Shout Out To The Good Bishops Out There!

[Jeanne]

I know that there have been a lot of threads lately that seem to slam the Bishops.  I understand however that for most bishops, they are trying hard and interpreting their duties the best they can.  I have had some bad bishops and some bishops that I love and miss so much.  One of those Bishops was the one I handed my resignation papers to..for which he let me know wiih a huge hug that he and the  Lord loved ...ME!!

Anyway, I haven't thought about this for a long time until I took an early morning walk from my place in Providence to the hills of River Heights.  I was climbing a beautiful hill where the houses are nestled up against high mountains; a beautiful neighborhood that leads to the beautiful well kept Providence Cememtary.  As I climbed the steeping sidewalks, I noticed that children had gotten their chalk out to leave messages along the way.  I stepped on a beautiful picture of the sun that said "you are my sunshine". I climbed further to see words that said ...lfie is what YOU make it...with a rainbow...then..at the very top in a beautiful blue..were words that hit home.  They simply said: "So Happy My Bishop Loves Us." 

So there you go to a wonderful bishop who has instilled in some children that they are loved...and with this guy..probably loved so unconditionally.  This made me remember the Bishops who had no hel at all as far as policing or anything...they stopped the fights of my parents..and they tried hard to love the town where they were relatively a father...and conditioned to try and include the small amount of non mormons that lived in town.

Anyway...for all that needs to be changed not just in any church..or town..or city..or country..I shout out to those people who have made my world and others...a whole lot better.

Edited August 1, 2018 by Jeanne

[Tacenda]

1 hour ago, Jeanne said:

I know that there have been a lot of threads lately that seem to slam the Bishops.  I understand however that for most bishops, they are trying hard and interpreting their duties the best they can.  I have had some bad bishops and some bishops that I love and miss so much.  One of those Bishops was the one I handed my resignation papers to..for which he let me know wiih a huge hug that he and the  Lord loved ...ME!!

Anyway, I haven't thought about this for a long time until I took an early morning walk from my place in Providence to the hills of River Heights.  I was climbing a beautiful hill where the houses are nestled up against high mountains; a beautiful neighborhood that leads to the beautiful well kept Providence Cememtary.  As I climbed the steeping sidewalks, I noticed that children had gotten their chalk out to leave messages along the way.  I stepped on a beautiful picture of the sun that said "you are my sunshine". I climbed further to see words that said ...lfie is what YOU make it...with a rainbow...then..at the very top in a beautiful blue..were words that hit home.  They simply said: "So Happy My Bishop Loves Us." 

So there you go to a wonderful bishop who has instilled in some children that they are loved...and with this guy..probably loved so unconditionally.  This made me remember the Bishops who had no hel at all as far as policing or anything...they stopped the fights of my parents..and they tried hard to love the town where they were relatively a father...and conditioned to try and include the small amount of non mormons that lived in town.

Anyway...for all that needs to be changed not just in any church..or town..or city..or country..I shout out to those people who have made my world and others...a whole lot better.

So true, and this is what makes a church true. These Christlike bishops and members of the church, no wonder we can't leave the church alone. Are we trying to hold on and at the same time talking ourselves out of it. But then again have either us tried another faith or church? Sorry if I'm making this personal. I appreciate this experience you've shared. I never had to worry about a bishop that had to help my family, luckily. I can imagine how helpful it was to have your bishop help your family like that and the bishop that showed such love at the end of your membership. I know that the good bishops far outweigh the bad ones. 

But my last three bishops have absolutely been hands-off to me. I made an appointment to speak with my new neighborhood ward's bishop back in January and wanted to let him know of what has been going on with me for the last 10 years. All he could ask me is, "don't you miss going to the temple?". And I haven't heard from him since except for being set apart for a Compassionate Service calling. He hasn't checked on me, nor has my RS president, nor has my ministering sisters. I just believe I'm a doubt germ now.

Last Sunday on our way home from church I broke down bawling because of the Sacrament talk where the speaker was saying what an awesome ward we had when speaking of helping a woman who had health isues. They rallied around her, but what of those that have a testimony problem, to the point that it is so painful that they have to turn to people on the internet for support and the ward leaders don't call or check on someone that has been active for 18 years in that ward and then became inactive for a whole year with no contact? So much for member missionaries.

Sorry to turn this into my personal problems.  And loved the way you described your walk today Miss Jane Austen! 

But thanks for sharing, I had a single's ward bishop that was the best and he helped me back into activity as a young adult, it had just been a short stint. But he was amazing.

Edited August 1, 2018 by Tacenda

[Jeanne]

Thanks for your thoughts Tacenda...there is the good and bad in all things...but it takes a grateful heart of a child that reminds us of the good.  People do know how to love..but we all need to learn to love unconditionally..  This is very lacking in the LDS faith IMO.  No more crying..you are worth so much more than the pain of confusion..I decided a long time ago if someone does not SEEM to care...then they do'n't deserve my love and friendship.  Just remember you are GOLD to the people that understand you the most.

[Prof]

I have had the privilege to work with some outstanding people who served as bishop and ward leaders. I've  also had the misfortune of working with some not so outstanhding bishops. In all cases, I appreciate the efforts that they have made and respect the office even if I don't respect the person.

My current ward and its leaders fall more toward the latter group. However, I try to set that aside and focus on what is much more important-my walk with Christ. In the end, that matters so much more.