Life for Andy and Tania Young had been relatively simple; Tania took care of their two children, Andy worked as a high school teacher, and the family was active in the Gospel. They were residing in Saratoga Springs, Utah and desired to grow their family, but those hopes seemed futile as they struggled with fertility issues. They strived to understand and follow the Lord’s plan for them and listen to the promptings of the Spirit, but their willingness to be obedient was put to the test when Tania received a prompting that would fundamentally change their lives forever.

In the minds of many voters, two things about Mitt and Ann Romney have set them apart from most Americans: their wealth and their Mormon faith. Both issues – personal and in some ways deeply private – have seemed at least a distraction from their main campaign message, which is to focus on the US economy and the way in which they frame President Obama’s failure to adequately deal with persistent joblessness. At the Republican convention in Tampa, Fla., the Romneys’ religion was addressed more openly than it had been to date – although more so by fellow Mormons who told of Mr. Romney’s prayerful compassion and practical help in times of deep trouble than by the candidate himself.

After years of bullying that eventually turned into persistent depression, JaQuavious reached a moment in his life where he felt he couldn't continue to live. After calling his parents and over a dozen friends for help, no one answered his call. "The pain went from mentally to emotionally. I could feel it in my bones and it turned physically painful," JaQuavious says. "When I pleaded to God for help, I didn't honestly receive an answer right away. I felt the Spirit of God come upon me and say, 'You know what, just watch and see what I do.'" After that moment, JaQuavious began to see the grace of God work in his life.

Dear Dave,

A recent Washington Post article that discussed the origins and history of Mormonism’s racialized teachings and policies has caused quite a stir, launching important conversations. The article’s most controversial element was the inclusion of comments from BYU religion professor Randy Bott in which he denied that the former LDS ban on black persons holding the priesthood or participating in temple ordinances was racist, as God’s actions were for their benefit. They weren’t ready. Through these restrictions, God was acting as a loving parent, keeping them from having to live at a higher level than they were capable of doing. Church reaction was swift–a news release the next day completely distancing the Church’s position from the justification attempts of Professor Bott, and stating unequivocally that no one knows the reasons for the ban and the church does not sanction any attempts at explaining or justifying it.

Dubbed the "King of Clean" by the Wall Street Journal, it's no wonder comedian Jim Gaffigan does well in Utah.

Timothy M. Watabe, bishop of the Dublin 1st Ward in Ohio, died in a rappelling accident in Hocking State Forest on Saturday.

Disclaimer: This post was in no way written to marginalize missions and the great importance of missionaries, nor was it intended to be used to excuse unrighteous judgment and decisions in any way. Its purpose is to hopefully remove stigmas that I feel are not Christlike. It's a hard world we live in, and we cannot allow the environment in our wards and hometowns to be just as hard for someone who is struggling. Be kind.

People across the world are suffering from persecution. "And why are they suffering?" John Graz said. "Are they dangerous for their country? Are they bad people? No, most of the time they are good people. But they are suffering, they are discriminated against, they are excluded only because of their religion." Graz is the public affairs and religious liberty director for the Seventh-day Adventist world church and is secretary general for the International Religious Liberty Association (IRLA). He carries the message of religious freedom across the world — speaking in conferences and with politicians, religious leaders and scholars. He spoke recently at BYU at the 22nd annual conference of the LDS International Society about the global challenges and trends affecting religious freedom.

Dear Dave,