Comments on adversity and progression

President Chandler- a psychologist and former stake president spoke at the women’s conference. I want to share with you some of what he said.

• ·         We create the world we live in through our minds—how we think and process. Your thoughts drive how you feel. If we’re depressed we look at ourselves and think, I’m no good, I’m broken or defective. And we imagine other people look at us and think the same thing. It’s not true. That’s Satan speaking. No one is a better or worse person. We are all just people- with some strengths and some weaknesses. Change your thoughts and you’ll change your mood. (But with clinical depression, you also need medicine to fix the chemical imbalance.)
• ·         There is no room for comparison in the gospel. If we think we’re better than others, that leads to pride. If we think we are worse, that leads to depression. We need to accept ourselves with our imperfections. Face us and say, yes, this is what I am. Then go to work to fix what you don’t like about yourself.
• ·         Acknowledge and face your weaknesses, but don’t be immobilized by them. They may be your companions all your life.  We may struggle with some weaknesses all our lives.
• ·         Our afflictions are not healed immediately because there are lessons to be learned.
• ·         He read a story about someone who asked about how to overcome pornography or other addictions.  He was told the answers to most of our problems is to understand and know our true identity and purpose.  What is our true identity?  We are gods in embryo. Our genetic coding says we are meant to be Gods. God gave us the capabilities and powers of Godhood, even if it’s in an infant state. It’s an eternal principle that like begets like. Giraffes make baby giraffes, corn seeds make corn. As sons and daughter of God, we have his genetics.
• ·         God knows we are not perfect. He knows. That’s why he sent his son. But you can become clean every day as you repent and look to the Savior. In Moses time, people didn’t look to the snake on the staff (a symbol of the Savior) because they didn’t think it would heal them. Do we trust the Savior to heal us? His arms are always open. We will make it back to Heavenly Father if we keep trying (even if fail a lot) and if we get really good at repenting.