Comments on: “Everyone Makes Mistakes in Their Lives”

By: mormonwomen

mormonwomen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 07:37:39 +0000

Ariane, Jean, thanks. It’s that reality that we believe in both justice and mercy that I hoped to capture. There is no real love, imo, without the proper balance of both.
~Michelle

By: Jean Vogler

Jean Vogler — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:57:55 +0000

I also love the part Ariane quoted. Mercy cannot rob justice, but that doesn’t mean mercy has to be left out altogether. Quite the contrary!
Thank you for such a thoughtful piece.

By: Ariane Packer

Ariane Packer — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 23:16:22 +0000

Michelle,

Thank you for your post! What I loved most about it is this statement you made:

“Love should not be confused with excusing wrongful choices. Repentance can be very, very hard. But the (sometimes very difficult) reality of consequences must never overshadow the power and necessity of genuine compassion and loving support that we should extend to each other. ”

Thanks for the reminder of what the pure love of Christ is about!

By: mormonwomen

mormonwomen — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 07:04:00 +0000

I wanted to add another link from Michael Otterson’s “On Faith” article in the Washingon Post, who is over public affairs for the Church. He captured both elements of what I was trying to address here – both the importance of the standards, and the importance of compassion.

“The principle is clear. We commit to a standard of behavior, and then we do what we say we’ll do. That’s what an honor code is. It’s facing consequences for our choices. It’s certainly what Mormons believe. It’s consistent with doing our best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.”

But he adds:

“But fortunately, it doesn’t end there…. Brandon Davies is more than a trending topic on Google. He is a young man full of energy, talent and opportunity, all of which remain present as he moves through what is undoubtedly a difficult time in his life. While this one mistake may redirect his life for a time it does not define who he is. Those that care for him, including his church leaders, are reaching out to help, guide and support. Friends, family and true fans likewise. There are a lot of people at BYU who will do all they can to help Brandon get through this trial in his life and come out on top. He isn’t just an athlete, but a child of God.”

I’m grateful to be part of a Church that believes in the blessing that commandments are, and in holding to standards, and also believes in repentance when mistakes are made.

~Michelle

By: mormonwomen

mormonwomen — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 06:03:01 +0000

Thanks, Braden.

~Michelle

By: Braden Bell

Braden Bell — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 04:02:28 +0000

Good post, Michelle.

By: mormonwomen

mormonwomen — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 03:22:04 +0000

I liked this encouragement from a former BYU athlete, Reno Mahe, who walked this path before — and was able to come back.

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=14578885&nid=272