Very Passionate

For those of those of you that know me--and know me well--you know I can get a little passionate about things. OK. Let's be honest here: I get VERY passionate about things. But I don't think it's my passion that's the problem, it's that I'm like the Incredible Hulk: I can't seem to stay level headed. I turn green and start to growl (luckily I stop short of ripping my clothes to shreds). I've decided that one reason I don't get involved in politics and sports is because of this uncontrollable, heart-pounding, mindless rage I seem to go into when I feel too passionately about something.

Recently I've started to read more about things that are going on in the world (how can I not?) and I started to feel a rage blackout coming on. Thank goodness for my Visiting Teacher!

I'll admit, I wasn't as diligent about reading/watching General Conference this past October and she brought as her message this month an excerpt from Elder Robert D. Hales' talk Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship. Click here for the entire talk. In short it says, and I quote:

"...one of mortality’s great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized. In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively—to 'put up our dukes.' But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior’s example. Remember that Jesus Himself was despised and rejected by the world. And in Lehi’s dream, those coming to the Savior also endured “mocking and pointing . . . fingers” (1 Nephi 8:27). “The world hath hated [my disciples],” Jesus said, “because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14). But when we respond to our accusers as the Savior did, we not only become more Christlike, we invite others to feel His love and follow Him as well..."

Thank goodness for not only my great visiting teacher, but also the Gospel of Jesus Christ that reminds me to not let my 'passion' get the best of me.