5 ways to build unity in your ward and family

Editor's Note: The views, information, or opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author. Readers should consider each unique situation. This content is not meant to be a substitute for individual, professional advice.

In a year dominated by news and announcements related to COVID-19, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints not only made announcements and adjustments related to the current pandemic but also announcements and adjustments related to other aspects of worship, administration, and policy.

Have you ever felt imperfect in your practice of living the gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, you’re in good company and the This is the Gospel podcast is on a mission to prove it to you. Like host KaRyn Lay says at the beginning of every episode, the podcast “features real stories from real people practicing and living their faith every day.” These people are facing real triumphs, successes, challenges, and hardships in the best way they can. Sound familiar? Whether it’s heartache, loss of a loved one, fatherhood, motherhood, or true conversion, the 23 episodes we shared this year include powerful stories of practicing faith that we’re sure will remind you that you’re not alone in your journey of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are grateful to everyone who has shared their stories with us this year and to you, our listeners, for spending time with us.

If there were any perks to 2020, one was that we all spent a little bit more time (virtually) with President Russell M. Nelson than usual. Outside of general conference, the Church released special video messages throughout the year from our prophet. Additionally, President Nelson co-authored a piece with NAACP leaders calling for racial harmony. He reminded us of the need for gratitude to find healing, he invited us to fast with him, he prayed for us, and he reminded us that “we are all children of a loving God.”

In many ways, 2020 has been full of challenges. But while many of these challenges have been heartbreaking and full of sorrow, some have helped us to become better. Whether it was the outpouring of gratitude on social media after President Nelson's challenge in November or the millions of acts of services that have taken place during this year's Light the World campaign, good things have come out of 2020.

This past year has been full of the unexpected. Between the coronavirus, natural disasters, and societal issues, 2020 may not have been what we all expected when it brought in the new decade. But there have been beautiful moments too. Despite feelings of division, many people have come together to express gratitude for the blessings God has given them. Others have come to the rescue for those in need, whether physically or spiritually. And society as a whole has adjusted to new circumstances and situations despite moments of fear and uncertainty.

Here’s a snapshot of what you may have missed on LDS Living this week. You can also subscribe to the LDS Living newsletter for daily inspiration right to your inbox.

Despite a pandemic that forced the majority of interviews this year to be done remotely, the All In podcast never missed a beat, producing and releasing 55 interviews that were downloaded over 4 million times over the course of the year. The show’s conversations covered a wide range of both timely and timeless topics such as parenting, dealing with a faith crisis, racism, anxiety, and meditation. Here is a brief look at the 20 most-downloaded episodes of 2020 as of December 7, 2020, through one powerful quote from each of those episodes.

This excerpt originally ran on LDS Living in December 2019.