A Call for Strength

Considering Criticism

I have been thinking about some of the criticism that was lobbed at Russell M. Nelson last October when he asked the women and girls of the Church to have a 10-DAY FAST from (meaning "refraining from") social media and from "any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to [our] mind[s]." As part of that fast, we were asked to notice if our perspective and priorities changed at all during that time and to journal about it. (You can listen to this invitation—along with three others—beginning at minute 8:00 in the attached video.)

Some critics said that in this request for a fast, he and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were attempting to silence the voices of women. 

Looking at another Perspective

I can see how some might have thought this invitation could be oppressive if they did not have a perspective informed by the things many members of this church understand: 

One purpose of a fast (of any kind) is to help us draw closer to God and His Son by changing our focus from our everyday things to more heavenly ones. In this process, we rely on Christ and His Atonement, with an anticipate that through His grace and power we will become more like Him and more able to bless and serve those around us. 

Becoming Strong Voices

In the past few years (including in this speech), President Nelson has repeatedly called upon women to become STRONG VOICES for good, unity, and love. He's called upon them to testify of Jesus more fearlessly.

From my perspective, participating in this 10-day removal from some types of media was one way to help us FIND our strong voices as we reevaluated our priorities and where we spend our limited time.

As I've pondered the use of my time, I've found there were things I could modify that would help me to be a better witness of Christ and to better serve those around me. And I am finding ways, in my imperfect way, to better love and serve.

Inviting You to Listen

I hope you'll listen to the talk by President Nelson.

For some, a definition may be helpful to you as listen: When we speak of "the gathering of Israel," we are speaking of inviting all of God's children to accept Jesus and receive all the blessing that our Heavenly Father has in store for us through the atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son. These blessings include receiving a clean heart free of guilt, feeling deep peace and contentment regardless of our circumstances, and gaining eternal relationships with our families. 

Here is another of my favorite talks where President Nelson calls for strong women. And one excerpt from it:

Click image to open a full-size version.