Words can open our minds to truth and lift our sights to new perspectives. So it was with my patriarchal blessing. In 1970, just before I was to leave on my mission, my mother, then a secretary at the Church Office Building, asked the Patriarch to the Church, Elder Eldred G. Smith, if he would give me my patriarchal blessing.¹ He agreed.

I was very excited. The night before my appointment with Elder Smith, my mother and I had a serious conversation. She said I really needed to work on my character as it related to patience, cheerfulness and happiness, and consideration of other people. At the time I thought she was being pretty hard on me, but I knew she was right.

I sat down in Elder Smith’s office in his big white chair and received words from the Lord. Just for me: “Continue to cultivate, especially those gifts and talents of patience, cheerfulness, and consideration unto others.” They were the words my mother had just spoken. “And thou shalt have increased success in thy efforts in righteousness. Through righteous cheerfulness thou shalt be given power to overcome the efforts of the adversary and even thwart his efforts.” Those words have come true.

In addition, a number of times, Patriarch Smith mentioned in the blessing that I would be given special experiences. I have. My patriarchal blessing, given by a humble and kind Church leader, was words from God.

Blessings. Words matter.

Words can be inspiring, prompting our best and most noble thoughts, elevating our expressions. They can be appropriate for those who are worthy to carry the name of Jesus Christ. Ever our exemplar, the Lord Jesus Christ entreated, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His words communicate compassion, understanding, peace, and the promise of better times.

Editor’s note: This excerpt is in the May/June issue of LDS Living Magazine.

Find clarity in a noisy world

In Words Matter, Ronald A. Rasband invites Latter-day Saints to ponder on the words and principles we prioritize in our lives. Drawing on personal experiences and gospel teachings, he points readers to the words that matter most—those that will bring us closer to Jesus Christ and a life in harmony with His teachings.

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Note
1. Elder Eldred G. Smith served as Patriarch to the Church from 1947 to 1979, when he was given emeritus status. He was the longest-serving General Authority and a great-great-grandson of Hyrum Smith. Called by President George Albert Smith, he served with 10 prophets. He died in 2013 at age 106.