Sunday School lessons for Gospel Doctrine Class

Friday, October 13, 2017

In Mine Own Way





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If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints then you have surely heard these two words:  Self Reliance.  What do you think of when you hear these words?  Money, food storage, job security, debt...  

I used to think of these things first when I heard the words Self Reliance, and then I would shrink from the phrase because in my mind and in many of my days in the past I didn't feel I had been self reliant in those terms.  Then I began a study of what self reliance actually is, and how the Lord teaches us to embrace it, as I studied more my eyes were more open and I could better understand that self reliance isn't just about money, its a whole frame work of well being that the Lord has provided for us, if we are willing to do our part.  

In D&C 104:15 the Lord says:  "It is my purpose to provide for my saints" This is a promise from the Lord that He will provide temporal blessings and open the door to Self Reliance for each of us. 

So what is Self Reliance?  It is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for ourselves and our family members.  As we become more self reliant we are then able to serve and care of others.    

"Being self reliant does not mean that we can do or obtain anything we set our mind to.  Rather is believing that through the grace or enabling power of Jesus Christ and our own effort we are able to obtain all the spiritual and temporal necessities of life we require for ourselves and our families.  Self reliance is evidence of our trust or faith in God's power to move mountains in our lives and to give us strength to triumph over trials and afflictions.  (Dallin H Oaks quote from My Foundation for Self Reliance) 

Is this something that we can create overnight with immediate results, or is it a path that will become greater and more secure as we practice faith, education, hard work, and trust in the Lord.  I have found it to be the later.  As we work with the Lord, he in turn changes us which brings the promised blessings of being able to provide for ourselves, our families and even for others.    

Does being self reliant mean that there will never be hard times in our lives or times when we need help?
No, but it does mean that we will be able to handle what comes our way, if we trust in and work with the Lord.  In regards to the stage of self reliance we are in at present, how do we become greater?  How do we become stronger? How do we become more prepared and able?  

Levels of Self Reliance  
Many people when they hear the words self reliance think only in terms of money, food, and temporal needs; however these are only a part of the plan.  Self reliance is Spiritual, it is emotional, it is physical, and it is temporal.  As we develop in each of these areas beginning with spiritual we can become more emotionally self reliant.  As we become emotionally self reliant, we can become more physically self reliant; being able to handle our frailties, sicknesses, chronic conditions.  By becoming physically strong and prepared, we can be able to do so temporally which can give us the ability to provide for ourselves, our families and also to help others who are in need.  As we become more spiritually self reliant it leads to emotional well being, which leads to the strength for physical well being, which in turn can give us temporal self reliance.  

  Marion G Romney teaches that : "Without self reliance one cannot exercise these innate desire to serve.  How can we give if there is nothing there?  Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves, money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse.  Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved.  Teaching cannot come from the unlearned and most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak."  (The Celestial nature of Self Reliance Ensign Nov 1982) 

Developing Self Reliance

Spiritual:  Self reliance begins here.  We as church members are commanded by the Lord to be self reliant and independent.  God can and will provide a way for His righteous children to become self reliant, for to him temporal and spiritual are one.  D&C 29:34

Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.  

What does it mean to be self-reliant in spiritual things?
We should strive to develop spiritual strength that will enable us to resolve difficult problems in our lives and strengthen others in their times of spiritual need.

“We have been taught to store a year’s supply of food, clothing, and, if possible, fuel—at home. … Can we not see that the same principle applies to inspiration and revelation, the solving of problems, to counsel, and to guidance? We need to have a source of it stored in every home. …
“If we lose our emotional and spiritual independence, our self-reliance, we can be weakened quite as much, perhaps even more, than when we become dependent materially” (Elder Boyd K Packer Conference Report, Apr. 1978, 136–37; or Ensign, May 1978, 91–92)

Why is it important to be spiritually self reliant?  
Spiritual self-reliance is essential to our eternal well-being. When we are spiritually self-reliant, our testimonies do not depend on the testimonies of others.

"Whatever causes us to be dependent on someone else for decisions or resources we could provide for ourselves weakens us spiritually and retards our growth toward what the gospel plans intends us to be"  (Dallin H Oaks Repentance and Change Ensign Nov 2003) 

How can we become more self-reliant in spiritual things?
Part of becoming spiritually self-reliant is learning how to answer our own gospel questions. Revelation often occurs when we earnestly seek answers to sincere questions and have faith in the promise made by the Savior: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). We can find answers to our own gospel questions as we pray, study the scriptures and words of the living prophets, and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

We need to pray daily, studying the scriptures, repent and be obedient, and exercise faith in Jesus Christ, by turning to our Heavenly Father for His help to resolve our own difficult problems.

Overcome doubt:  Sometimes members of the Church have questions about the gospel. It is normal to ask questions, and when we faithfully search for truth, we strengthen our testimonies. However, when we begin to question with disbelieving hearts, it is more difficult for the Spirit of the Lord to guide us. As we search for answers, we should choose to have faith in what we already know about the gospel, commit to living the commandments, and continue daily scripture study and prayer. As we do these things, Heavenly Father will help us strengthen our testimonies.

Emotional:  It is also important to become emotionally self reliant.  Just as your “body is a temple,” and the Lord expects you to do all in your power to care for it, so too is your mind.  Your thoughts, behavior, emotions, and the ability to process information can be difficult. You or someone you know may even be suffering from a mental or emotional illness, this does not mean you cannot be self reliant

We are often knocked off kilter by events that are out of our control—loss of job, illness, relationship challenges. And when we are out of balance emotionally, it is more difficult to feel the Spirit in our lives and to right ourselves. It seems unfair that during times when we most need the Spirit, we are sometimes unable to find it. But if we look at life as a classroom, where God is providing opportunities for us to learn and grow rather than making the test easier by providing all the answers, then we develop a healthier perspective. We understand that much depends on us and not everything depends on the Lord. Like a good parent, He expects us to do our part to figure things out. And that includes learning to be emotionally self-reliant..  

What can we do to be more emotionally self reliant?  

Be mindful:  be in tune with your emotions, ask why you feel a certain way, and fully process that feeling. Keeping a journal is a good way to process feelings.

Healthy emotional outlets:  Talking honestly about your feelings with a friend is a great way to keep your emotional health in balance but remember to share your emotions without expecting your friends to solve problems for you, you have the responsibility to make changes in your own life with Heavenly Father’s help.

Pray:  when you may consider changing phrases from “Please, Heavenly Father, balance my emotions” to others like “Please, Heavenly Father, show me what I need to learn and do myself to balance my emotions.” With this simple change in perspective you can notice an amazing difference and become more emotionally self-reliant.

 Relax:  Meditation, pondering the scriptures, physical exercise, and taking mental breaks to do something you enjoy are all practices that help reduce stress.

Balance: Check the time and energy you put toward family, self, service, and work. When one area robs time and energy from the others, we start to lose sleep, energy, and focus. This means it’s time to hit the reset button and reclaim balance before stress leads to anxiety and we find ourselves unable to be productive.

Check your mental health:  Understand your emotions. Pray for guidance as you do so. We are here to learn and grow, and sometimes that’s difficult. But we can also be at peace with the process if we spiritually prepare ourselves for the journey.

Mental Health:  If you are struggling in this area it can sometimes be overwhelming.  It is important to keep reading the scriptures and to keep praying.  President George Albert Smith’s lifelong struggle with chronic depression and anxiety disorder and his tenacity in dealing with his struggle though immense prayer and study is a proof that it works! No one is immune from the struggles of life, each of us have our trial, if this is your trail, don't give up.  Through spiritual self reliance you can be emotionally self reliant.     

Seek Help:  If you are suffering from mental or emotional illness and need help please seek the help of a professional, seeking help is being self reliant.  It does not indicate that a person lacks faith, character, or worthiness. God supports your efforts to cope and build strength and he will bless you. Need Help or Information Click Here

Physical :   Good health is an important part of being self-reliant. Safeguarding our health will allow us to fulfill our divine potential and serve others more effectively. The way we treat our bodies affects our spiritual health and our ability to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost. 

Again your body is a temple and the Lord expects you to do all you can to protect it and care for it.  Being physically fit and able to the best of our ability is being self reliant. Your body is a gift from God. You will be blessed as you care for your it. 

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

What can we do to become more physically self reliant? 
Choose to obey the Word of Wisdom  D&C 89 .  When you are obedient to this law, you gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Take care of any specific health needs you have, this is being self reliant.  If you have a special health concern, such as diabetes or some other risk factor, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations.  Rest, eating a proper diet for your bodily needs, and exercise also contribute to physical self reliance.  Practice balance and moderation in all aspects of your physical health.

I marvel at the miracle of the human mind and body. Have you ever contemplated the wonders of yourself, the eyes with which you see, the ears with which you hear, the voice with which you speak? No camera ever built can compare with the human eye. No method of communication ever devised can compare with the voice and the ear. No pump ever built will run as long or as efficiently as the human heart. No computer or other creation of science can equal the human brain. What a remarkable thing you are. You can think by day and dream by night. You can speak and hear and smell. Look at your finger. The most skillful attempt to reproduce it mechanically has resulted in only a crude approximation. The next time you use your finger, watch it, look at it, and sense the wonder of it.
You are a child of God, His crowning creation. After He had formed the earth, separated the darkness from the light, divided the waters, created the plant and animal kingdoms—after all this He created man and then woman.  (Gordon B Hinkley The Body is Sacred) 

Temporal  


What does it mean to be self-reliant in temporal things?
We should use the blessings the Lord has given us to take care of ourselves and our families. When we are physically and emotionally able, we should not shift the burden of our own or our family’s care to someone else. 

Why is it important to be temporally self-reliant?
Temporal self reliance is part of the plan of salvation. For with the Lord all things spiritual and temporal are one.  

How can we become more self-reliant in temporal things?
Learning to work effectively, storing food and other essentials for a time of need, managing our money well, avoiding debt, and gaining a good education, use time wisely, solve problems, show integrity...  

Work:  After arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, President Brigham Young named the region Deseret, which is a word from the Book of Mormon meaning “a honey bee” (Ether 2:3). President Young wanted the Saints to be industrious in their new home and to work together for the common good, similar to honeybees. We should have this same attitude toward work in our lives.

Choosing to be idle: What warning has the Lord given to those who choose to be idle?

D&C 42:42 Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer
D&C 56:17 Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men’s goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!

What value does work have in our lives? 
To become self-reliant, a person must work. Work is physical, mental, or spiritual effort. It is a basic source of happiness, self-worth, and prosperity. Through work, people accomplish many good things in their lives” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 257).

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve said, “Work is always a spiritual necessity even if, for some, work is not an economic necessity” (Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 50; or Ensign, May 1998, 38).

Why is work important to us spiritually as well as temporally? 
Nothing is accomplished by sitting idly by...

Storage of food and other necessities
For many years, latter-day prophets have told us to store a year’s supply of food and other necessities where possible. When we follow this counsel, we become more self-reliant because we are able to care for ourselves in times of need.  The Church Handbook of Instructions explains:

“Church leaders have not given an exact formula for what to store. Rather, they suggest that Church members begin by storing what would be required to keep them alive if they did not have anything else to eat. …

“Through careful planning, most Church members can store a year’s supply of the basic items needed to sustain life. However, some members do not have the money or space for such storage, and some are prohibited by law from storing a year’s supply of food. These members should store as much as they can according to their circumstances. All members can provide themselves with added security by learning to produce and prepare basic food items” (Book 2, 258)

How can having adequate food storage be a spiritual blessing as well as a temporal blessing?
It gives us security, with which we can feel assured. When we are assured and well prepared we need not fear.

Financial security
To be self-reliant, it is important that we know how to manage our money. Poor money management can lead to many problems in our individual and family lives.  For some who live paycheck to paycheck this may difficult, but if we through prayer and the counsel of the Lord follow a budget and do all we can do to pay our tithes first and save even a little, we will have his blessings to fill in the rest so that all needs are met. 

The Church Handbook of Instructions explains: “To become self-reliant in resource management, Church members should pay tithes and offerings, avoid unnecessary debt, save for the future, and satisfy all of their promised obligations. Members also should use their resources, including their time, frugally and avoid wasting them” (Book 2, 258)

Caring for the needy
In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord repeatedly emphasizes the importance of caring for the needy.  What do each of these verses teach about this principle?  

D&C 42:30–31. When we give our substance to the poor, we are doing it unto the Lord
30 And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.
31 And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me; and they shall be laid before the bishop of my church and his counselors, two of the elders, or high priests, such as he shall appoint or has appointed and set apart for that purpose

D&C 44:6We “must visit the poor and needy and administer to their relief.
Behold, I say unto you, that ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received. Amen.
         

D&C 52:40   If we do not remember the poor, the needy, the sick, and the afflicted, we are not the savior’s disciples
And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.

D&C 56:16    If we are rich and do not share with the poor, our riches will canker our souls.
Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!

D&C 88:123   We should love one another and give to each other as the gospel requires
See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.

D&C 104:18   If we do not impart of our abundance to the poor, we will dwell among the wicked in torment

Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment.

D&C 104:13–18The Lord explains His way of providing for the temporal needs of His children. What is the Lord’s “own way” of providing for the poor?
Providing for the poor and needy in the Lord’s “own way” means helping those who are in need by giving according to what we have received from God. It means giving freely and lovingly, recognizing that Heavenly Father is the source of all blessings and that we are responsible to use them in the service of others. 

13 For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures.
14 I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.
15 And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.
16 But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.
17 For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.
18 Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto the poor and the needy, he shall, with the wicked, lift up his eyes in hell, being in torment.

What is our responsibility when we receive of the Lord’s abundance?  Jacob 2:17–19
Those who receive this help should accept it with gratitude. They should use it to release themselves from the limitations of their need and to become more able to rise to their full potential. They should then reach out to help others.

17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.
18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.


There are many ways we can help those in need. The Church provides organized ways in which we can give help, and we can also care for those around us in quiet, individual ways.

We can help provide for the needy by contributing fast offerings. How are fast offerings used to care for the poor?  The bishop uses them to provide food, shelter, clothing, and other relief to those in need.

 Why is it important that we contribute fast offerings?  How much should we contribute in fast offerings?

“The Church designates one Sunday each month as a fast day. On this day Church members go without food and drink for two consecutive meals. They … give to the Church a fast offering at least equal to the value of the food they would have eaten. If possible, members should be very generous and give much more than the value of two meals” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 256)


Another way the Church helps us provide for the needy is through organized humanitarian assistance. For many years the Church has been involved in humanitarian relief and self-reliance efforts throughout the world. This assistance is given to members and nonmembers alike to help alleviate the devastating effects of poverty, war, and natural disasters. D&C 58:26–28

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

Most recently in the wake of many devastating storms, earthquakes and fires the church has sent relief efforts to Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and other areas in the form of Mormon helping hands.  Individuals wearing yellow vests who volunteer their time and talents to serving others.  For more information please visit lds.org 

The Church welfare program
As the depression deepened in the early 1930s, Church leaders became concerned about the Saints that were unemployed and needing the necessities of life. This need was greatest in more urban areas.  In 1932, the Liberty Stake in Salt Lake City, began a program which would provide hundreds of Latter-day Saints with wood, blankets, quilts, clothing, and canned peaches and tomatoes.  This stake project provided work for dozens of men recommended by their bishops then similar efforts spread to other stakes in Salt Lake City. The Pioneer Stake, with Harold B. Lee as president, established a storehouse.  

In 1933, the First Presidency declared:  "Reported conditions in the state and nation suggest that a considerable burden may rest upon our Church Relief activities in the near future. While it seems our people may probably look, as heretofore, for relief assistance from governmental and perhaps other sources, it cannot now certainly be foretold either what or how fully sufficient this assistance will be, and we must therefore prepare ourselves to meet the necessities that may fall upon us. . . . No one must be permitted to starve or freeze in our midst."

In 1936, the Church announced the establishment of the Church Security Program.  The Church was concerned about members that had been participating in government relief programs that would soon be ended.  The three main objectives of the Church Security Plan were to supply food, clothing, and shelter to those who were unable to otherwise obtain these necessities.  To find employment for all able-bodied members who were unemployed and to improve the conditions of employed members whose meager incomes provided only the bare necessities of life.

"The Church Security Program, as outlined in April 1936, was designed to help out the 'worthy poor' by establishing agricultural and factory enterprises which would provide work for the unemployed and produce goods which could be used by the poor; and by establishing a chain of 'storehouses' to which goods produced by these projects would be taken, and where food would be made available to the poor or to their bishops. The central agencies in establishing and managing these production and distribution enterprises were those which had long been set up to look after the temporal welfare of the Mormons: the ward bishoprics, the men's 'priesthood quorums,' and the women's Relief Societies. Contributions were to consist primarily of donations of labor and supplies to the various wards and stakes. The regular sources of tithes and fast offerings were of particular importance. The surplus foodstuffs and other products raised in one area were to be transported to deficit areas, which in turn produced other surplus crops for exchange. Indeed, through this form of labor and commodity donation, some 70 percent of all Church Security requirements were produced by the church, and only 30 percent had to be purchased through commercial channels.  Every attempt was made to keep dollar costs at a minimum. No cash value was placed upon labor: A man was paid according to his needs; i.e., a man with dependents would be given more than a man with no dependents." 

President Heber J. Grant:  "Our primary purpose was to set up, in so far as it might be possible, a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership." (Conference Report Oct 1936)

In 1938 the Deseret Industries was established. "Using discarded goods and reprocessing them at church-owned and operated plants and factories, the goods were marketed at church-owned Deseret Industries stores in the more populated areas at less than normal retail prices for such items. Deseret Industries also provided employment for the unskilled and handicapped." (BYU Studies, v5, #1, p83)

The Church Security Program has continued to evolve over the years, changing to meet the needs of an ever changing Church membership.  In 1983, the Church announced significant changes to the Welfare program.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks:  "The changes of program or method were extensive. The annual storehouse commodity budget cash assessments (paid by each stake through production projects or cash payments) were discontinued. The commodity program would now be funded by voluntary fast offering (cash) contributions. The financing of storehouses and production projects would now be provided by general church funds, without local contributions. Existing production projects would be evaluated with a view to combining, trading, or reassigning them to provide greater efficiency. Only those properties that would produce welfare goods needed within the system would be retained as welfare projects. Others would be sold or managed as taxpaying investment properties.

"Under this major change of method, the number of production projects was significantly reduced, most notably in areas without large concentrations of membership. Many production projects and most storehouses remained, but their functions were rolled back to the original purposes of producing and distributing commodities directly for the relief of the poor and providing work opportunities for those assisted and for significant numbers of the general membership. When these objectives could not be served by a project, assistance of the poor and needy was to be administered on a cash basis." (The Lord's Own Way, p129)

Elder Oaks quoted from the Leader's Guide to Welfare regarding our responsibility as members and families: "Latter-day Saints have the responsibility to provide for themselves and their families. Individual members, however, may find it necessary to receive assistance beyond that which the family can provide, in which case they may turn to the Church for help. In some instances, individual members may decide to receive assistance from other sources, including government. In all such cases, members should avoid becoming dependent upon these sources and strive to become self-reliant. Where possible, they should work in return for assistance rendered."

The purposes of the Church welfare program:

“Our primary purpose was to set up, in so far as it might be possible, a system under which the curse of idleness would be done away with, the evils of a dole abolished, and independence, industry, thrift and self respect be once more established amongst our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people to help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership” ( Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 3)

Pure Religion

During President George Albert Smith’s administration efforts were organized for relief of the European Saints who had become destitute as a result of the war. Church members in the United States were encouraged to contribute clothing and other commodities. President Smith met with Harry S. Truman, president of the United States, to receive approval to send the collected food, clothing, and bedding to Europe. President Smith described the meeting in this way:

President Truman said: “‘What do you want to ship it over there for? Their money isn’t any good.’
“I said,
‘We don’t want their money.’ He looked at me and asked:
‘You don’t mean you are going to give it to them?’
“I said: ‘Of course, we would give it to them. They are our brothers and sisters and are in distress. God has blessed us with a surplus, and we will be glad to send it if we can have the co-operation of the government.’
“He said: ‘You are on the right track,’ and added, ‘we will be glad to help you in any way we can.’”
While the donations were being sorted and packaged in Utah to ship overseas, President Smith came to observe the preparations. Tears ran down his face when he saw the great volume of commodities that had been so generously contributed. After a few minutes he removed his new overcoat and said, “Please ship this.” Although several people standing nearby told him that he needed his coat on the cold wintry day, he insisted that it be sent.11 (Our Heritage, pages 108–9, 111–14)




What impresses you about the efforts of those involved in these projects? In what ways can we follow their example?


Conclusion:  
We are commanded to be self reliant, there are many ways to be self reliant including spiritually, emotionally, physically, and temporally.  Our goal should be to increase each of these areas.  The Lord has promised that he will provide for his saints in his own way, when we are willing to follow the principles of the gospel and do our best to do all that we can the Lord will fill in the gaps and see to our needs.  After we have been nurtured by the Lord and strengthened it is our duty to help others in need.  

We are children of our Father in Heaven, He loves us, and will never forsake us.  He knows us and is ready to extend to us the spiritual and temporal blessings of self reliance.  




Resources: 

Church Handbook 2
The Journal of Mormon History  JMH pg 124
Mental Illness LDS  Mental Emotional illness
Emotional Self Reliance Mormon Channel Emotional Self Reliance
Becoming Emotionally Self Reliant  LDS.org Self Reliance
My Foundation for Self Reliance Self reliant services LDS.org
BYU Studies.
Ensign
Conference Reports
Discourses of Brigham Young.
Gospel Standards by Heber J. Grant.
Great Basin Kingdom by Leonard Arrington.
Journal of Discourses
Life of Heber C. Kimball by Orson F. Whitney.
Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley.
Teachings of Harold B. Lee.
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball.
The Lord's Own Way by Dallin H. Oaks.


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