Tag Archives: violence

choice and accountability, Eve

Must We Accept the Hatred That is Reigning?

It is easy to succumb to the hatred that rages across the Earth today, especially in light of the political conventions held last week and this. No wonder—almost every day news reaches us of another shooting or terror attack. No country is immune to the terror. Whether internal or external, hatred brings violence and terror.

Some people feel compelled to express their hatred by shouting bad things about others. Others express their hatred in murdering members of an opposing culture, religion, or country. Often, the story of murdered Christians, or Muslims, or other religious sects in far away countries becomes lost in the arguments of politics or violence at home. Men, women, and children are at risk, for the hatred of others leads to violence, terror, and murder.

What can be done? How can we, as individuals, combat this trend of raging hatred? One cannot battle the large numbers of haters. However, one can set examples to others, can have an effect on those in our smaller circle. What is the answer? Love, simple love.

Love, as exemplified by the Savior of the world, accepts each person, In a Worldregardless of that person’s political beliefs, their religious beliefs, their sexual activity, their gender, or their so-called race. All are sons and daughters of God. All have redeeming qualities. He cares about us and wants us to return to His presence. His love is unconditional.

Can our love be like His? Can you love someone who is different from you? Someone who behaves in a way you do not like or believe in? Someone who has hurt you?

I believe you can. Loving the person does not mean loving a behavior. I have friends who participate in behaviors I do not agree with. I have had my trust broken and been hurt by those close to me. I have learned that I can love these people as long as I remember who they are, children of God, not the behavior that I disagree with or that hurt me.

I am working to be more charitable, to have love for others, regardless of their actions and beliefs. It is difficult, but as I think at them as Christ would, I can succeed.

What has all this to do with Eve and the books I am writing? Much. For I believe the things she told me about their lives. She and Adam looked forward to the coming of Christ in the meridian of time. She knew Christ’s love, though she called Him Jehovah. She knew of His willingness to forgive. She, more than any, knew we are all His children, and all her children. Eve continues to weep for our actions and our hatred for others.

Will you join me in my personal challenge to learn to love others for who they are, not what they do? We can change the world, one person at a time as we love those around us.

I’d love to hear your stories of love for those you thought unlovable. Please share.

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Change, choice and accountability

When I watch the world today, I am saddened by all the evil and wickedness pressed on us by the many facets of the media. Over the past couple decades, because of television and movies, things that were never accepted have become common.

Because of the example set by the media, unmarried couples live together, often without ever marrying. Many children are born to unmarried parents, who may or may not still be together when the children become adults. More families are identified as one parent families. Families have lost the support of community and children lose the surety of a mom and dad who love and care for each other and children, with both in the home. Too many are split between homes and parents.

Alcoholism has been a problem for every generation since nearly the beginning of time. However, as media suggests you can be young and sexy if you drink the right brand of alcohol, we have more who suffer from alcoholism. Families suffer, as money is spent on the addiction. Children face parents with diminished abilities to show their love and concern through the haze of alcohol.
Hatred, anger, and violence fill the airwaves, whether it be movies, shows, or games. Almost everyday people express their hatred rob and murder. People are murdered, others die in automobile accidents, and too many suffer from road rage and violence.

Now, women and girls are fearful to enter a public restroom, afraid that some pervert will claim to be a transgender and peep at or attack women in those restroom. Those of us who believe this to be wrong are shouted down by those who have bought in to the line that these people have rights greater than everyone else.
I do not suggest that any of us treat those who participate in any of these behaviors poorly. If I choose not to participate, I have no desire or right to force my views onto them. However, it is because the media has forced their ideas onto those who watch movies and television, that so many participate in behaviors that were not acceptable even twenty years ago.

I do suggest we vote with our feet and our television remotes. When we see the media promoting behaviors we consider to be evil or unacceptable, leave the movie or change the channel. Talk with your children about why you think the behaviors will make them unhappy. Turn off the games that focus on murder and violence. Maybe we need to turn off our televisions and be more aware of what is in the movies we go to.

I believe Eve would be sorrowful to learn of the hatred and violence facing the children of our world. I think she and Adam knew what our world would be like, and they sorrowed to know how bad it is. She would want us to do all we can to make better choices and help our children to have a better life.

My challenge is that we turn our backs on violence, hatred, and the ugliness of evil that is saturating the media. What will you do to tell the media you are tired of it? Please share with me.

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