Inspiring:
Thank you, President Packer, for saying what I wait every General Conference to hear. On some issues it just seems that, for whatever reason, the Brethren speak vaguely or generally, their words are twisted and manipulated to meet certain persons' needs and desires. But in this instance, I felt the purpose and point of the talk were crystal clear. President Packer's conference address, regardless of the incredible amount of political, social and religious (not to mention hypocritical and pathetic) backlash, was one of humility, compassion and love. To infer anything else would be willfully and knowingly contrary to the intent and delivery, as would be obvious to any open-minded person who actually bothered to listen to/read the talk. I've been feeling lately there's a pretty big problem with the rising generation having to do with victim mentality, a sense of entitlement and an overall know-it-all attitude (and I don't exclude myself in said generation). The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a doctrine of empowerment and encouragement, perspective and humility, understanding we are basically nothing without Him. Ignoring all of that would be a huge personal and eternal disservice.
Things are getting more and more black and white these days, for better or worse, and lines are definitely being drawn and sides are definitely being taken. I believe I said several years ago that this would be the issue that divides the Church, and it breaks my heart to see it happening more and more openly and blatantly. Sinful tendencies, behavior, or even thought patterns of any kind (that's ANY kind) can and must be overcome. Such is the state of humanity and the promise of the Atonement. This is refreshing and necessary to constantly review, and really quite empowering. Thank you again for the reminder, President Packer.
