to reality: Dane Wigington Geoengineering and Steven Greer MD ET technology. Thanks for your extensive effort.
Patti W.September 28, 2017
Thank you so much for this vital message! If not us, then who? And thank you for the wonderful work you and others are doing among the refuges - our dearly beloved brothers and sisters! I have always loved that quote by Pres. Lincoln "...the better angels of our nature."
Connie BauerSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for telling so well the feelings of my heart and thoughts of my mind. Connie Bauer
SharonSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for this. The church provides both a covenant obligation and a community to help us learn to love one another in our differences.
CraigSeptember 28, 2017
You want to pet a rattlesnake, that's your business. Don't go crying when you get bit.
TraceySeptember 28, 2017
Beautiful. This needs to be said again and again and again. Thank you.
Robert StarlingSeptember 28, 2017
My dear sister Melissa, thank you for expressing so eloquently the message we all need to hear. As our Savior said, "if ye are not one, ye are not mine". Bless you.
AlanSeptember 28, 2017
This article is of course correct in the attitude we must have. However, there are other factors. In Europe whole boatloads of young men arrive with no wives, mothers or children. Too many of these young men have ulterior motives and must be handled carefully. A few of them wish us harm and we must be harmless as doves but wise as serpents with them. Can we not influence the immigrations to include families? There are frightening and difficult circumstances surrounding the treatment of immigrants in Europe.
Janice WoolleySeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for the reminder of the important principle of unity, beautifully expressed. The Temple is where I feel this most profoundly.
ColinSeptember 28, 2017
Bravo. This is a message we all need.
Texas MemberSeptember 28, 2017
What a heart-felt perspective. I was touched by your experiences. Your thoughts about Zion and diversity are thought-provoking. I might be reading that part too quickly, but it seemed to gin up a paradox: diversity is the only way to achieve Zion, but as you say "Zion requires my heart to be pure, and a pure heart is one free of any fiercely held, secondary allegiances."
That statement, and the ones following it, to seem to suggest, to me, that we are all challenged to let go of our secondary allegiances that include our diversity of perspective, to adopt instead the "unifying force" of Christ and the heavenly order. I suppose the challenge, and what you might be getting at, is that we do not have a perfect view of all the details of that heavenly order (or, perhaps more exactly, we do not better understand the heavenly order parts that have been revealed to us already). You might say we are all looking through a glass, darkly ;).
I suppose I'm just trying to say that it seems paradoxical to advocate for the unity that comes from Zion while clinging to diverse viewpoints. I suppose we may be just coming at some terms with different semantic understanding. I would guess that you and I see things quite similarly, but are just using different ways to express it based on our different (diverse?) ways we have experienced the world.
Charles McClellandSeptember 28, 2017
Such a timely message - THANKS!
MandySeptember 28, 2017
Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing your insight and reminding us of our need for unity.
Lawrence M. Barry, Chaplain, Colonel, US Army (RET) Tumwater, WASeptember 28, 2017
One of the finest essays I've ever read on unity with others through unity in Christ. Thank you.
Scot Facer ProctorSeptember 28, 2017
This article has deeply touched something in my soul. I felt too that "This is it." I'm so troubled, daily, by the divisions in our world, but the dance with the refugees and the sacred circle alluded to by the author set a series of images alight in my mind and heart and I have been blessed this morning with enhanced thoughts. Thank you Melissa!
LisaSeptember 28, 2017
This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing the imagery of that moment at the refugee camp and for this call to unify and embrace each other. We need this, and we need each other.
Amy HendersonSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you, Melissa! I too have felt uneasy about expressing my beliefs in the current political climate. During the most recent US election campaign, I worried that some fellow Church members might think I needed exorcism because my views differed so much from theirs! I know other Church members feel the same way. Yet I know the Gospel will bind us to one another in love, if we let it. Thank you for all you are doing to show a better way.
Darla IsacksonSeptember 28, 2017
I am awed, inspired, and motivated by this beautifully written article.
Comments | Return to Story
Nikki EberhardtMarch 26, 2018
I love you, Melissa. Per usual, you express the desire of my heart in a living and eloquent way. You are a gift and I’m grateful for your friendship.
Jeff JacobsOctober 2, 2017
I served a foreign mission and loved the people there, as did my brothers. That has been a strength to the Church as thousands have done the same. Until we get out of the little circles we inhabit and meet and know people who are different, we will never know that we are the same.
MicheleOctober 2, 2017
This is so wonderfully written and artfully articulate, thank you. I almost didn't write in response after all due to the number of wonderful comments, but the pain you describe deserves to be acknowledged. My own is closer to home, as well as the general challenges of a disintegrating, fallen world. I suspect I'm far from alone in this. I allowed triggers from an angry family member and the bias of an inexperienced leader to lead me into a short period of despair. Like yours, mine was and still is overcome by the powerful love of my Lord and Savior, in enveloping others with a saving circle of charity, which lifts each up, rather than tears down. As I participate in self healing in the process, I gain everything by letting it go without defensive response, instead allowing my Saviors' Atonement to cover it, and they are left at least a little better for not feeling attacked. At best, they are allowed to work out their own salvation faster.
DianeSeptember 29, 2017
"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." He did not call them Zion because they accepted diverse viewpoints
Pamela PickettSeptember 29, 2017
Instead of celebrating diversity, which divides people, we should be celebrating unity--what we have in common. The Muslim people have contributed much to the world culture, and their religion is largely misunderstood by many. However, I still believe that to be a Zion people we must be unified in purpose and charity. "And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and they dwelt in righteousness, and there were no poor among them." (Moses 7:18)
Alec AndrusSeptember 29, 2017
Well and truly said. It is hard for me to not hunker down this year. Thanks for your inspiring words. We are all refugees in this divisive world. We all need grace from others and to extend it. I seem to disagree on politics with most in my circles so I try to leave that behind in my relationships in the church. Bu it is hard. I see nothing fearful in dialogue but watch people vilify others because they plead to be included in the civic dialogue. I love and honor muslims who honor God. I was a soldier for them and for all who hope to find their better angels. Bless you Sister for your work and commitment.
BeckySeptember 29, 2017
Thank you. So very well said.
TracieSeptember 28, 2017
Line upon line, making our circles more expansive. I love your words, Melissa! Thank you for your work!
YvonneSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you Melissa, for your beautiful writing and well-expressed sentiments. I couldn't agree more and you got me thinking about God's love for us in a whole new way. Bless you for all you do!
Kathleen HSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for so beautifully expressing my feelings as well! We need each other and we need to love each other. In the end, it does not matter which country or political party I choose, but that I choose to follow Christ in all ways. Thank you!
CraigSeptember 28, 2017
If these comments get any more lovey dovey we're going to have to put up a parental advisory.
David H BaileySeptember 28, 2017
Dear Melissa. I lovingly recognize and champion your huge heart but my learning tells me "our covenant community" cannot save the world for the simple reason the world has agency and there are scriptural "last days" and "end times" that clearly prophesy the world will not be saved, the earth yes, but not the total population. And if we compare the Constitution as originally organized, and the destroying liberalism that has crept into it, you might conclude, as I have, that it legally is essentially null and void. And any nation that accepts a culture of multiculturalism and diversity has already sown into itself the ingredients of self-destruction. I remember John Adams made it clear that the Constitution was written for a moral people and entirely unsuited for any other. In its wisdom to preserve Constitutional principles, I learned that immigrants wanting to enter our United States had to learn our language and provide loyalty to our jurisprudence, that is, they willingly became Americans. My readings in D&C 98 and D&C 101 clearly direct Latter Day Saints to support the Constitution, and if obeyed, that would do away with the theater of political parties. Yes, in today's culture my views are probably radical, but they hopefully represent a touch of reality-rub that I hope helps me to see reality despite all the subtle propaganda to the contrary. There is much more to expose but please allow me to give you two names of courageous men whom you can search for more connection to reality: Dane Wigington Geoengineering and Steven Greer MD ET technology. Thanks for your extensive effort.
Patti W.September 28, 2017
Thank you so much for this vital message! If not us, then who? And thank you for the wonderful work you and others are doing among the refuges - our dearly beloved brothers and sisters! I have always loved that quote by Pres. Lincoln "...the better angels of our nature."
Connie BauerSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for telling so well the feelings of my heart and thoughts of my mind. Connie Bauer
SharonSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for this. The church provides both a covenant obligation and a community to help us learn to love one another in our differences.
CraigSeptember 28, 2017
You want to pet a rattlesnake, that's your business. Don't go crying when you get bit.
TraceySeptember 28, 2017
Beautiful. This needs to be said again and again and again. Thank you.
Robert StarlingSeptember 28, 2017
My dear sister Melissa, thank you for expressing so eloquently the message we all need to hear. As our Savior said, "if ye are not one, ye are not mine". Bless you.
AlanSeptember 28, 2017
This article is of course correct in the attitude we must have. However, there are other factors. In Europe whole boatloads of young men arrive with no wives, mothers or children. Too many of these young men have ulterior motives and must be handled carefully. A few of them wish us harm and we must be harmless as doves but wise as serpents with them. Can we not influence the immigrations to include families? There are frightening and difficult circumstances surrounding the treatment of immigrants in Europe.
Janice WoolleySeptember 28, 2017
Thank you for the reminder of the important principle of unity, beautifully expressed. The Temple is where I feel this most profoundly.
ColinSeptember 28, 2017
Bravo. This is a message we all need.
Texas MemberSeptember 28, 2017
What a heart-felt perspective. I was touched by your experiences. Your thoughts about Zion and diversity are thought-provoking. I might be reading that part too quickly, but it seemed to gin up a paradox: diversity is the only way to achieve Zion, but as you say "Zion requires my heart to be pure, and a pure heart is one free of any fiercely held, secondary allegiances." That statement, and the ones following it, to seem to suggest, to me, that we are all challenged to let go of our secondary allegiances that include our diversity of perspective, to adopt instead the "unifying force" of Christ and the heavenly order. I suppose the challenge, and what you might be getting at, is that we do not have a perfect view of all the details of that heavenly order (or, perhaps more exactly, we do not better understand the heavenly order parts that have been revealed to us already). You might say we are all looking through a glass, darkly ;). I suppose I'm just trying to say that it seems paradoxical to advocate for the unity that comes from Zion while clinging to diverse viewpoints. I suppose we may be just coming at some terms with different semantic understanding. I would guess that you and I see things quite similarly, but are just using different ways to express it based on our different (diverse?) ways we have experienced the world.
Charles McClellandSeptember 28, 2017
Such a timely message - THANKS!
MandySeptember 28, 2017
Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing your insight and reminding us of our need for unity.
Lawrence M. Barry, Chaplain, Colonel, US Army (RET) Tumwater, WASeptember 28, 2017
One of the finest essays I've ever read on unity with others through unity in Christ. Thank you.
Scot Facer ProctorSeptember 28, 2017
This article has deeply touched something in my soul. I felt too that "This is it." I'm so troubled, daily, by the divisions in our world, but the dance with the refugees and the sacred circle alluded to by the author set a series of images alight in my mind and heart and I have been blessed this morning with enhanced thoughts. Thank you Melissa!
LisaSeptember 28, 2017
This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing the imagery of that moment at the refugee camp and for this call to unify and embrace each other. We need this, and we need each other.
Amy HendersonSeptember 28, 2017
Thank you, Melissa! I too have felt uneasy about expressing my beliefs in the current political climate. During the most recent US election campaign, I worried that some fellow Church members might think I needed exorcism because my views differed so much from theirs! I know other Church members feel the same way. Yet I know the Gospel will bind us to one another in love, if we let it. Thank you for all you are doing to show a better way.
Darla IsacksonSeptember 28, 2017
I am awed, inspired, and motivated by this beautifully written article.
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