One of the blessings of social media is that we can hear from our beloved prophets and apostles on a regular basis.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared the following posts recently on his Facebook page.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of my meetings are now held in a virtual format. I am grateful for the technology that allows us to do that, but I also miss the daily interaction and in-person meetings with other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
There is nothing so enriching as associating with one another face to face and heart to heart. Because so many of our meetings are remote, I was delighted to actually be with President M. Russell Ballard at a virtual missionary devotional we recently held together. I love this man dearly.
I have served with him as an Apostle and special witness of Jesus Christ for more than 25 years. He, in turn, has served for 35 years.
There is a special kinship and brotherhood that comes with the sacred nature of our calling, and I am immensely grateful to President Ballard for his friendship, love, and kindness to me.
Brothers and sisters, do not take for granted the personal friendships and associations you enjoy in your life. The time will come when you won’t have immediate association with each other. God expects us to lean on each other and love one another.
God Didn’t Always Answer Prayers Immediately
We can take solace in remembering that, like us, those in ancient times didn’t always have their prayers answered immediately.
For years, young Joseph sold into Egypt must not have known he was being used for grander purposes. I imagine he offered a seemingly endless stream of prayers to God—many of which were not answered in the way he would have liked.
But only years later when there was a famine, and only when his family came to his doorstep, could he finally realize why his prayers could not have been answered the way he had wanted them.
My friends, if it feels like the heavens are closed to you, please don’t lose hope. Your Father in Heaven knows you, He knows your situation, and He will guide you if you will be humble enough to let Him.
Betty Yager
Sunday 15th of November 2020
If you have a testimony of the Gospel, that's the most important thing about this church. My family lived among families of blacj people, who were all my friends, We never let skin color be a barrier, and preached in the Methodist churches from the Book of Mormon and our friendship made us friends.
Jennifer
Saturday 14th of November 2020
I'm sorry you don't feel loved by those around you. I can assure you that there is plenty of love to spread. Look outside of yourself and notice those who are suffering and do something to lift them. As you look for and help others you will find many friends... some you may have known in Heaven. We are all self-absorbed at times, especially with Covid restrictions and our technology so we don't reach out as we should. Start the circle, the chain of service that will continue onward.
Mangobird11
Friday 13th of November 2020
The President will not change them or you. True change comes only through following Christ with all your heart. And once you do, you will feel better about yourself and compassionate about those around you. Christ is and will ever be enough.
Melvourneen Loring
Tuesday 10th of November 2020
Now that the United states president has been decided maybe the racist people won't be so blatant I live in a ward where they don't even think they are being disrespectful no one from the church has checked on my family since this lock down started I go to Arizona to revive my church behavior I currently live 64 miles from my ward but I don't feel comfortable there