by David E Bay, High Councilor

Ever since I learned to read, I have enjoyed immersing myself in the worlds that authors create. When I was young, I was drawn to the genre of literature that featured a young person trying to survive alone in the wilderness using their skills, wits, and tools against the harsh forces of nature and wild animals. Being the oldest of seven children, I often felt the need to escape. The fantasy of surviving without anyone’s help was very appealing to me. After I turned eight years old, my family moved every one and a half to three years. This meant that I did not form any long-term connections with anyone except my family.

This week marks the 30th anniversary of Coleen and me moving into our home in Brigham City. We have never lived in a single place for such a long time, and we are grateful for the many connections we have made here over the years. We have many friends whom we have grown to love very much. Nevertheless, in some ways, I feel envious of those who have had multigenerational roots here, as I grew up without such long-term community connections.

I now understand how crucial the concept of connection is, especially after experiencing the isolation that COVID-19 has imposed on us. We need to have meaningful connections with other people. When we look at our Savior, Jesus Christ, we see He was always reaching out to others and ministering to them, even when He took time to be alone in the wilderness and commune with His Father. He never pushed anyone away when they came and interrupted His private time.

I have discovered that I can form friendships and meaningful connections with people who have very distinct personalities and backgrounds. For instance, my siblings and their spouses are all vastly different from one another. We grew up in the same household with a lot of moving, however, my brother who is 15 years younger than me stayed in the same city from the time he was a baby until he left on his mission. One sister has continued to move with her family not only across the United States but throughout the world. Politically we have different thoughts and cover a wide variety of opinions. We have different ways that we earn our livings, eat our food, and enjoy our free time. Some of us are actively involved as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others are not. However, there is a feeling of love and connection and concern for the well-being of everyone.

In the first General Conference after being sustained as President of the Church President Russell M. Nelson taught us, “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

Then in April 2022, he shared, “We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities. Spiritual momentum can help us withstand the relentless, wicked attacks of the adversary and thwart his efforts to erode our personal spiritual foundation.”

We heard this message from him in October 2022 “In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns ‘with power and great glory,’ He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.”

Stories of solitary success, like in the books I read, are not what we usually experience. It’s important to remember that we tend to perform at our best when we work together, whether that’s within families, groups, or teams. This is because we all have our unique strengths and weaknesses, and by combining our efforts, we can make up for each other’s weaknesses and create a more effective unit overall. Fortunately, we can work together to prepare for any challenges that might come our way. In the Church, the Stake is the basic self-reliant unit, overseen by a Stake President who coordinates with the Ward Bishops. There is a plan in place for responding to natural disasters, crises, or other emergencies that may arise. The Brigham City South Stake has our emergency plan posted at www.brighamcitysouthstake.com (https://www.brighamcitysouthstake.com/), which is also a hub for information sharing for the stake.

President Russell M. Nelson taught at the April 2019 General Conference, “Whether you are diligently moving along the covenant path, have slipped or stepped from the covenant path, or can’t even see the path from where you are now, I plead with you to repent. Experience the strengthening power of daily repentance—of doing and being a little better each day.

“When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ!

“…We need to do better and be better because we are in a battle. The battle with sin is real. The adversary is quadrupling his efforts to disrupt testimonies and impede the work of the Lord. He is arming his minions with potent weapons to keep us from partaking of the joy and love of the Lord.

“Repentance is the key to avoiding misery inflicted by traps of the adversary. The Lord does not expect perfection from us at this point in our eternal progression. But He does expect us to become increasingly pure. Daily repentance is the pathway to purity, and purity brings power. Personal purity can make us powerful tools in the hands of God. Our repentance—our purity—will empower us to help in the gathering of Israel.”

As we step into the new year, let’s make an effort to collaborate and build connections with people around us. We should aim to improve our relationships with others daily, just as we strive for daily self-improvement. This is part of what President Russell M. Nelson calls “daily repentance.” By making consistent efforts to enhance our connections, we will discover opportunities to receive blessings and positively impact the lives of those around us.