This past Sunday the Ft. Worth Region was blessed to have Elder Maxwell address us at a Regional Conference. His words were so wonderful and plain and I believe that he truly spoke with the spirit on a topic that has been bothering me for quite some time. In fact, at our last Board Meeting I had discussed the very topic with my board members and shared my concern. His address was on "The Casualization of America". These are some of the highlights from his talk. There was so much, I can't write it all, but here's a bit.

The casualization of America has happened in the space of just 3 decades. Tolerance has become indulgence for us in our language, music, dress and attitudes. Subtle marketeers have made what used to be abhorrent to us, now the norm and acceptable. He said there has been a lessening in a sense of community and more expressions of selfishness and inwardness.

Casualness leads to coarseness, which is not friendly to the Gospel. We are becoming strangers to Heavenly Father and the Savior. Elder Maxwell referred to Mosiah 5:13. He compared those caught up in this casualization to people crossing a border into a different culture. At this border to this country there are no passport checks, no border guards and it is very easy to get in. People go there because they are looking for a place to feel, but end up going to a place where there is no feeling. When they try to return, there now are guards and passport controls. It is not as easy to return to what was once safe and comfortable and very often they just stay in this other country which ultimately does not satisfy them.

He spoke of the definiteness in the doctrine of Christ. It cannot be smudged. It is designed to shine on a hill. Loneliness accompanies the other land even though it is a crowded place. People there become strangers to Christ and His doctrines.  As time passes, the Savior's church and His followers will become more and more distinct, the doctrine more clear and we will be even more different (peculiar) from the rest of the world where sacred and special things are made to be casual and meaningless.

Elder Maxwell concluded by telling us that he was a Special Witness of Jesus Christ. He testified of the Savior's character, saying that Jesus gave no heed to temptation, He gave all the glory to His Father, wanting no credit for himself. He never had any self-pity even though He suffered all things for us. He was able to individualize and customize his teaching to others no matter their station in life or circumstance. He always showed love and patience in His teaching. In short, He had perfect character.

Finally, he blessed the congregation with a wonderful Apostolic blessing that was very special. It was a wonderful experience and the Spirit was strong. I'm sure that my notes do not do justice to his inspired remarks, but I wanted to share them with all of you. I have a concern for our younger sisters that the world is telling them that many sacred and beautiful things are just ho-hum and no big deal. That all they really have to worry about is being happy and doing their own thing. I had one young woman tell me recently that she feels that her body is hers and she can do what she wants with it. There have been several others comment that the kids at school speak of moral issues over lunch in the same breath as, "Pass the salt." This casualization concerns me because even our very righteous children are exposed to this on every side, not just from their friends, but on the news, on TV, in the popular music, in the movies, and by some of their parents and by political leaders.

I have great faith in them as you all do. I feel great responsibility to help them to find their testimonies and know their Savior in all that we do as we serve in Young Women. It is important that they know that they ARE different and that is good.

Thank you for all your support on the list. It is a great resource for all of us to feel "we are not alone" in this battle.

Love,

Teri in TX