Akron Ohio Stake News

I hope the Christmas season was one of love for the Savior and joy in your homes. Happy New Year, one and all, and I suspect for most of us a grateful goodbye to a most challenging 2020. We began the past year like most years in Ohio, with cold temperatures but no anticipation of what the year to come would bring. Pretty early into 2020, we heard rumors of a new virus that was wreaking havoc in parts of the world. 

Soon it was very clear changes would be necessary in our country.

By the middle of March, our temple in Columbus was closed along with most other temples, Church meetings were suspended, and foreign missionaries were being sent to their home countries. We began a new worship service at home on Sundays, which continues for many of us. As time, circumstances, and opportunities arose, we were permitted to meet together with restrictions, to perform specific temple ordinances, and the missionaries were able to safely teach and provide service. These were just a few of the concerns for Church leaders as well as many other issues pertaining to our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being in a worldwide church.

We also had changes in our day-to-day living as employers had to impose safe work environments, and restaurants had limited seating with social distancing or take-out only. Shopping was curtailed completely at some businesses, while others were open with limited numbers of customers, shorter hours, required social distancing and face coverings. Barbershops and hairdressers were closed, some doctors were doing virtual appointments, and hospitals were limiting elective surgeries. Exercise facilities were closed or open with restrictions. It has been a strange time with many other changes. If you were on a hiking trail or bicycle path, you probably encountered unprecedented numbers of individuals and families trying to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.  Many have struggled with sickness, unemployment, financial difficulties, mental or emotional stress, heartache, and even the death of loved ones during this unusual last year.  What may have been most difficult was how we were limited in the number of individuals who could visit during our struggles because of the restrictions due to the pandemic. In the midst of our most difficult times, I know we can rely on and feel the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Even though many things changed and were more difficult for us, there were opportunities for spiritual growth as we studied together and worshipped at home on Sunday. Our daily prayers and scripture study seemed more focused and refined. We were realizing the importance of having a Prophet guiding and preparing us for the challenges of 2020 with the introduction of the Come Follow Me lessons, and with adjustments to youth programs, temple ordinances, and missionary service. As we observed the refining touches to the Church over the last few years, little did we anticipate how quickly we would be fully engaged in weekly worship at home.  This past autumn, President Russell M. Nelson said, “The road ahead will be bumpy; the destination will be serene and secure.” Quoting John 14:27, President Dallin H. Oaks reminded those who may be suffering of these comforting words of the Savior, “My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

We have just celebrated the birth of the Savior and the wonderful hope He gives us. Recently the news of vaccines approved for COVID-19 helps us look forward to a new year.  As we reflect on the past and look to the future, might we consider counsel given by President Nelson 30 years ago addressing the students at BYU: 

As we all contemplate resolutions for a new year, let us reflect on such a special behavioral blueprint given by revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith during the Christmas-New Year holiday season of 1832–33.

These verses from section 88 are worthy resolutions equally applicable in our day for this new year and for the next decade. The Lord said:

Cease from all your light speeches, . . . from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings. . . .

See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.

Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come . . . and receive you unto myself. [D&C 88:121, 123–126] 

I know we are loved and watched over by our Heavenly Father. He knows us and sent His Son Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. We can receive inspiration and revelation through the Holy Spirit and should seek that sacred information. I am grateful for your support and sustaining love, and wish you all a good year.