Consider Your Words

Not long ago I was sitting in Relief Society with a friend.  I had just told her that we had sold our home and we sat there and talked about a few things, we were sure to talk quietly in order to not bother those around us.  My friend was expressing some things that were going on in her life that were a little stressful, and I was offering my comfort and listening ear.  You see this friend is dear to me and I love her.  She is a strong woman who I look up to and admire.  When the opening exercises were finished and the lesson began we finished our conversation and listened.  Even raising our hands in participation to the lesson.  The lesson was great and I learned a lot.

A couple weeks had passed by and my friend came to me and told me of something that had just happened that had upset her.  She said that she was approached by someone in the Relief Society Presidency and was told that people had been complaining about us talking, and that we were to disruptive.  My friend was shocked and just apologized, but at the same time was very hurt. She told me that she was already struggling with coming to church, because she had so many things going on, and this was just that last thing she needed.  I was surprised because we were not very loud, and honestly only talked during the announcements.  I did not think we were being to disruptive, and had someone asked us to quiet down, I would have been fine.  But instead we had to be treated like 5 yr old's.

Now, do not take this the wrong way.  I LOVE Relief Society and I love my friendships I have with my fellow sisters.  And I am sure there are times when maybe we have all talked to much and not listened enough.  But my point is this.  In that moment, on that day, my friend needed me.  She needed me to listen.  And I wanted to be there for her very much.  That was the moment she finally could talk to someone and she took that moment.

I tell you this story for one reason.  Be careful before you judge.  Be careful before you assume the reason behind someones actions.  You do not know what they are going through.  If there is a problem, consider your approach carefully and prayerfully.  Though your intentions may be completely innocent, your words can sound harsh and cruel. All it takes is 2 or 3 words in a sentence to hurt someone, even unintentionally.  Instead of telling someone that there has been complaints consider sitting with that person next time and seeing how things really are.  Or maybe you should just leave it alone.  There are many ways to approach someone with a concern.  If you need to approach someone about something, do so prayerfully.

I know we are all imperfect.  We are all learning in this sojourn of life.  The best way to make it through, is with kindness.  Be mindful of those around you.  Treat others how you desire to be treated.  Love those who do not love you.  It is hard, but it is possible.  Our Savior will be there to help us all along the way.  He will help us see people the way he sees them, if we ask him to.

I love this gospel with all my heart.  I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior.  I know that we are tested daily and we need not face the hardships alone.  I hope we can all strive to uplift those around us.  We are all loved, we are all cherished.