Rocky Anderson & Neil A. Maxwell

I think Salt Lake City Mayor, Rocky Anderson, has had a polarizing effect upon many of us Mormons. But, one thing that softens my heart toward him is the account I heard him share of his meeting with the late Elder Neil A. Maxwell.

This righteous disciple of Jesus, one of the great heroes of my life, showed compassion and brotherhood toward the mayor. He treated him as a friend and brother instead of "the enemy." Elder Maxwell even told him that his name was still on the records of the Church--that he still belonged!

But, the part of the story that always catches me in the throat whenever I am reminded of it is how the mayor finished his account by saying, “I love Elder Maxwell.”

Even after his death, Elder Maxwell continues to teach me how to properly treat God’s children. It makes me lament all the unkind things I have said or written about the mayor or any other child of God.

Simple acts of love and kindness are far more powerful than stinging criticism in producing positive change in this world. But, which approach do we bloggers typically take?

The answer is sobering, isn’t it? But, I want to repent and do better. Please pray for me. And, if you are one of my victims, please forgive me.

Change

"Be the change that you want to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi

Choose Not to be Offended

Like many other people who watched the most recent World General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the address given by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made a lasting impression upon me.

One of the concepts touched upon in his talk was the idea that we actually choose whether or not to be offended by another person. No one can offend us against our will.

I find this notion to be extremely empowering. Each of us is free. We can choose to love, choose to forgive, choose NOT to be offended. My hope is that we will take this principle to heart, apply it to our lives, and find sustained spiritual growth over time.