October 11, 2010

I read an Ensign article from August by Marlin K. Jensen called Those Who Are Different. I was impressed as he described the "ideal" that is created by our gospel "culture" and how "sometimes [the ideals] become sources of disappointment and pain for those whose lives may vary from the ideal." I loved that he pointed out that "as we work to resolve these challenging situations, it is important to recognize that the solution isn't to eliminate or even lower the level of the ideal." He teaches that we should all be striving ... "seeking" to keep all the commandments... "even if we sometimes fall short of the ideal." And that it is "an important aspect of our efforts to be Christ's disciples" to be "compassionate and sensitive to those in special circumstances."

In closing, he quotes the words to a Primary song called I'll Walk With You, which is a very powerful song. I remember clearly that as a child, this was my sister's favorite Primary song. And she has always emulated this pattern of reaching out to and befriending those who are different. I admire her for that. The song goes: "If you don't walk as most people do, some people walk away from you, but I won't! I won't! If you don't talk as most people do, some people talk and laugh at you, but I won't! I won't! I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you. That's how I'll show my love for you. Jesus walked away from none. He gave his love to everyone. So I will! I will! Jesus blessed all he could see, then turned and said 'come follow me.' And I will! I will! I will! I will! I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you. That's how I'll show my love for you."

This is a teaching that I really want my children to internalize from a young age and to implement in their lives. I believe the Lord needs valiant servants who are reaching out to "the one" and befriending them with compassion and being sensitive to their differences. It is important that every one of God's children feel of His love in their life, and I, as a disciple of Christ, am one of the biggest instruments that He can use to help His children feel His love.