Elder Donald L. Hallstrom
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"I will ever be grateful for having been born and nurtured in Hawaii. . .I have long been interested in culture and tradition and their influence on how we look, think and act."
Culture and its related traditions help establish our identity and fill our need to belong. In the church, powerful traditions remind us of the strength of our ancestors and inspire our own efforts. Among those traditions are industry, frugality and complete devotion to a righteous cause. Other traditions are based on doctrine and may seem peculiar to the world. Such traditions include chastity, modesty, unpolluted language, Sabbath observance, adherence to the Word of Wisdom and paying tithing.
"Of all traditions, we should cultivate within ourselves and our families a 'tradition of righteousness.'"
Hallmarks of that tradition include love of God and his Son, respect for priesthood authority, a seeking of the Holy Spirit and a "discipline of discipleship."
In a world that confuses right and wrong, we are inspired by young people who honor the Sabbath and the Word of Wisdom and remain chaste. We are inspired by each man who has molded his career around spirituality and by the nobility of each husband and wife who has established a relationship of equality and kindness.
"I affirm my knowledge of eternal truths and everlasting culture."
