Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of articles that will address mental health challenges and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Editor's note: “Resources to follow Him” curates study resources, teachings, and thoughts to deepen your study of this week's Come, Follow Me.

There’s a certain power in names. I’ve discovered this especially in nature as I’ve learned from my brother how to recognize the call of a chickadee or as my sister has taught me the names of wildflowers. For me, there is a sense of satisfaction in knowing something’s name—as though by remembering it, perhaps it knows me somehow—and so occasionally, I will put forth the effort to learn about the names of plants and animals that I didn’t know before.

Melaney Tagg is helping people with seemingly polarizing views come together to recognize that as children of God, we have more in common than we realize.

Most of us were raised on stories of the prophets of God. And just as they had strengths that we can learn from, it is also important to remember that every prophet had weaknesses that we can learn from, too.

During the early part of this new year, our family made a point of reflecting on the life and teachings of the Savior. Through this reflection, it has become even more apparent how the lessons and parables Christ taught still have significance in our day. Given the confusion and turbulence of our time, the state of the world, and the conditions of families and individuals, we are all in desperate need of His counsel. So, here are four New Testament stories that can teach us how to handle the stresses and challenge of our modern world.

INTRODUCTION:

Imagine a wealthy family in Old Testament times: father, mother, four sons, and three daughters. Who gets the money when Dad dies? Most would point to the firstborn son, but that’s just partly right. If Dad has four sons, his estate is divided into five equal shares. All the sons receive a portion, but the eldest, who has the birthright, receives two—a double portion. The three younger brothers leave with their portions, but the eldest doesn’t go anywhere because with his extra portion comes added responsibility. He is expected to care for his mother and provide dowries so his sisters can be properly married. Even after his mother and sisters are gone, he will stay to govern the affairs of his father’s estate. Of course he will marry and have his own family, but he will spend the rest of his life fulfilling his birthright responsibilities.

I have a goal to attend 50 temples before I turn 50. Right now at age 27 I sit right at 31 temples, ranging from the Kona Hawaii Temple to the Washington DC Temple. I have been amazed by the unique characteristics of each temple. I’ve seen color schemes ranging from purple to pink and accents made of wood, gold leaf, and marble.

Richard Turley was brought in to supervise the Church History Department in 1986. At the time, the Church was heavily involved in the investigation of a forger by the name of Mark Hofmann. Turley had graduated from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and his legal training proved to be effective in guiding the department through that period of the Church’s history.