"We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord's tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequeites of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance. Some individuals who hear or read this message may discount or dismiss in their personal lives the availability of the tender mercies of the Lord. We may falsely think such blessings are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us." -David A. Bednar
Sometimes I wonder why I still claim to be a Mormon. Sometimes it really hurts given my sexual orientation. Sometimes I don't want to go to church anymore. That's a thing.
But sometimes something beautiful like this is said, and I realize the reason that I hold onto the Mormon church is because I've been taught something there that resonates with me. There's this fundamental truth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that we are children of God. God is literally our father, and as such, he loves us. Maybe I love that so much because I'm arrogant and I love the fact that some all-powerful being is looking over me and has a personal interest in my life. Maybe I love that idea because I'm so incredibly insecure, and it's comforting to know that even though sometimes I look at my life and realize that it is a complete and total mess, there's a God above who still loves me.
Whatever it is about that knowledge it's a powerful influence in my life. I will forever be thankful for that belief that is a part of my character now. No matter where my life takes me from here, I am and will forever be thankful for the belief that I am a son of God.
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