Don't Pass It On

One of the downsides high school is that it's full of drama. Ewwww. Drama. Everyone has to deal with at least a little bit of it in high school, whether it's their fault, or not. Some are good at evading it, but others seem to gravitate towards it. What's the deal?

Even though the school year is young, there is already a lot of drama happening in my circles- things which don't directly have to deal with me, yet affect me. Much more than I ever noticed last year, or the year before. But the thing which bothers me the most, and what really makes high school drama dramatic, is the gossip which accompanies it. Even some of my church friends gossip. It's really not cool. Even if the things you say about someone are true, if it's someone's personal matters, or unkind, it's still gossip.

The For Strength of Youth says, "Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid gossip of any kind, and avoid speaking in anger. When you are tempted to say harsh or hurtful things, leave them unsaid." 

Talking badly about others does not make you cooler. It just creates enemies for yourself in the end. Jesus commanded us to love all men. How is that possible if one isn't on speaking terms with another because of something which had been said?

I can truthfully say that there is no one in this world that I dislike. I hate no one. It is a wonderful blessing. This is because I make it a priority to only say kind things to and about others. I promise it's possible. :)

This is what inspired me to make a personal commitment to avoid gossip. What do you think of it?

The Integrity Effect

Integrity is a big word. What does it mean? Dictionary.com defines it as:

1.      adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

2.      the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3.      a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.

 To me, integrity means doing the right thing at the right time, even if no one is watching.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it is important for us to show integrity. We want those around us to know that we do what's right and that we follow the Savior. Showing integrity is one way you can  "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). 

It is not always easy or popular to have integrity. Often that means going against what peers may influence you to do, and demonstrating integrity may not seem like the best choice at the time, but it is. And it's worth it. Let me show you why. 

As I was studying integrity, I read many accounts from the scriptures, particularly the Bible, of heroes who had shown integrity. Some of these included Joseph (the one who ran from Potipher's wife), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (who were thrown into the furnace), and Esther (who saved her people, the Jews, from being slain). I noticed a pattern in each of their stories, which I would like to call the Integrity Effect. It goes like this:

Don't you want to be blessed with more than you ever had to begin with? Insert almost any story from the scriptures, and it will fit in the Integrity Effect. But not only will scripture stories fit into the Integrity Effect, your life fits in the Integrity Effect.

I know that I have been blessed when I show integrity. It brings me close to the Lord, and I feel true happiness.

 

The Power of a Righteous Friend

Friends are awesome. I am blessed to have the best friends in the whole entire universe. (Though I'm sure all of you are pretty fantastic, yourselves.) My friends stick up for me, help me when I'm down, make me feel loved, and I always have a great time with them.
A few weeks ago I had an experience which really helped me realize the value of true, righteous friends. I was getting ready to go to a long rehearsal where there would be tons of people, it'd be really hot, and we were going to do a lot of standing around, waiting. I'd never truly been tempted to dress immodestly before, but all of a sudden I really wanted to wear a pair of immodest shorts. They were comfy, cool, and would just be so easy to wear. I began rationalizing all the reasons why I should wear them, but deep down I knew it was wrong.  Then, at thought came to me. Trevor* is going to be there tonight. I don't want to dress that way in front of Trevor. He would be so disappointed, and uncomfortable. Trevor, is one of my best friends in the world and one of the coolest young men I know. He is the standard of righteous living. Always going above what is asked of him, Trevor is one of everyone's favorite people- member and nonmember alike. With that in mind, I put on some modest shorts and went my way.
It was so amazing to me that Trevor was so righteous that he could influence me for good without even being with me at that moment. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. He is an amazing friend.
So my question is: Do you have friends like Trevor? Do your friends influence you for good? Of course not everyone you surround yourself with will be like him. You will have acquaintances and other friends who are in different places of their spiritual development.  Are you, like Trevor, influencing your friends for good? If not, what can you do to change?

"True friends influence those with whom they associate to “rise a little higher [and] be a little better.” You can help one another, particularly young men, prepare for and serve honorable missions. You can help one another remain morally clean. Your righteous influence and friendship can have an eternal effect not only on the lives of your associates but also on generations to come."
-Elaine S. Dalton, 2013

 

*Name has been changed

How I stood up to profanity today...

Actually, my story starts with yesterday.  Yesterday in gym class, we were picked for teams.  I didn't really know anyone on the team except for one girl.  As the team captain (lets call him Robert) was explaining the rules, he kept swearing. For a moment I didn't know what to do, but I knew that I didn't want to hear it.  So I asked him if he would please stop.  Robert refused. And, he kept swearing. Periodically, I would ask him to stop again. One of the other guys on my team even said "Just stop right now, okay? Just listen to her." But Robert wouldn't stop.
So today in gym, we were with the same people. And, Robert continued to swear as we played against another team. I politely asked him again if he would stop. Robert ignored me. I asked one more time. This time he said (I quote exactly) " Out of pure respect for you, I will stop." 
Looking back, I now realize that the Lord blessed me for my persistence. I know that Heavenly Father blesses us when we act upon righteous desires.  I'm so grateful for my Heavenly Father who loves me, and who watches over me.  I'm very thankful that He could soften the heart of my classmate.