Messages of inspiration from President Monson
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Good cheer
None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges—and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes. After all, in large part we are here to learn and grow from such events in our lives. We know that there are times when we will suffer, when we will grieve, and when we will be saddened. However, we are told, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)
How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you." (Doctrine and Covenants 68:6).
The history of the Church in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times, is replete with the experiences of those who have struggled and yet who have remained steadfast and of good cheer as they have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives. This attitude is what will pull us through whatever comes our way. It will not remove our troubles from us but rather will enable us to face our challenges, to meet them head on, and to emerge victorious.
I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.
My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith. — "Be of Good Cheer," April 2009 general conference; Ensign, May 2009
Accept God's word
Should doubt knock at your doorway, just say to those skeptical, disturbing, rebellious thoughts: "I propose to stay with my faith, with the faith of my people. I know that happiness and contentment are there, and I forbid you, agnostic, doubting thoughts, to destroy the house of my faith. I acknowledge that I do not understand the processes of creation, but I accept the fact of it. I grant that I cannot explain the miracles of the Bible, and I do not attempt to do so, but I accept God's word. I wasn't with Joseph, but I believe him. My faith did not come to me through science, and I will not permit so-called science to destroy it." — "The Lighthouse of the Lord," New Era, February 2001
Listen
On occasion I will be asked, "Brother Monson, if the Savior appeared to you, what questions would you ask of Him?" My reply is always the same: "I would ask no question of Him. Rather, I would listen!" — "For I Was Blind, but Now I See," April 1999 general conference; Ensign, May 1999
Courage is needed
Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval.
Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, "No," the courage to say, "Yes." Decisions do determine destiny. — "The Call for Courage," April 2004 general conference; Ensign, May 2004
Do what is right
Just because men can think the right thing does not mean that they will heed it. ...We can know what is right, but we don't always have the will to do what is right.
...Make every decision pass the test: "What does it do to me?" And let your code emphasize not "What will others think?" but rather, "What will I think of myself?"
Remember, your patriarchal blessing is your passport to peace in this life. It is a liahona of light to guide you unerringly to your heavenly home. — "Preparation Precedes Performance," Priesthood Commemoration Satellite Broadcast, May 2, 1993
Marriage
People who marry in the hope of forming a permanent partnership require certain skills and attitudes of mind. They must be skillful in adapting to each other. They need capacity to work out mutual problems. They need willingness to give and take in the search for harmony. They need unselfishness of the highest sort, with thought for one's partner taking the place of desire for oneself. — "An Example of the Believers," General Women's Meeting, Sept. 26, 1992
