Opposition

Everything has its opposite, and everything will have at least something opposing it. A few examples:

 Over the past couple of years at my old High School there have been a number of suicides.These tragic circumstances have affected student body past and present and we have joined together to try and lift and inspire those around us through a movement called #ichoosetostay. I was surprised at the opposition that came from this movement. Many people argued with those who posted a short testimony on why they would never give up. The opposed were saying that we were offending the families of those who were lost to suicide. Others commented that we should talk face to face with those suffering instead of hiding behind words posted into cyberspace. They called this movement a cowardly and lazy way to deal with such a heartbreaking reality. 

Another: 

As a student I have been privvy to some pretty wild arguments about this, that and the other. Today we see what was once deemed as good and wholesome as preachy and self-righteous. Those who stand for seemingly positive values are attacked and labeled as immoral and selfish. 

It has broken my heart to see some people suffer by trying to do the right thing. The movement #ichoosetostay was in no way trying to neglect or belittle families who have lost loved ones. Rather we hope that they can find peace from the words offered by someone who chooses life while their family is struggling with death. Someone who stands up for wholesome and traditional values is not trying to demean or devalue people who have different views, but those who retaliate so often try to shame the person for standing up for what they personally believe in. 

So what do we do? Can we end opposition? Sadly no. In the Book of Mormon (Verse 11 of the link) it says that there "must needs be opposition in all things." If there isn't happiness there isn't sadness. If there isn't light there can't be dark. By the same token however, if there isn't misery there isn't joy. If there isn't pain there isn't healing. We'd just...be. 

There will always be someone who opposes you and what you believe, say and do. Our best efforts are spent trying to do and say what Christ said and did. He knows perfectly well the loneliness that comes from being a light on a dark hill. In a document called The Living Christ it says that Christ "went about doing good, yet was despised for it." Being Christlike does make you vulnerable to worldy retaliation, but just remember, as Christ says"...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Christ has been through it so He knows how to get through it. 

Love y'all.

Aubs