Why I’m so grateful someone pushed through awkwardness to serve

"The price of freedom surely feels incredibly high to all those of us who know and love our individual soldier," Jennie Taylor said. "But the value of freedom is immeasurable to all those who know and love America and all that she represents."

Throughout his service in the Church, President Nelson has provided profound insight into the purpose of the Church on the earth today. Here is a small portion of those insights, excerpted from the new book Teachings of Russell M. Nelson.

We first met as students in a BYU religion class called “Your Religious Problems.” We both solved our biggest “religious problem” when our friendship from that class blossomed into our marriage. For each class, a student would pick a religious question, do research on it, then lead a discussion. We each wrote a short paper on how we would resolve the problem.

This recent article by Glenn T. Stanton from The Federalist contains fascinating research that shows how marriage can promote wellnesses, equality, and other aspects of life. Thanks to Meridian Magazine for making us aware of this article.

When Harry Bailey Jr. learned from his bishop he could finally hold the priesthood after waiting a quarter of a century for the opportunity, he had his temple clothes already pressed and ready. “He told me once that if he could strip off his skin to hold the priesthood, he would,” Johanna Brutinell said. Learn more about how this amazing Latter-day Saint ministered to his community and remained faithful, despite racism and priesthood restrictions.

The beard debate has continued for decades, but aside from missionary standards and the BYU beard policy, little has been officially said on the topic.

War has long been a difficult part of our human history. But you can find inspiration in these 11 books and DVDs that chronicle real-life and fictional characters and their search for faith, courage, and valor amidst some of the most difficult periods of history.

I sat facing the Nauvoo temple after a spiritual day with my EFY group. The temple was radiant against the dark, star-filled sky and a peaceful feeling entered my heart as I reflected on everything I had learned during the week.

Oftentimes, as a practicing mental health professional, I am asked: when should a person see a clinical professional, seek the help of friends and family, or seek help from priesthood leadership in regards to medical mental health issues? I can say that from both a personal perspective and as a mental health counselor such questions are very complex, and it is important to be sensitive both to individual needs and the situation. Having said that, there are some very clear directives when mental health assistance should be considered. All of us at various times in our lives will face complex and difficult life situations that can bring sadness, loss, anxiety, confusion, and concern into our lives. More often than not, such situations and feelings are part of this mortal existence and can be worked through by the guidance, direction, and comfort from family, friends, and Church leadership.