Bullying and the love of our Savior

Not that a large amount of time has passed, but my teenage years were a blur. I went through middle school not knowing who I was, or what I really thought was funny or liked. I went through a cussing stage where I thought the F word and the color lime green were the coolest things. I got to high school and started recognizing things that I cared about, started participating in things that meant something to me. But at the same time, still completely lost and trying to figure myself out. I turned 18, 19, 20, 21... and as I grew older and knew that I was an adult, I sure didn't feel like one. I thought I had a sense of who I was as a person, but nope, not really.

The reason I am reflecting on that period of my life is because it shaped me. Sometimes it was hard, sometimes it was really fun. I feel lucky that I was never a victim of any extreme bullying. I feel grateful that my parents taught me to treat others with respect. Throughout half of my teenage years, social media didn't exist. After begging and pleading because all my other friends had them, I was given a cell phone at the end of my sophomore year of high school. I made a myspace, I talked on aol instant messenger. All of these things were new. 

The church put out a short video on bullying recently, and if you have a few minutes you should watch it. I don't care what religion you are, or if you are no religion at all, it has a powerful message. 

Guilty of this myself, sometimes we aren't aware of our actions or words. I don't care how young or old you are, bullying exists in MANY forms. The internet is amazing in so many ways, but I cant fathom the destruction it could have caused through those years where I knew nothing about myself. Imagine somebody making fun of you in school, it doesn't just stay at school anymore, it doesn't just stay with whoever was around you whenever something was said/done. It can be posted online for hundreds of people to see, or laugh at. 

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the guidance and purpose it has brought to my life. It has caused me to reflect on what I am meant to accomplish here on this earth, and has shown me that those relationships we develop here, are the most precious things we can hold. It has helped me to surround myself with people striving to live like Christ. In Matthew 22:37-39 it teaches us to love God with all our heart, and that we shall love our neighbor as thyself. Every single one of us has a purpose here, and we are all different. 

Sometimes I get the urge to read YouTube comments. This can be bad because I get really mad and annoyed at some of them and need to exit out of the page. Most responses to this video have been truly touching. I see comments on there briefly saying, "I'm not mormon, but this is a great video." The Church sets examples. It is such a wonderful gift to have the knowledge of the gospel. To have something be a part of you every single day of your life. I think about our Heavenly Father and the Church countless times throughout a single day. I get on my knees every single day and talk with Him. 

There are good days, and there are bad days. If you have ever had any questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints beliefs, please email me and I will try my best to answer or I will direct you to someone better capable. I know how living without the gospel as a part of my life is, and I know feeling the want, but not understanding. If you are going to strive to become more Christ like, it is an every day thing. It is a lifestyle, it is not a once a week thing. I love our Heavenly Father with my whole heart, and I know if you give Him a chance, you will feel His love for you as well.