A man's perspective--from my friend AG

It troubles me that sadness/depression/ sorrow seems to be an ongoing problem faced by the women in the church.  When I served as Bishop of our ward, this was the number one problem that my sisters talked about.  

 

One of the things I tried to do was ban from Sacrament Meeting talks that included shopping lists of more things to do.  It was difficult because this way of thinking and speaking has become so ingrained in LDS culture - or is just that way in Alberta?  Several times we asked members to talk about God's watchful care over his children, or his unconditional love for his children.  What came out was the idea that we had to EARN his love by doing this, or that we had to EARN his protection by doing that, or that we had to EARN our salvation by doing everything.  These tasks are not only daunting, but impossible.  LIke Brother Robinson said, that approach sounds more like the "Bad News" than the "Good News".  The gospel really is the "Good News" of salvation.  I hope we can feel more fully God's grace and mercy in our lives.  As Paul said, "Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."      

 

Psalm 121

 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon they right hand.  The sun shall not smite thee by day nor the moon by night.  The Lord shall preseve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.  The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.