A few quotes from President Monson's talk--(which was given in the priesthood session of last General Conference)
Inasmuch as the trend in society today is rapidly moving away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, we will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which we believe. Will we have the courage to do so?
We can help ourselves in our desire to do what is right if we put ourselves in places and participate in activities where our thoughts are influenced for good and where the Spirit of the Lord will be comfortable.
The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. Every day of our lives courage is needed---not just for the momentous events but more often as we make decisions or respond to circumstances around us. Said Scottish poet and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson: "Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name!!" (LOVE THIS ONE!!)
Courage is not limited to the battlefield...or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one's looking...like standing alone when you're misunderstood.
Courage is doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social statue. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular!!
Carol asked us several questions and then gave us time to think and respond.
1. Think of things that you need to have courage to say "NO" to...
2. Think of things that you need to have courage to say "YES" to...
Great discussion. We also thought of great examples in the scriptures of those that had great courage to stand for what they believed---which in most cases, wasn't popular at the time!!!
The Prophet Joseph Smith: Chained together and held in an unfinished cabin next to the courthouse in Richmond, Missouri--Parley P. Pratt recalls the event.
"We had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jest, the horrid oaths, and dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards. I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards, but I had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:
"SLIENCE...In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still, I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT."
Joseph "stood erect in terrible majesty," as described by Elder Pratt. He was chained, without a weapon, and yet he was calm and dignified. He looked down upon the quailing guards, who were shrinking into a corner or crouching at his feet. These seemingly incorrigible men begged his pardon and remained quiet.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!!!
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