So, today I want to pause from my normal, upbeat blogging style to acknowledge what I've been observing throughout my Mormon community since Mitt Romney's bid to become the first President of the United States failed: post election depression.
Like many of you hoping to celebrate the 2012 election results, I was ready to enthusiastically write that historic victory post, not only here, but also on the Washington Post:
Mitt Romney First Mormon President of the United States!
But alas, what many Mormons have been anticipating, praying for and some going so far as to fast for -- some believing it God's will -- were literally left devastated at the final election results! I know this because I've read what you think and heard what many of you are saying. And let me be quite honest here -- I've been somewhat taken back at the public displays of both anger and disappointment displayed by many members through the use of social media and on social networks -- causing me to wonder how future scripture would describe us as a people and what lessons our behaviors would teach future generations.
But please know, I'm not here to judge anyone -- I'm sincerely concerned by such outcry. Strange enough, I read an article a few days before the election suggesting that either way, a Romney win or defeat, Mormons would not have much of a reaction . Boy did that lady have us wrong! I knew how excited we would all be if it were to have been a victory, but truly I had no idea the level of sadness and/or anger that I would witness by members I personally know and associate with. And this observation is not mine alone. I've receive a few emails from other members expressing this same concern -- which has ultimately driven this post.
I can't really say why, for sure, that my own immediate response turned to finding the positive for Mormonism, in general -- of which I wrote election night and posted here, and then turned to give my response, as promised, whatever that was to be, to the Washington Post's On Faith Blog -- but somehow I was blessed to be given a view that enabled me to find a triple rainbow -- right away!
How grateful I am for that immediate blessing. Little did I know but that our little band of latter-day saints would collectively be so saddened by these election results. Let me just say, because I know if I don't I will be called out: but I do realize that for many of you it had little or nothing to do with the fact that Mitt Romney is a Mormon -- as I stand in that place -- but for many it was. And that's okay.
I'm not really sure why such extreme responses by so many members. I do realize that many believe this country is heading into some very dark days, and that by having Mitt Romney, a Republican and a Mormon, surely we could course correct this seeming downward spiral -- and with his loss such hopes have been dashed! I get this thought process and I'm sure there's much more that I'm not understanding -- or get -- but I'm still asking myself why? Why such sadness?
I found this quote by President Ezra Taft Benson responding to the popular Mormon belief that our Constitution would hang by a thread (which it likely is), and that the Elders of Israel would basically rise to save the day. I do have a concern that some of the sadness or disappointment being felt might possibly be connected to these thoughts, some feeling that Mitt Romney was the man for the job. And FYI, this 'prophecy' known as the White Horse Prophecy, is not official doctrine of the Church.
"I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church -- men and women who will subscribe to and abide the principles of the Constitution" (Source: CHB 28-31)So, according to President Benson, and I don't know what other leaders have said on this topic, but it seems to me that the answer to the Constitution problem will not be solved by one powerful person in government -- but individual members.
How that happens I can't say for sure, but I do believe that education and the preaching of the gospel will have a powerful influence on society as one-by-one individuals turn to God and choose to manage their lives according to His laws. And His laws are in harmony with the "principles of the Constitution".
As we reflect on the what now question and the where do we go from here question it begins to become more clear that the results of this election are that the gates to share the gospel have been blasted wide open and we've all got a lot of work ahead of us. And indeed it may not be too far fetched to suggest that the lowering of the missionary age requirement, prompting a significant increase in new missionary applications, was the inspired work of our beloved watchmen on the tower -- knowing full well what is ahead.
Michael Otterson, who manages Church Public Affairs, globally, just published an excellent article over at On Faith, wherein he takes a look at: What lies ahead for Mormons...
"More visibility is not necessarily the same as increased understanding. In reality, a presidential election campaign is probably the worst time to try to educate and inform, because politics by its nature is divisive and often shrill. Many people are ready to believe the worst if it comports with their political leanings. But with the heat and divisiveness of a political campaign behind us, thoughtful Mormons can now look to the possibility of having more serious discussions with others about our faith, and especially about how our theology translates into the way we live."
Isn't that a great point?
Before we move on though, you should know that you're not alone in feeling sad or depressed. Pretty much everyone I know who was hoping that Romney would win the election, and not just Mormons, are feeling pretty blue right now. From what I've observed, there's a whole lot of chocolate going on! ; ) I just thought it might be helpful to acknowledge it and maybe even share some feelings.
What about Mitt Romney losing his bid for the U.S. Presidency caused your greatest disappointment? What were your first reactions -- and how are you feeling now that a few days have past? Is there any thought or verse(s) from scripture that have lifted your spirits?
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
On Faith:
Election results reveal God is winning ~ Kathryn Skaggs
What lies ahead for Mormons? ~ Michael Otterson
Salt Lake Tribune: Mitt’s bid: Would his loss crush Mormon backers?
Update: Adding this link because it's such an outstanding and uplifting article about Mormonism and will definitely lift your spirits.
Huffington Post: The Mormonizing of America ~ Stephen Mansfield
Photo Credit: The Kitchen Cabinet
I woke up this morning feeling incredibly "blue" or depressed and I thought to myself "is this really affecting me this much?" As I drove to Carlsbad to watch my little granddaughter I realized that I was experiencing a feeling of mourning- mourning for what could have been and mourning the fact that so many fellow Americans do not see it that way. I also told myself I needed to "get a grip" and look at all of the positive things that have come from this experience--but I think I needed a day to mourn! Hopefully tomorrow I will wake up and the cloud will be gone!
ReplyDeleteThere are some people who are upset and "in mourning" because of the outcome of the recent election. I submit that what those people fail to remember is that God is still on the throne and He is still in total control. We did not elect Him to be God, and therefore we cannot remove Him from an office. He has always been, and will always be, God Almighty! Our thoughts are not His thoughts. Nothing happens per chance, but all things are a part of a bigger plan known only to Him. If perhaps He were to reveal His plan to us, we as mortals would only get in the way and find some way to foul things up. The good news is that God, our Eternal Heavenly Father knows exactly what He is doing, even if we mere mortals at times don't have a clue.
ReplyDelete~Keith Lionel Brown; 8 November 2012; Annapolis, Maryland
I can tell you that for me, I was very personally invested and it had very little to do with him being Mormon. I grew up in Michigan so I have always been aware of the Romneys and what great people they are. I knew that Mitt Romney was this Mormon governor of the historically Democratic state of Massachusetts. This was interesting to me. I saw what he did for the Olympics in 2002 and was impressed. After researching a bit on his ideas and plans, I fully endorsed him in the bid in 2008. I was the ONLY Romney 2008 yard sign in the state of Indiana I'm sure! So I feel I have been a long time on this road with the Romneys.
ReplyDeleteAdded to that is the fact that I have less active and non-member family who are liberal and were very critical of him for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that they bought into the whole corporate-raider, tax evader persona that the Obama campaign put out there. I felt wounded and I felt that I needed to defend him and my decision to campaign for him.
I actually did give Obama the benefit of the doubt in 2008. I tried to find the good he was doing and it is just not there for me so I was devastated that half of Americans are blinded by this man. I imagined how the Romney family was feeling knowing how much Mitt really wanted to make a difference and put our country back on the right course. My anger comes from the Liberals continuing to criticize him and still looking for ways to pick him apart. And yes, there is some fear for what we are about to face as a country...mostly how will it affect us financially? We are a mostly paycheck to paycheck family and we cannot afford to lose one dollar. As I tried to find peace (and sleep) late Tuesday night I read this:
"25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.
26 And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen."
Moroni 9:25-26
I do feel some peace that it is all in the Lord's hands. I will accept as our 12th Article of Faith claims, but it will take me awhile to come to terms with the decision of the people and the misinformation that my family members keep thrusting upon me.
Never has the country had as my non LDS friend put it, such a clear choice between good and evil. The country chose poorly. God is over all, but he does not choose for us and we are left to suffer with the consequences.
ReplyDeleteI mourn the loss of freedom and liberty that Romney could have helped us regain - regardless if he was LDS or not.
This is what I wrote about it. http://thoserobertsons.blogspot.com/2012/11/sad-sad-sad-sad.html
ReplyDeleteI do not think this is the end of the world, but I think it is a serious turning point for America and not because Mitt Romney didn't win. This really is the first time the majority of voters chose immorality. All 4 states that had a question about gay marriage chose to accept it. Marijuana was legalized. My nonmember friends who voted for Obama did so because of his stance on gay marriage and abortion. This election did turn out to be about the social issues and Obama won. I do not think we should fear and I think there is a lot of work that is yet to be done. But we as Americans have turned a corner and it will not be a happy one.
Personally, I was shocked to see the reactions of so many Mormons. I don't understand how so many members felt that Romney was to fulfill some prophecy of saving the Constitution when he does not have a very good understanding of the document himself. I would have preferred to have Romney over Obama, but they were very similar policy-wise. What we need is someone who believes in the principles of the Constitution and votes in accordance with them.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I was shocked to see the reactions of so many Mormons. I don't understand how so many members felt that Romney was to fulfill some prophecy of saving the Constitution when he does not have a very good understanding of the document himself. I would have preferred to have Romney over Obama, but they were very similar policy-wise. What we need is someone who believes in the principles of the Constitution and votes in accordance with them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the previous comments. I am mourning the loss of what could have been. But almost 58,000,000 voted for Mr. Romney, which I think is incredible. Despite the negativity that was thrown at him, 58 million people chose to look further at the man and what he stands for and that makes me happy. We will get through this and I pray that the president will realize that he has to govern for the entire country which includes those 58 million other voters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughtful post Kathryn. I, like many other Latter-Day Saints have been very sad and even angry at times because of the Romney loss. My feelings are as much for the loss of the our Country's values and principles as much as knowing and believing that a "President" Romney, one who shared my faith, one who has served his Savior with all diligence throughout his life, could actually be called to lead our Country back to prosperity and spirituality. So many associates I have, even Church members who voted for Obama, are gloating over their victory. They seem more concerned about being able to get the Government benefits they "want" and "need" rather than being concerned with the long term health of our great Nation. Although my Faith remains intact, as I continue to read the Book of Mormon, it is a continuing reminder of the downfall of our Nation. The thought of a Major political party that is willing to sell its' soul for power. Willing to use my money to support those things that I abhor, ie..killing the unborn, gay marriage, higher taxes, expanding all entitlements, etc; knowing that soon, the IRS will be coming after me because I do not have health insurance is painful. I am self-employed and find it overwhelming to think about that. I know the Lord is in charge and things will turn out as they should. It is we individual Americans that must be actively pursuing the idealism that still exists among us. People like you who share the thoughts and feelings of Thousands, even millions, let me know that we are not alone in our emotion and for that I am very grateful. I will continue to "fight the good fight" along with them!
ReplyDeleteI'm Canadian and you wouldn't think it should matter so much to me. It did. I cried. Mournfully. With all my heart it had seemed good to me that one of our brothers, righteous and a priesthood holder would be leader of a great country.
ReplyDeleteSince then I have been grateful for new comforting thoughts. This is what I feel today.
• The Lord placed one of His best in a position to bring the church out of obscurity. Much has been accomplished in that way. I have non-member family and friends. They are watching...
• We have been clearly shown the division between the sheep and goats. We’re reminded that these are the latter days...the signs are all around.
• The Lord has protected Mitt and his family by bringing him so far and not a step farther. (there was concern of assassination)
• Had he become president, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for one man to attempt to change the tide with so much ruthless opposition. The Lord would not hand Mitt more than he could bear.
• As things continue to worsen, we have an opportunity to shine as we serve, as I believe the Lord will uphold the righteous and bless His faithful people with strength and protection.
As much as it was a huge disappointment, it is a privilege to be a witness in these latter days. I’m very grateful for Mitt and his family, for their faithfulness, example and tremendous sacrifice for love of country. May they each know overflowing blessings in whichever directions they continue to serve.
Kathryn, thank you for this forum you’ve provided for us to be able to mourn and heal together.
Lily, thank you for this. I am a Latter-Day Saint woman too, and I live very far from the United States (I live in the Philippines). You are exactly right. With all these things that has happened, I am reminded again that Heavenly Father has His own timetable. He has a plan, and He knows what's best for all of us. We have to trust him and just do our part the best way we know how, according to the standards He set for all of us. I'm sure Brother Mitt knows that's it's not about winning ... it is all about doing the right thing!
DeleteI was in deep sorrow on Wednesday because the majority of voters choose wickedness and according to the Book of Mormon that is when the judgements of God will begin. I mourn for my children and the lack of opportunity they will experience and the horrendous fight again all the evil that is the accepted norm throughout the culture of our country. I am feeling better today and am gratified that there were so many who did see Bro. Romney as an honorable man of principle who could have led our country back to greatness. The gospel is still true and we are still led by a prophet who will not lead us astray. Jesus Christ, the God of this Land is still in control and we can look to Him for salvation.
ReplyDeleteKeep these great comments coming folks -- your words are both comforting and inspiring to others. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have not doubted that this was part of the plan and I trust completely in our Heavenly Father. I too am just mourning the 'what could have been' and the realization that I'm raising my family in a society where the voice of the people chose evil. I had hopes there was still more goodness in this land and more people willing to come out and stand up for it.
ReplyDeleteIf Romney was meant to be president, he would be. With that being said, Romney has been an incredible trail blazer for the church and has served to open many doors that perhaps may have been closed in the past. I believe that Romney was meant to run, and I suspect that the events of this year will make way for future events currently unseen. I am not too thrilled about how elections turned out, true, but there are an immense amount of Saints that work for government and have direct influence on laws and policies for this nation. If they all one day decided to quit, then we would be in serious trouble. There is a time and season for all things, and Romneys' diligence will have far reaching effects. I am grateful he was willing to run, and stand up to the line, and his wife and family supported him 100%. Through his whole campaign, he demonstrated clearly what he believes and how he lives his life. I am sure that he provided a different perspective which then prompted some serious considerations within the political arena.
ReplyDeleteI was so depressed with the results of the election, but at the same time I believe that God's hand was involved in the outcome. I don't know why it went this way, but I trust it is right. Like you Kathryn, I recognize the good that has been done by Mitt Romney for Mormons. He has served well to bring our faith into the homes of other believers. There is a great article on patheos by an evangelical -- all Mormons should read it. We have made new friends through all this. I have a link to it on the bottom of my post: http://www.eveoutofthegarden.com/2012/11/my-thoughts-with-romney-loss.html
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with the comments of those who say "if he was meant to be president he would be" I used to think that way, but then I remembered that "choice" is a part of God's plan and He never has or will take away people's right to choose. So it is very sad that so many made the choice that they did. We know what the outcome of all of this will be- but it doesn't mean it will be easy! I think we better make sure we have "oil in our lamps" for the days that are ahead!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have come across my friends face book page and find your blog shared.
ReplyDeleteI knew Romney would not win because the book of revelations tells us that we are to go through so much in preparation of the 2nd coming but I had hoped so much for the timing to not be now. Growing up I used to think to myself, if only I were there during the time of our Savior so I could have taken his place or fought for Him but when Romney ran for president I couldn't help think, WOW, finally someone is stepping to the plate and fulfilling what I wanted to do. I am one of the members who have been quite angry with so many who voted for the potus to be re-elected and I have voiced my opinion quite loudly in the matter but it still didn’t ease my pain it just made my mind question God which I know, I KNOW is wrong but I am human and mistakes were made on my part. My sister in-law called my husband and I the day of the election to help ease our minds of how she knew Romney would win, and asked us to read 1 Nephi chapter 4, then she asked how we felt about it. I told her it made sense but my husband soon reminded us both that the book of revelations, again my answer was revealed that Romney would not win. Yesterday was my birthday and what was supposed to be a nice day turned out to be a continuation of mourning for our Country. I couldn’t help but to think of the states allowing marijuana legalization, gay marriage, health care reform & all those who have been misinformed of the promises that were told to them by our potus. But as I read your blog it helped to clear the anger and frustration going through my mind and helped me to realize that all has been laid out in the scriptures. We have been given the promise land by our Savior if only we heed to the words of our Heavenly Father. We will stand up for our nation and will stand up for all that is righteous and to know that the Lord has already given command to President Monson for missionaries to join at a younger age should give us all comfort that the Lord has already set in place a pathway for all to know of Him and Romney running for presidency was the light to His church. I will no longer mourn the loss of our Country but I will celebrate the coming of our Savior by preparing my family and me to continue to fight the good fight and to trust in Him, my all-knowing and mighty God, which we will be okay!
A few of my favorite scriptures: Matthew 4: 9 & 10, And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, GET THEE HENCE, satan: for it is written. THOU SHALT WORSHIP THE LORD THY GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE.
I was riding on a Romney bus on the way back from campaigning for a week in Las Vegas. As I watched on my iPad with three rows of people behind me on the bus, it was as if the bus sank when everyone found out. I like what you wrote about being optimistic about it. I agree and believe we must be full of optimism for the outcome and for the future. We can't just meander around with fear of a hopeless future while there are trees to be planted and children to be taught. We should push forward with faith in the future and like Mitt said of he and his wife, we should also pray for the president of the United States. My all-time favorite speech (that's saying something) is By Gordon B. Hinckley, given after President Ford issued a pardon to Richard Nixon - There was so much anger and hate spewing from everyone. So sad. President Hinckley then said this:
ReplyDelete"The tragedy is that this spirit is epidemic. Criticism, fault-finding, evil speaking—these are of the spirit of the day. They are in our national life. To hear tell these days, there is nowhere a man of integrity among those holding political office. In many instances this spirit has become the very atmosphere of university campuses. The snide remark, the sarcastic gibe, the cutting down of associates—these, too often, are of the essence of our conversation...I come this morning with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that we "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course. I am not suggesting that our conversation be all honey and blossoms. Clever expression that is sincere and honest is a skill to be sought and cultivated. What I am suggesting and asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears...There is too much fruitless, carping criticism of America. Perhaps the times are dark. There have been dark days in every nation....I doubt not that we shall have days of trial. I am confident that so long as we have more politicians than statesmen, we shall have problems. But I am certain that if we will emphasize the greater good and turn our time and talents from vituperative criticism, from constantly looking for evil, and lift our sights to what may be done to build strength and goodness in our nation, America shall continue to go forward with the blessing of the Almighty and stand as an ensign of strength and peace and generosity to all the world....We hear much talk of economic depression these days. Heaven forbid that we should ever slip again into the kind of monetary quagmire through which we struggled in the 1930s. Those were the days of the long soup lines, of suicides that came of discouragement, of a bleakness of life which few of you can understand. I hope and pray that such hard times will never come again. But I think it not impossible or even improbable if enough people, in the spirit of negativism and defeatism, talk about it and predict it. We are the creatures of our thinking. We can talk ourselves into defeat or we can talk ourselves into victory." (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled - Oct 29, 1974).
Sorry that is so long. But it is exactly what I feel EVERY member should know - especially after what happened. Everyone really should listen to this. Pres. Hinckley was a masterful orator. Look it up. God is in charge. He always was and always will be. :)
Thank you, Andy, for sharing. Indeed, God IS in charge. And I trust Him. The night after the election (I, too, was quite depressed the next day), I went to the temple. I made a new friend, who visits that particular temple every Wednesday night, and she whispered, "Why are there so many more people here than usual?"
DeleteI whispered back, "It's the night after the election."
It's true. And I came out of the temple feeling refreshed, my faith quickened. Indeed, we may not know what President Obama will do, but we know that President MONSON will lead us down the path God wants for us.
I find peace in that!
I was riding on a Romney bus on the way back from campaigning for a week in Las Vegas. As I watched on my iPad with three rows of people behind me on the bus, it was as if the bus sank when everyone found out. I like what you wrote about being optimistic about it. I agree and believe we must be full of optimism for the outcome and for the future. We can't just meander around with fear of a hopeless future while there are trees to be planted and children to be taught. We should push forward with faith in the future and like Mitt said of he and his wife, we should also pray for the president of the United States. My all-time favorite speech (that's saying something) is By Gordon B. Hinckley, given after President Ford issued a pardon to Richard Nixon - There was so much anger and hate spewing from everyone. So sad. President Hinckley then said this:
ReplyDelete"The tragedy is that this spirit is epidemic. Criticism, fault-finding, evil speaking—these are of the spirit of the day. They are in our national life. To hear tell these days, there is nowhere a man of integrity among those holding political office. In many instances this spirit has become the very atmosphere of university campuses. The snide remark, the sarcastic gibe, the cutting down of associates—these, too often, are of the essence of our conversation...I come this morning with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that we "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. Growth comes of correction. Strength comes of repentance. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course. I am not suggesting that our conversation be all honey and blossoms. Clever expression that is sincere and honest is a skill to be sought and cultivated. What I am suggesting and asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears...There is too much fruitless, carping criticism of America. Perhaps the times are dark. There have been dark days in every nation....I doubt not that we shall have days of trial. I am confident that so long as we have more politicians than statesmen, we shall have problems. But I am certain that if we will emphasize the greater good and turn our time and talents from vituperative criticism, from constantly looking for evil, and lift our sights to what may be done to build strength and goodness in our nation, America shall continue to go forward with the blessing of the Almighty and stand as an ensign of strength and peace and generosity to all the world....We hear much talk of economic depression these days. Heaven forbid that we should ever slip again into the kind of monetary quagmire through which we struggled in the 1930s. Those were the days of the long soup lines, of suicides that came of discouragement, of a bleakness of life which few of you can understand. I hope and pray that such hard times will never come again. But I think it not impossible or even improbable if enough people, in the spirit of negativism and defeatism, talk about it and predict it. We are the creatures of our thinking. We can talk ourselves into defeat or we can talk ourselves into victory." (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled - Oct 29, 1974).
Sorry that is so long. But it is exactly what I feel EVERY member should know - especially after what happened. Everyone really should listen to this. Pres. Hinckley was a masterful orator. Look it up. God is in charge. He always was and always will be. :)
God grants to men and nations the desires of their hearts (good or bad). Now we know for certain what "the American Heart" really is, despite those who live here and feel differently about outcomes.
ReplyDeleteHel 5:1-3, 1 And it came to pass that in this same year, behold, Nephi delivered up the judgment-seat to a man whose name was Cezoram.
2 For as their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.
3 Yea, and this was not all; they were a stiffnecked people, insomuch that they could not be governed by the law nor justice, save it were to their destruction.
Thank you for your thoughts, Katherine. I actually found myself feeling quite blue the day after the election, but quickly had a paradigm shift when I read the following statement made on one of my favorite blogs:
ReplyDelete"The Lord is preparing our country and the world for the Second Coming. Mitt running has done wonders for exposing the church to the world. There are very few people who can now say they have never heard of the Mormon Church. As we are preparing missionaries to serve at younger ages and changing curriculum to meet that need, it doesn't seem coincidental. Mass exposure to the church and a major upswing in the number of missionaries serving represents a hastening of the work.
If Mitt had won last night, automatically 50% of the country would be turned off to the missionaries when they knock on their door. As if their job isn't hard enough, now the defeated and angry losing party would have a wholesome and healthy target on which to take their frustrations out. Could the Lord afford to lose 50% of potential converts at a time when the work is ramping up? I don't think so.
Mitt lost with grace and class last night. The world saw a man, humbled by defeat but courteous, kind, cheerful... in other words, being the boy scout we have always known and would expect him to be.
If he had won, the world media would have over the next four years, taken everything we consider sacred and defiled it, making it the punchline of every joke on the late night TV circuit. How would that have accomplished the Lord's purpose? I don't think it would have.
I take solace in knowing that 15 men are called as prophets, seers, and revelators and that their response was sincere, kind and a class move. They aren't concerned about the state of politics; they are concerned about the state of men's souls. The state of the economy,if it continues to spiral downward will humble the proud and when their government fails them, they will be forced to turn to their creator. I find comfort in realizing that we are raising a generation that will "bring the world his truth" and I think that Mitt losing, as painful as it was, may just have been the launching off point for the greatest conversion cycle in history."