Fasten Your Seatbelt (No. 14)

From his talk, The Power of Spiritual Momentum

Part of the President Nelson Series

All blue quotes by President Russell M. Nelson (unless otherwise noted).

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For sure, you need this today.

Oh my goodness, the impact of this quote on my heart today is impressive. The words went straight to the center of my soul and made me cry. It might be good for me to post President Nelson’s quote somewhere and review this often. The world is increasingly chaotic.

Fierce

My dear brothers and sisters, I love you. I cherish this opportunity to speak with you today. I pray daily that you will be protected from the fierce attacks of the adversary and have the strength to push forward through whatever challenges you face. Some trials are deeply private burdens no one else can see.

He understands our world, doesn’t he? It’s the last days, and fierce is a perfectly descriptive word.

fierce: menacing, cruel, vicious, savage, wild, dangerous, aggressive

attack: bombard, ambush, charge, storm, blitz

Think attacks on our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

The adversary sneaks in and infiltrates our marriages, families, and ward politics. As well as all other relationships. First, it might be good to realize it is him. Second, strength has become a necessity.

strength: vigor, energy, soundness, force, stability, firmness, power

We can pray for these things E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y, just like President Nelson. I have found it is good and right to ask for those blessings.

Justified

We are justified to respond negatively to the hurt and the frustrations we face. We are justified to speak our minds and vent what is in our hearts, yet…

None of us can control nations or the actions of others or even members of our own families. But we can control ourselves. My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us.

“Justified” is a form of enmity. Enmity is an enemy to our souls. Justified never was happiness, and its satisfaction is short-lived.

enmity: the state or feeling of being actively opposed or feeling ( choose a word from the list below) towards someone or something.

word list: alienation, antagonism, bitterness, dislike, hatred, animosity, ill will, loathing, hostility, aversion, unfriendliness, spite

Justified leads to more justification. It spreads itself from person to person. It volleys back and forth and, for all intents, becomes a contagious disease.

Justified is not a good reason to do anything. No matter what retort or response anyone deserves – the moment it finds repeated lodging in your soul or lives on your tongue – you are defiled. You permit Loser-fer to own some part of you.

Plus, the better things in life usually disappear, like serenity, happiness, confidence, well-being, and a good night’s sleep.

Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you.

Russell M. Nelson

Float

Forgiveness is happiness. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse anyone or give permission to repeat offenses; the wrong is still wrong.

Sometimes, if the situation is chronic despite your efforts to improve it, you may need to establish boundaries or change environments. Nonetheless…

Float above it.

Put the imperfections and unkindnesses of others behind you. Let its impact and influence in your life be ultra-short. Let it cease to visit your conversations. Re-living unpleasant moments empowers their capacity to damage and demean your self-worth.

Forgiveness is intentional happiness because you choose to fill your heart with strength and light and to rise above what others say and do. It means whatever is eating at you no longer snags your attention or justified reflexes, and you let it go.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to let God, karma, and truth handle it. They will in due time…guaranteed; you do not need to help it along.

Letting go creates strength and buoyancy. You have better things to do and better emotions to capture.

Takeaway

I cannot state enough how much I love this prophet and his effect on my daily life for good. May strength bless your life, and may you float.

Timshel (Hebrew for “thou mayest”)

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