Be Strong and of a Good Courage

BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

My beloved brethren, how good it is to be with you once again. I pray for heavenly help as I respond to the opportunity to address you.

Beyond this Conference Center are additional thousands assembled in chapels and in other settings throughout much of the world. A common thread binds all of us together, for we have been entrusted to bear the priesthood of God.

We are here upon the earth at a remarkable period in its history. Our opportunities are almost limitless, and yet we also face a multitude of challenges, some of them unique to our time.

We live in a world where moral values have, in great measure, been tossed aside, where sin is flagrantly on display, and where temptations to stray from the strait and narrow path surround us. We are faced with persistent pressures and insidious influences tearing down what is decent and attempting to substitute the shallow philosophies and practices of a secular society.

Because of these and other challenges, decisions are constantly before us which can determine our destiny. In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed—the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right.

Inasmuch as the trend in society today is rapidly moving away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, we will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which we believe. Will we have the courage to do so?

Said President J. Reuben Clark Jr., who for many years was a member of the First Presidency: “Not unknown are cases where [those] of presumed faith … have felt that, since by affirming their full faith they might call down upon themselves the ridicule of their unbelieving colleagues, they must either modify or explain away their faith, or destructively dilute it, or even pretend to cast it away. Such are hypocrites.”1 None of us would wish to wear such a label, and yet are we reluctant to declare our faith in some circumstances?

We can help ourselves in our desire to do what is right if we put ourselves in places and participate in activities where our thoughts are influenced for good and where the Spirit of the Lord will be comfortable.

I recall reading some time ago the counsel a father gave to his son when he went away to school: “If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” I offer to each of you the same advice: “If you ever find yourself where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!”

The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. Every day of our lives courage is needed—not just for the momentous events but more often as we make decisions or respond to circumstances around us. Said Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson: “Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name.”2

Courage comes in many forms. Wrote the Christian author Charles Swindoll: “Courage is not limited to the battlefield … or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one’s looking, … like standing alone when you’re misunderstood.”3 I would add that this inner courage also includes doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social status. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular.

While serving in the United States Navy in World War II, I learned of brave deeds, instances of valor, and examples of courage. One which I shall never forget was the quiet courage of an 18-year-old seaman—not of our faith—who was not too proud to pray. Of 250 men in the company, he was the only one who each night knelt down by the side of his bunk, at times amidst the jeers of bullies and the jests of unbelievers. With bowed head, he prayed to God. He never wavered. He never faltered. He had courage.

I listened not long ago to an example of one who surely seemed to lack this inner courage. A friend told of a spiritual and faith-promoting sacrament meeting she and her husband had attended in their ward. A young man who held the office of priest in the Aaronic Priesthood touched the hearts of the entire congregation as he spoke of gospel truths and of the joys of keeping the commandments. He bore a fervent, touching testimony as he stood at the pulpit, appearing clean and neat in his white shirt and tie.

Later that same day, as this woman and her husband drove out of their neighborhood, they saw this same young man who had so inspired them just a few hours earlier. Now, however, he presented a completely different picture as he walked down the sidewalk dressed in scruffy clothes—and smoking a cigarette. My friend and her husband were not only greatly disappointed and saddened, but they were also confused by how he could so convincingly seem to be one person in sacrament meeting and then so quickly seem to be someone else entirely.

Brethren, are you the same person wherever you are and whatever you are doing—the person our Heavenly Father wants you to be and the person you know you should be?

In an interview published in a national magazine, well-known American NCAA basketball player Jabari Parker, a member of the Church, was asked to share the best advice he had received from his father. Replied Jabari, “[My father] said, Just be the same person you are in the dark that you are in the light.”4 Important advice, brethren, for all of us.

Our scriptures are filled with examples of the type of courage needed by each of us today. The prophet Daniel exhibited supreme courage by standing up for that which he knew to be right and by demonstrating the courage to pray, though threatened with death were he to do so.5

Courage characterized the life of Abinadi, as shown by his willingness to offer his life rather than to deny the truth.6

Who can help but be inspired by the lives of the 2,000 stripling sons of Helaman, who taught and demonstrated the need for courage to follow the teachings of parents, to be chaste and pure?7

Perhaps each of these scriptural accounts is crowned by the example of Moroni, who had the courage to persevere in righteousness to the very end.8

Throughout his life, the Prophet Joseph Smith provided countless examples of courage. One of the most dramatic occurred as he and other brethren were chained together—imagine, chained together—and held in an unfinished cabin next to the courthouse in Richmond, Missouri. Parley P. Pratt, who was among those held captive, wrote of one particular night: “We had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards.”

Continued Elder Pratt:

“I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but [I] had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

“‘SILENCE. … In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!’”

Joseph “stood erect in terrible majesty,” as described by Elder Pratt. He was chained, without a weapon, and yet he was calm and dignified. He looked down upon the quailing guards, who were shrinking into a corner or crouching at his feet. These seemingly incorrigible men begged his pardon and remained quiet.9

Not all acts of courage bring such spectacular or immediate results, and yet all of them do bring peace of mind and a knowledge that right and truth have been defended.

It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his roots in the shifting sands of popular opinion and approval. Needed is the courage of a Daniel, an Abinadi, a Moroni, or a Joseph Smith in order for us to hold strong and fast to that which we know is right. They had the courage to do not that which was easy but that which was right.

We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully but also as the determination to live decently. As we move forward, striving to live as we should, we will surely receive help from the Lord and can find comfort in His words. I love His promise recorded in the book of Joshua:

“I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. …

“… Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”10

My beloved brethren, with the courage of our convictions, may we declare, with the Apostle Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.”11 And then, with that same courage, may we follow Paul’s counsel: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”12

Catastrophic conflicts come and go, but the war waged for the souls of men continues without abatement. Like a clarion call comes the word of the Lord to you, to me, and to priesthood holders everywhere: “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.”13 Then we will be, as the Apostle Peter declared, even “a royal priesthood,”14 united in purpose and endowed with power from on high.15

May each one leave here tonight with the determination and the courage to say, with Job of old, “While my breath is in me, … I will not remove mine integrity from me.”16 That this may be so is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen.

WE DON’T “DO” VISITING TEACHING.

WE ARE VISITING TEACHERS.

AND IN THE PROCESS OF FULFILLING THIS MOST PRECIOUS ASSIGNMENT, WE BECOME MORE LIKE OUR SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. WE FULFILL OUR COVENANTS TO TEACH ONE ANOTHER THE DOCTRINE OF THE KINGDOM SO THAT EACH WOMAN IS NOURISHED BY THE GOOD WORD OF GOD.  WOMEN ARE HUNGRY FOR THINGS OF THE SPIRIT, FOR TRUTHS THAT COUNTER THE SLIDE OF VIRTUES ALL AROUND THEM. 

VISITING TEACHING IS A MEASURE OF THE HEART, AN UNSELFISH WORK, A SACRED TRUST THAT BLESSES BOTH THE GIVER AND THE RECEIVER. 

BONNIE D. PARKIN 2003

Ask yourself this question-

Do I need to change my attitude toward Visiting Teaching?

I wondered what I could say to change the attitudes about visiting teaching. I realized that there was nothing I could say that hasn't already been said a thousand different ways. What I realized is that change can only come through the Holy Ghost. If you ask and want a change in your attitude it can come.

Sister Beck also said in General Conference 2009, "Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. A sister in this church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching."

She also said, "It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters." And, "Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship."                    

We have been asked by the General Relief Society of the church to change the way visiting teaching is reported. When you talk to your visiting teaching supervisor, she will now ask you how your sisters are doing. Not whether or not you got your visiting teaching done but what's going on with them. We want to know the good things and the bad things. Keep confidences and follow the promptings of the Spirit. You'll never go wrong by listening to the still small voice. It won't scream and yell or knock you on the side of your head. You have to live your life worthy to be able to hear it.

I know God lives and He wants us to take care of each other. We will find the greatest joy in our own lives by serving someone else. Thank you for serving one another. 

The Willow wood Ward

Visiting Teaching ideas

More frequent contact is made with women and families exhibiting special needs, such as those new to the Church, the less active, single parents, the divorced, the widowed, the aged, and those faced with illness, death, or other difficulties.

1. With our elderly — I’ve grown closer to older women when I’ve been assigned to them, and think has been a positive thing for both of us. Most of the time, I gravitate toward sisters in my age range in forming friendships within the ward. Being “assigned” to be a friend, so to speak, helps me get a generational perspective. In a sense, then, it ties the different generations and viewpoints in the RS together.

2. With the inactive — explanation can pretty much go unsaid, but again, for those of us who aren’t good at naturally seeking people out for service opportunities, visiting teaching is a great way to bring one-on-one contact to inactive sisters.

3. With sisters whose callings take them away from RS — for those of us who work in the YW, Primary, etc. visiting teaching is a great outlet for us, in giving us an opportunity to be taught adult to adult. We don’t get that a lot, and it’s refreshing.

4. Care more about the sister than a check mark by your name.

5. Find all the good qualities that you can in each sister you visit and compliment them often.

6. Sincerely get to know the sisters well enough to become their friend.

7. Learn her children's names and say hello to them too.

8. Be more concerned about bringing a God's spirit and message than about bringing something that only looks cute and clever.

9. When personal problems are shared be sure to try and understand how your sister is feeling and find ways to help -- even just a sympathetic ear is a huge help and often all that is needed.

10. Remember that there are many things about each sister that you do not know so stay clear of judging and concentrate instead on lifting and helping.

11. Become friends with your companion

My Soul Delighteth in Plainness

unto My People
Claudia Dansie

I once was told a story of a woman who couldn’t do her visiting teaching because she hadn’t finished embroidering the cloths that were to go with her homemade bread that went along with her lesson. She missed the whole month. She also missed the simple principle of visiting teaching. The simple acts of listening, discussing gospel principles in solving life’s problems, and building trusting friendships are what visiting teaching is really about. Having someone to go to when we need help, having a friend to laugh with, and sometimes having someone to cry with are all parts of the miracles of small and simple things.

The Lord gives us solutions to our problems and ways to accomplish our goals. He has shown us the way through His words and inspiration to our prophets. These ideas may be simple and plain and ones that the world may think foolish, but if we lack the obedience to try them out, we are the ones who lose out. Much like Naaman of old, we may not truly understand the power of simplicity.

As explained in 2 Kings, Naaman was captain of the armies of Syria, “a great man . . . , and honourable, . . . but he was a leper” (5:1). His wife had a Hebrew maid who suggested that he go to see the prophet to be healed from his affliction. He went first to the king of Israel and then to the home of Elisha, the prophet. He came with his riches—horses, chariots, gold, and silver—for he was a very wealthy man.  (5:11). But Elisha did not. He chose simplicity. Naaman’s servants went out to him to console and plea: “If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” (5:13). Naaman was 

humbled. “Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (5:14). Are we sometimes like Naaman? Would we do anything if only President Hinckley would ask us personally or if we were called to some great position in the Church? Do we have a preconceived notion of how it should be? Do we expect the Lord or His prophet to come and do great things in our honor? Is that what it takes for us to obey or understand? Or do we follow the simple authority and instructions given by his messengers?

What should we teach our sisters about Visiting Teaching?

Teach them that this isn't about visiting once a month and sharing the lesson in the Ensign (though that may be really important in some cases, and the only opportunity a sister has to feel the spirit). Tell them it is about loving and getting to know a sister well enough so that she will think to call you in her time of need, and you will be able to recognize when she might need you even if she doesn't call you.

Teach them that when lots of people do a little, the heavy burdens of caring for everyone are lighter. Teach them that sometimes the things they think of as burdens are really blessings that they haven't recognized yet as such. Many times our burdens are made lighter by a relationship with a companion, or by something we learn from our VTEES in the course of meeting their needs.

Teach them we should make some kind of contact once a month. This can be a letter, phone call, email, etc. We should make a personal visit at least once a quarter. The second tip was that we can get together as a "group" to do lunch or go somewhere. For example, the visiting teaching companions can get all their sisters together to do something all together. It is a great way to have fun! Let's make it our goal this year to get more contacts made with our sisters! Let's all try to feel like visiting teaching is an opportunity to make friends and enlarge our social circles as well as uplift one another. It is not just an "obligation", but a great experience if we will let it be!

Visiting Teaching??

Lets talk about how we do it and how we can do it. I have been on line researching visiting teaching and have found of course an over load of information. So I am going to try to trim it down. Lets start with duties.

The Duties of Visiting Teachers:

• Prepare for visits by studying the message and adapting it to each individual sister. Also, by praying with their companions before their visits.
• Make regular monthly visits, and other contacts as needed, to each sister in their assigned district, conveying messages as directed by the Relief Society President.
• Encourage sisters to attend weekly Relief Society meetings.
• Develop helpful, friendly, trusting relationships with sisters. Any personal matters learned by the visiting teachers should be kept confidential.
• Report to the Relief Society President immediately any matter of urgent need.
• Render emergency compassionate service when needed at the time of a visit. They should also promptly report both the service and the need to the Relief Society President.
• Notify district supervisor, when they are unable to make a monthly visit.
• Report monthly visits to their district supervisor.
• Report changes in their district since their last visit.
• Attend the baptism of a convert sister when assigned her as a visiting teachers.
• Fellowship inactive and newly baptized sisters.

WOW!!! that is a lot to do. How can we break this down to our busy lives and still remember we are the Lord's hands for those to whom we are assigned --- not the Churches, not the bishops, not the relief society president. Lets start small. Any kind of contact with our sisters counts. ~ANY KIND ~ Phone, email, church, shopping, texting, visit, letter, We need to just let them know we care about them. But first we have to identify them. Do you know everyone on your list, do you know your companion, do you know who your visiting teachers are?