Month: July 2020

Many of my friends and family will be returning to worship in church buildings soon. The first step back will be a shortened sacrament meeting with limited attendance. There will also be cautions in place around gathering, the passing of the sacrament, etc. Some actions will feel a little different at first but I am confident the Spirit will be familiar and we will be able to adapt. 

Our family has been preparing our hearts to take this first step back. It is exciting. We have really enjoyed sacrament in the home but I know it hasn’t been easy for everyone.

For nearly a month, I have been studying a general conference talk from 2008 by President Henry B Eyring. In “Our Hearts Knit as One” he speaks to the importance of unity, acceptance and love. 

Nearly five years ago I sat with Lawrence E Corbridge and others in a church office. He was serving as a General Authority at the time and he was in Las Vegas to organize a new stake. I sat with him on Friday night then again on Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. The next day he set me apart as a stake president. The full process of that weekend is a story for another time.

In all the conversation with Elder Corbridge, I was inspired and also curious. He taught and inspired me. I felt like there was more I should have learned. What was I missing?

I came away with pages full of notes and appreciation for him. I have felt that way ever since that weekend.

In early January 2019, he gave a talk at BYU called “Stand Forever.” It is now one of my favorite talks of all time.

I’ve listened to these words many times in the last 18 months.