I miss the days of watching general conference at my chapel in Hingham, Massachusetts in the late 1990s.
Once conference was over, it was over and you didn’t hear anything negative about it. I just got to enjoy the spiritual feast.
Now living in Utah, and having access to social media, it’s amazing how much negativity there is surrounding conference.
Dallin H. Oaks will be the next prophet and President of the Church with the passing of President Russell M. Nelson to the other side of the veil. Here’s how we know.
Two Future Presidents
M. Russell Ballard relayed an experience he had at the filling of two vacancies in the Quorum of the 12 apostles in 1984, after the deaths of LeGrand Richards and Mark E. Petersen.
When Russell M. Nelson and Dallin H. Oaks were called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to fill those vacancies, Elder Ballard had a feeling that the membership of the church had just sustained two special individuals.
He said, “When Russell Nelson and Dallin Oaks were announced to be members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I thought, We have just sustained future Presidents of the Church. That was a feeling I had because I knew the depth of Russell M. Nelson.”
This first portion of this video clip below shows President Ballard sharing that powerful experience he had.
If this impression President Ballard had wasn’t enough, President Nelson has said rather directly that Dallin H. Oaks will be the next prophet.
It Became Very Clear to Me
In an article in the Deseret News, The untold story of President Nelson’s selection of counselors, we get the details of how President Nelson chose the two counselors that were to serve with him in the First Presidency. A portion of that article reads:
“Through the course of those interviews,” President Nelson said, “it became very clear to me, as I prayed about it, that Dallin should be first counselor because, upon my demise, he’s the next president of the church.
“That’s the kindest thing I could do to the church and for him … to give that exposure.”
Years earlier, the church’s 12th prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball, had shared with President Nelson his own lack of exposure to the work of the First Presidency before he became church president.
President Nelson experienced the same path from the quorum directly to the presidency of the church.
“I remember when President Kimball was called to be the president of the church. I was his surgeon. He confided in me a lot. He said, ‘Brother Nelson, I don’t know anything about the work of the presidency of the church.’ He’d only been in the Quorum of the Twelve. … Members of the Quorum of the Twelve do their work well and know their work well, but it does not include any apprenticeship for the items that are only done by the First Presidency. So, I thought, for the good of the church, Dallin should be in the First Presidency.”
For These Times
Apparently I’m not the only one catching wind of the hatred towards President Oaks, though to be honest, it’s nothing new. He gets it every conference.
Sara Phelps, a powerful disciple of Christ who shares inspiring content on Instagram, had the following to say in a post-conference post a few years back:
I’ve seen varying reactions to Elder Oaks’ remarks at general conference.
Many supportive.
But some angry, and lots just dismissive.
I saw comments accusing Elder Oaks of being “obsessed with” or “fixated on” LGBTQ issues.
Or comments treating him with disdain and dismissing his words while applauding the other speakers at conference.
All of the speakers at conference were amazing. All of them spoke words we need to hear.
Just because something is hard to hear or doesn’t fit with your worldview doesn’t make it untrue.
In fact, it means you should probably listen to it even more!
Remember that President Oaks is a special witness of Christ, a true prophet, seer and revelator for THESE times.
He’s not naive or behind the times; not at all. He’s also not naive to the backlash he would inevitably face for talking about The Family Proclamation.
But he did it anyway.
I’m so grateful for his willingness to speak truth!
I actually had a prompting to warn my kids about the backlash they will inevitably see/hear when he [President Oaks] becomes prophet and to testify that he’s a prophet no matter what the world (and many members of the church) say. – Becky Squire
Don’t Leave Him Alone
I’m reminded of the story in Exodus that has implications for our day and the level of support we give to living prophets, especially President Oaks. Look for the parallels in the Exodus 17 account:
8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.
9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
12 But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Will you “stay up” the weary hands of President Oaks and defend the words that he speaks so that God’s people will prevail?
In President Oaks’ April 2020 General Conference talk, The Great Plan, he made the following statement:
We who know God’s plan and who have covenanted to participate have a clear responsibility to teach these truths and do all that we can to further them for others and in our own circumstances in mortality.
I remember when I heard these words during that talk that the Spirit impressed upon me these words, “He needs your help!”
This was a plea from President Oaks. We are all enlisted. Let us be the strong hands that can steady the arms of the prophets as they declare the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness to the ends of the earth – in the face of intense opposition.
President Oaks, we love and sustain you!
It is hard for the church to comprehend. There isn’t any possibility for anyone who has worked for the carnal government to be with the LORD unless they publically repent. They cannot hold a gun or use carnal mandates to force their laws on the people and then expect GOD to be with them. Carnal Military, judges, politicians, and officers of any type cannot hear GOD. I know this for a fact because I am the first man in history to be scientifically proven to have been called by GOD. Remember there were two sons, one offers to redeem through free will. The other offered to force and wanted honor. Armed forces and metal of honor, or the so called honorable judges is a obvious hint that carnal officials are Cain’s people. All military officers have black skin. Yet you must discern it with spiritual eyes, not carnal eyes. Even Joseph Smith, a real prophet fell before he died. The church didn’t notice that Joseph fell. He tried to be a president of the united states and had a carnal army. He does shooting at people according to record. Guns are not spiritual. He wasn’t spiritual anymore. He couldn’t translate his visions anymore because he had been a felting Canaanites. His vision about upholding the law of the land…. That meant if you cut a tree, plant a tree etc. The constitutional law was the ten commandments. He was getting visions and accidently connecting them to the carnal nation. He lost his ability to translate from two things. He refused to stop eating meat which is a standard Levitical rule. The 7th day Adventist church is the literal Levites, a personal possession of GOD’s Second, Joseph adopted canaanite ways into his doctrine. It all happened during Joseph’s career as he fell. He led the church into the governing forces of carnal nations. And they haven’t heard GOD since. And any president of the church that has worked for a carnal nation, or has ever practiced modern psychology, isn’t able to hear GOD unless they repent openly of their deeds in front of the church. Psychologists teach opposite from GOD, and use potions which they call medications. A real leader must be able lead church attendants away from picking up guns to solve their problems. Don’t pick up guns such as Ak-47s to solve your problems. Never think that GOD would tell anyone to drop a bomb such as a nuke on some 250,000 or so civilians as has been done during world war. And any president that upholds those who do is one body with them who did. Consider the truth. Biblically, to kill means heal through conversion. The old man inside you dies and a new man is born. When the LORD said to kill all the Canaanites, he meant to convert them. All things are spiritual under the veil. Never pick up a gun to solve problems. Prisons are also illegal, as are those who use them. And the book of Joshua warned Israel about never turning back to the surrounding nations. None of these carnal nations are any different than those ones in spiritual fact. GOD is the same yesterday and forever. Drop all guns and affiliation with carnal nations. Listen to GOD’s little leader the literal Tribe of Benjamin whom is the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The drop meat all together. Word of Wisdom is that it was only for famine. Humanity isn’t in famine so why do you still eat meat? Don’t justify meat. In the name of the LORD YHWH, I speak this directly from GOD in truth.
I sure am! They are my in-laws. I married their daughter, Gina.
Ben, I just loved this. Are you in any way related to the Lombardis who served their missions in Swaziland and South Africa?
@Joe,
You are a crazy person. Troll.
This religion is a cult that kills it own people. Get out now or face the consequences of this evil man.
Thank you James!
I really liked this article, and I completely agree! Follow the prophets!
When I was a little girl, I loved our Prophet President David O. McKay, I was completely shocked when I heard adults who were vowing to leave our true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, because of a supposed inference that he was supposed to be the prophet that heralded in the Second Coming.
I couldn’t imagine objecting to our Heavenly Father’s choice and ordination of our prophets. It causes great pain to my heart when I hear people I love dearly, look for and find fault with the sins and mistakes of our Brethren.
President Eyring was the President of Ricks College when I attended there, he had a gift of recall that each time he saw me/us he could state your name and your hometown.I loved our college President and that appreciation and love for him have ever increased as his responsibilities in the Presidency of the Church have continued to expand and grow.
President Oaks, I am one of those people/members who did not realize that so much hatred was being expressed towards you. As I watched and listened to you express your knowledge in past talk regarding the encroachment of unrighteousness that would continue to burgeon against people with faith-based spiritual beliefs, in society and political offices, the very evidence of the last days was coming forth from your mouth, to edify and to warn us of the days fast upon us.
I found strength in my testimony in your words, although I know that many find this way hard to hear, people that I love that are very close to me.
As much as people may rage and villify the testimony that rings clear to me is this:” Remaining valiant and steadfast to our covenants and beliefs really proves that we will “stick to them.” Our loved ones who are upset with us really would trust us less, if we were wishy-washy and thrown by every wind or movement.
I did not know much of anything about our beloved Prophet when he was first called to his pivotal priesthood calling, yet, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through my mind and heart that his ordination and calling were sure and true.
I love our leaders and I love and appreciate your President Oaks, it is at such a time as this, that your knowledge in legal and spiritual matters will be greatly needed to defend our church and our faith as forces of evil try the hardest to dissuade other from staying in the membership as well their choosing to rail against it with very hard and harsh methods indeed.
I pray that I can always be found trying my best to “hold up your arms,” and all of the arms of our leaders in Salt Lake, and locally.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I love President Oaks as I do President Eyring. The Prophet President Nelson is an exceptional man, and I can see why he is the Chosen one of God. I will sustain all three and would welcome President Oaks as the next chosen Prophet. Right now, I rely on all three to lead me, to keep delivering messages of comfort and love from God, to keep strong the mighty Twelve who are the Apostles:
Elizabeth for they are of equal value to us all, especially to Heavenly Father. GO PRESIDENT OAKS. God bless
I stand by President Oaks. I have a son who married a man, and I still stand by President Oaks. I love my son and have a great relationship with him and with his partner. However, they both know we stand firm that their relationship is not right in the sight of God. But it doesn’t mean his “plate is broken”. It just means we disagree… but we are not disagreeable. Our son and his partner embody many of the good attributes that we desire in anyone… honesty, kindness and humility. Miracles can still happen (change on their part), but it has to be their decision, and if the church becomes wishy-washy about doctrine that possibility of change is reduced dramatically.
@Lynne Gardner,
Thank you for your comment!
Yes, President Oaks is a modern day Abinadi. X
I will keep president Nelson’s 1st counselor in my prayers and sustain him
at the time Heavenly Father call our prophet to our eternal home. It’s sad some of our LDS family cannot fathom the nature of God’s truth and his will for us.
I loved President Oaks talk. It was straight forward, he had the courage and responsibility to tell it like it is. I love pure doctrine.
I’m in!!
I met President Oaks, when He came to our Stake in Preston UK i STRONGLY FELT THE SPIRIT and looked inyo his eyes as he shook my hand, he also shook hands with everyone at the stake Centre, which was a miracle because there was many members there, I felt that President Oaks blessed me and as i spoke to other members, they too felt as I did, i bear my testimony that President Dalin Oaks is close to God, and say these things in the Sacred name of Jesus Christ Amen.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”…… and his chosen prophets!
I have over several years grown to love Dallin H. Oaks and gain a testimony that he has been called of God to be an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I enjoy hearing his talks. Those who are so critical of Pres Oaks do not have a testimony that this is our Savior, Jesus Christ’s church. I do not always immediately like some of what I am taught, but with patience and opening my mind up to hearing the Holy Ghost, I UNDERSTAND. I always accept whatever change is made. I know without a doubt that Presidents, Nelson, Oaks, Eyrring and all the Apostles are lead by our Savior, Jesus Christ. I have learned from each of these men that patience and the Holy Ghost have helped me to understand and accept any change that is made.
Loved General Conference! Loved this article! We all need to support our prophets and apostles as they continue to support us in the covenant path.
We cannot criticise a person because they’ve fallen once, we are all subject to falls any time anywhere. Me i know very well that president oaks is a true and devoted servant of the Lord, He’s there in this dispensation and at this particular time for purpose, I really love him, I always enjoy listening and reading through His speaches.
I can’t wait to sastain president Oaks as the Prophet of the Church
I sustain all our prophets bacause they are chosen by our Heavenly Father,we just need to trust them all.
@Amy Jo, so beautifully said. thank you!
We were deeply impressed with President Oak’s very beautiful message in conference! We loved the way he shared the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am very anxious to receive the Liahona, so that I can copy and share his words!
I personally cannot understand how anyone could feel anything but love and respect for him, and all the General Authorities. They are doing everything in their power to help us stay on the Covenant path back home. I pray that I will never be one of those!!!
MY WIFE AND I STAND WITH PRESIDENT OAKS. MY WIFE TOLD ME LONG AGO THAT WHEN YOU DRAW NEAR TO GOD THE DEVIL WILL TRY TO CHANGE YOU. THAT IS TRUE. THE DEVIL TRIED TO SEPARATE MY WIFE AND ME, HE TRIED TO MAKE ME LEAVE THE CHURCH, AND HE TRIED TO COME BETWEEN ME AND MY WIFE’S SON. So, I KNOW PRESIDENT OATS WILL BE GOD’S SERVANT. GOD’S LOVE WILL WIN NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRESIDENT OAKS. HE HAS OUR VOTE OF CONFIDENCE.
@Jill, thank you for writing this. Everyone needs to remember anger and hate are usually secondary emotions to deep painful concerns. Taking time to sit with people and listen to their story instead of assuming they are lost causes. This a silent pain for more than you think, having to navigate difficult situations that you might not have to that cause you to go very deep in your faith. You might learn something!. ‘Opposition in all things’ is often incredibly tough. Elder Bednar and sister Amy Wright made good points in this regard too at conference
When Pres. Nelson was called as prophet I began listening to each of the talks he had given since he became an apostle in the order in which they were given. I listened to each one 3 times. What did I learn from this? I saw very clearly the hand of the Lord in the work with and ‘making’ a prophet! The Lord is in charge of His church! I am planning to get a headstart on the next prophet and start early – as in NOW! Looking forward to seeing the hand of the Lord in the life of what we all think will be the next prophet.
I felt in love with the President Oaks many years when I was a brand new member of the Church over 23 years ago. Upon reading one of his talks , I just loved him.
Apostles don’t change to impress the world while sharing their witness of Christ. I have deeply given myself constant reminders to search President Oaks messages, I always look forward to his remarks, with respect for the powerful leadership skills and inspiration that God continually give him. President Oaks is leading the entire world in matters of real law, he is amazing!
While with President Nelson, the Spirit whispered to me several years ago in Nairobi, when I was asked to say a closing prayer in a leadership meeting he presided over, I do remember those words that came to me in a prayer , “ An Icon of Abrahamic Covenant “, I thought about those words for years , but I now know more perfectly what this sentence means! As Latter Day Saints, God has made the design clear. We can’t waste time questioning even for a second who will lead the Church when the president of the Church passes on. God prepares and ours is sustain without delay!
I remember the online fervor & villification of them Elder & Sister Russell M. Nelson. People swore they were ready to sever their membership if he became the prophet, etc.
People can be so petty, glib & openly cruel. All because they have lost the Spirit by embracing anger.
I am so grateful to know that we are led by inspired men & women of God. We are led by the Lord Himself.
Thank you! 🙏❤️ 😇
j’aime beaucoup le discours de frère OAKS. En fait, il m’a fallu un certain temps pour m’adapter à sa manière de parler mais aujourd’hui, ses paroles me réconfortent dans mon engagement chrétien en me souvenant du but suprême à atteindre, c’est-à-dire le royaume de DIEU. Notez que pdt a rappelé de penser ” manière céleste “
Pres Oaks teaches doctrine from the words of God found in scripture, not from himself. A religion cannot be a religion unless founded in unchangeable doctrine. A person cannot believe IN a God they refuse to believe.
Amen. Stating facts is not hatred. No one is forcing anyone to follow the Lord or any of His prophets.
@Betty L. Mazurek,
I agree with you. I think of President Oaks as a firm no nonsense leader . A tree that will not bend with the winds that come upon him.
He is laying the legal groundwork so that when the church is accused of discrimination it can be shown that our stance on sexuality has always been a tenant of our religion and to cause us to do otherwise is a violation of the first amendment. He is also explaining the church logic to young people who need answers as to the “Why” of our beliefs.
@Aaron, we’ll said!
@Aaron,
I love President Oaks. He says it plain and true. There are no grey areas. It is hard to speak the truth, but he is a true disciple of Christ. It may be a test for members of the church to follow the prophet. I’m hoping not so we can usher in the second coming together.
I love President Oaks, too. He´s fantastic and I DO know he was called by the Lord to be in the First Presidency and I do love him and sustain him. He´s inspired, honest, direct, intelligent, and when he speaks we can feel the Lord speaking thru him. I thank Heavenly Father for this testimony He gave me thru the Holy Ghost.
If we THINK CELESTIAL it will surely help to defuse the anger. We are all being “stirred up” by the world happenings and it can become frightening and discouraging. We need discernment more than ever and The Holy Ghost can help us through these troubled times. May we reach out and pray for His guidance.
The Book of Mormon teaches us that Satan is the author of hate, the opposite of love. God is Love, Satan is Hate. When we let hate enter our hearts we let Satan enter our hearts. There is no righteous hate, it is 100% evil just as the devil is. The scriptures teach us to not speak evil of our church leaders because it will put us on the high road to apostacy. And we should mourn for those suffering such delusions and pray that they may see the error of their thoughts and ways and return with full purpose of heart unto Christ our Lord. If we will follow the prophet (we follow Christ) we will be obedient and safe. As President Nelson has taught us, let us repent daily (for me it is moment by moment) and let the Holy Ghost guide and strengthen us on our path back to our God.
I’ve always loved Elder Oaks, he’s straightforward, direct and perfectly logical, like the good lawyer and judge that he is. I know that the Lord prepares His prophets for the times that they serve in. Looks like we’ll be needed a legal expert in the next season. I’m grateful for all the brethren!
That’s sad she feels that way, all you can do is to Love and respect even more 🙏.
Thank you for your beautiful words and backing of our dear President Oaks! Oh, how I love and support him!
I love President Oaks! He is also a great Constitutional scholar. I remember being in my teens when Ezra Taft Benson was President. Boy, I didnt like him! He was so strict, so serious. He intimidated me. Now, how times have changed! I feel the need to ‘catch up.’ Read and listen to everything he said. I also remember when the Proclamation of the Family came out. I thought that was weird that it should even need to be said. Wow!
I think that people who take issue with things President Oaks says should remember that his words are not just for now., but for a long time to come. Things you disagree with now will look much different years or generations from now. He is an Apostle of our Lord. Learn from him, dont argue with him. I guarantee you he has seen more than any of us!
Thank you for your inspired words! I too love Pres Oaks for standing for truth as many of those prophets did before him. Remember Abinadi? We love all of Gods children and so does Pres Oaks!
I appreciated all of the speakers. I learned a great deal about my covenant responsibilities. Brother Oakes speaks powerfully and I felt the spirit strongly when he spoke
When apostles proclaim truths that go counter to your worldview, think celestial. When you feel your way of life or that of your loved ones is being attacked by our leaders, think celestial. If the Savior was beside us as we struggle with the counsel that comes from His anointed prophets, I think He would also say, “think celestial.”
I think Pres. Oaks talk was my very favorite this conference. He just radiates his close relationship with the Savior & truth. I must admit I was shocked to read your article. I had no idea that there is so icy negativity among the saints about him! It breaks my heart that so many ignore the fact that he was chosen by God for his position in this day. The adversary is hard at work trying to steel the hearts & confuse the minds of the saints in this, the eleventh hour. I pray for the support one love of this amazing prophet, seer & revelator from all within the church. May we all be willing to hear the hard truths & adjust our actions accordingly.
In the scriptures, it says that those who will not hear the words and council of the prophets will be cut off from among the people. I’m actually glad to see those who reject and rebel against the prophets leaving the church as they are making their choice. All of them will have to explain to their savior of the choice they made to reject the prophets council. I too feel Dallin Oaks will be our future prophet and though it’s sad that people are willfully leaving, they are making it easier for those of us who choose to stay
I love President Oaks. I was so satisfied to hear him speak about the Proclamation on the Family as a doctrine, not a suggestion. I felt like we needed that reminder as the body of Christ. I will support him.
Pres. Oaks, will be an incredible prophet of the Lord, he knows God’s will and his teachings and isn’t swayed by popular ideas. If they are in line with what Heavenly Father teaches, that is what Pres. Oaks teaches, if it isn’t then he opposes it “which is what a prophet is commanded to do and we should all support him”
I appreciate your article. The people today should be happy they live today, bc the ones that have such an issue with Pres Oaks certainly would not be able to handle Brigham or Heber, let alone Joseph himself. It amazes me every conference how much vile comes out when he talks. Just proves that the adversary and the third are very upset every time he speaks and work hard in people’s hearts to be offended and take such issue with truth.
I love President Dallin Oaks because he says it like he sees it. I know he is being guided to say those things we need to hear. I support him wholeheartedly. I will pray for our First Presidency. They are men of God. I sometimes think members forget we are imperfect beings, and we need the Gospel of Jesus Christ to guide us back to Heavenly Father.
I have watched President Oak’s conference talk several times so far this week. Talk about weeping and wailing of those opposed to his words, I wept because his words were so plain in defense of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ; the truth of our Heavenly Father’s plan for eternal families….every word of his talk spoke truth to my heart and it felt soooooo good!
Jill, thanks for your comment. I understand on an intellectual level what the hurt and pain comes from, and I’m glad you acknowledged it. I often feel that we as Saints get so focused on one aspect of the gospel that we miss the whole framework – which I think you encapsulated wonderfully in your last sentence. As we do our best to come unto Christ, we can trust in His plan for us. One of my favorite quotes is this: “Most people understand enough about the gospel to feel bad about themselves, but few understand it well enough to feel good about themselves.”
Oaks’ talk must be considered in a greater context along with other principles that prophets have taught. I know many who are pushing back against President Nelson’s talk as well, denying the fact that families will be separated in the next life unless we keep covenants with God. What also needs to be considered if people are getting down on themselves? I think this quote from Orson F. Whitney is the grace to counters the justice of Oaks’ talk:
“The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal , to a loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.
Who are these straying sheep—these wayward sons and daughters? They are children of the Covenant, heirs to the promises, and have received, if baptized, the gift of the Holy Ghost, which makes manifest the things of God. Could all that go for naught?” Orson F. Whitney, Conference Report, April 1929, Third Day—Morning Meeting, Page 110
Jill, I love you. You are an amazing mother and I know you carry a lot. Thank you for maintaining faith in Heavenly Father. He will take care of you and your family.
President Oaks states our doctrines and the laws of the gospel clearly and then teaches us to love everyone. Right on.
President Nelson was very clear in his final remarks at the end of Sunday afternoon session of conference. He loves all of Gods children. So does Dallin H. Oaks.
I believe, trust and sustain the first Presidency.
Thank you for your article.
Thank you for this. President Oaks is actually one of my favorite talks I look forward to each conference because he is logical, truthful, and says this directly. Richard G. Scott and Boyd K. Packer were in the same boat as President Oaks, often being called to talk on the harder doctrines. It needs to be said. Samuel the Lamanite did not shy away from teaching “hard truths”. I can appreciate that when something is hard for us to hear, we often react negatively initially. I love the invitation to look in ourselves to figure out why. Much of the time, the lack is our understanding of God and His ways.
Thank you for your blog. It’s great!
I love President Dallin H Oaks and i support him. Remeber how Nephi’s own family were wroth with him for speaking the truth. Those that are in sin take the truth to be hard and instead of looking to themselves to change they hate the speaker and try to consel the lord about what they think is truth… We need to do our best to love the haters and pray for them.
The most recent podcast episode of “Questions From the Closet” with Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty addressed the hurt some are feeling after conference and did so beautifully and respectfully. I encourage people to listen to it if it surprises them that some of the words spoken at conference caused intense hurt or made anyone feel as though they’ll never be good enough for the highest kingdom because of who they are or who their family is. And I’m not just referring to LGBTQ later-day saints but also those who just don’t have the nuclear, sealed in the temple, good LDS family described as a requirement to gain entry. Regardless, I know that my Father in Heaven has a plan for me and for my family and that as long as we do our best to come unto Christ, He will take care of us in the next life. As always, thank you for your inspired words Ben. I admire and respect you more than you know.
“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the eart pass away my word shall not pass away Doctribe and Covenants” secion 1 v 38 probably best to read v 37, 38 and 39. I have friends of all beliefs, sexual orientation and I love them all dearly. It is not my right or place to pass comments on them. However I am not a counsellor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I have sustained The Prophet, his counsellors and the quorum of the 12 as Prophets, Seers and Revelators. I know that Our Heavenly Father and Saviour love us all and will do their best for us just as our leaders do. Sometimes all we need to do is follow our leaders, pray to Our Heavenly Father in the name of Jusus Christ and leave things be. We don’t need to know everything right now and I have the faith that our leaders love us with love and Heavenly Father is everyone’s loving Father
I love his talk, I always like president Oaks, and thought: what we would do without him in the church. He is a leader a great one, not surprise if God chooses him to be the next prophet.
This breaks my heart. As I listened to President Oaks I also had the impression that he would be the next president of the Church and my heart soared knowing we would have someone whose life experience and background has been shaped by God so that he is specifically able to help us with the challenges we are about to be hit with in full force. I don’t understand how people within the Church can speak against him without realizing they are so sadly fulfilling the worst prophecies.
I love Pres Oaks, he is a true prophet of God. We are living in the times prophesied long ago, when good would be called evil and evil, good. We must stand up for truth valiantly and in every situation, as he does. The Lord will take care of the rest.
I am shocked at such reports against anyone serving in the leadership of the church. These men did not choose the task, they were selected by God and they do the work so wonderfully. They have to tell it as it is. They teach celestial standards and nothing that isn’t already known about moral issues and spoken of clearly in the scriptures. People who don’t like it are welcome to get off the boat and join another outfit.
If an individual does not like our prophet because of what his message is, then it is time for that person to go find another church that suits them. There are plenty of other options.
Bravo Ben Arkell. Perhaps the haters should look deeper inside themselves to see where that hatred is coming from. I have a feeling President Oaks can live very comfortably with the negative chatter.
The one essential truth is Jesus is the Christ and the head of this Church. Hateful murmuring about Apostles isn’t worthy of His suffering.