How the gospel has changed me

While sitting at the dinner table a couple days ago, I asked each family member the question, "How has the gospel of Jesus Christ CHANGED you?"  When they gave me blank stares, I added that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a choice I've made - not just when I was a scrawny 8-year-old with an afro, but over and over again as an adult.  My children will make their own decisions about what is right for them.  I often remind them not to believe in the gospel simply because I do.  They need to find out for themselves.  I want them to feel empowered by their spirituality.  They may make different decisions than I have, and my love for them will not waver dependent on what they chose to believe.  I only require one thing of them when it comes to religion:  they need to focus on what they believe, not on what they don't believe. There is too much negativity in the world toward those who think or feel differently than we do, whether that be in politics, social issues, or religion. It often seems like those who decide the LDS church is not their cup of tea (Word of Wisdom pun intended) spend their time and energy fighting against the doctrine by tearing it down.  Not cool.  I will never tear down my awesome Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, or Jewish friends by discrediting what they believe.  We are all trying to find truth in this world, and I will respect anyone's religious decisions, just like I expect them to respect mine.  I am fascinated by the study of religion and in no way believe Mormons have cornered the market on God's love and miracles.  That said, I believe in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  I believe in the covenants I've made in Holy temples.  I believe there is a prophet on the Earth today who speaks with God.  I believe Jesus Christ is the head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I know these things because I've felt a witness of them, and that witness has changed me.

While pondering how the gospel has changed me, I've come up with The 4 P's.

Purpose
The gospel helps me understand why I am here on Earth, where I came from and where I am going after this life.  It helps me understand eternal doctrines and morals. It tells me that I have a loving Father and Mother in heaven who know me well.  They hurt when I hurt and smile when I'm happy.

Perspective
The gospel gives me perspective as I struggle through trials and see the suffering of those around me.  My lifetime is so short in the grand scheme.  Logan might not understand why he needs to stay near me in the store, but Brevan is very aware of the dangers of kidnapping.  Brevan doesn't understand why we force him to do chores every day, but Ryan and I understand the satisfaction he will get from working hard.  I may not understand why God allows abuse to occur in the world, but He knows how His unconditional love and Christ's atonement can heal any wound.

Pain
It recently occurred to me that I was aware of the pain I would experience in this life before I was born on Earth.  Not only did I know I would experience pain, but I knew that pain was the plan.  The pain I've felt as I've waded through trials has taught me far more lessons than the joy I've felt.  Pain can cause us to react two ways:  it can increase our patience, compassion and understanding, or it can harden us with cynicism, anger and fear.  I choose not to be hardened.

Peace
I have faith in my Savior's plan of grace and mercy.  I believe in eternal families.  I believe that our Father in Heaven loves each of us completely, equally and unconditionally.  He doesn't love me more than the murderer simply because I attend the temple.  He doesn't love His children in America more than His children living in impoverished third world countries.  He doesn't love those of us who followed Christ's plan more than those who followed Satan's plan.  He simply loves, and it makes all the difference.