Hinkley's Optimism and An Enduring Hope

[Meadowchik]

One thing I continue to appreciate about President Hinkley's frequent message as President of the church was his bubbling optimism. There are indeed many wondrous changes happening on the planet in these times. To put it in broad perspective, in living memory, human beings of the world have experienced a massive shift in standard of living, with about a billion people moving out of poverty, and about a billion more moving out of extreme poverty and into poverty. Freedoms and opportunities have been expanded in many places of the world to women, which has in turn been associated with these massive shifts toward living better lives along with their families.

That said, all this change does not come without turmoil, some of it serious and some of it grave. I don't think the late Stephen Hawking was being unreasonable when he said that humanity is at a critical point, because it's able to destroy itself with modern technology, and we need to learn to manage our capabilities of destruction if we hope to survive the immediate future. So I'd like to share how I personally find a bit of hope within today's crises and strife: I teach Chinese children English. I started at the beginning of the year, it's the first employment I've had after 19 years of staying home raising my babies. It's not a long-term job for me, but it is enabling me to get into school for a postgrad degree, with classes starting in a couple weeks.

Anyways, from my point of view as a teacher for this English-learning platform for Chinese students, which is one of several, there appear to be thousands and thousands of Chinese parents and schools investing in English learning. Of course this is done to help them have a competitive edge in education and employment, but the added benefit is encouraging. There are thousands and thousands of children in this huge Communist country who are learning to understand English, thereby expanding their access to opportunities and information, and understanding other people and thought processes. This makes me hopeful, amid the turmoil and change.

I grew up taking to heart "the glory of God is intelligence," and this value remains within me and fills me with gratitude. I think there cannot be anough good said about Mormonism advancing learning and growth. This, along with siimilar efforts of our fellow planet-dwellers, has an an immeasurable impact of good on the world.

What gives you hope today? What concrete habit does the gospel engender within you to help you hope?

Edited August 27, 2019 by Meadowchik

[Kenngo1969]

President Hinckley?

[Meadowchik]

3 minutes ago, Kenngo1969 said:

President Hinckley?

Yes, his optimism has an impact on me to this day! Do have any fond memories of it?

[Duncan]

I liked President Hinckley because he seemed so down to earth and practical and just a regular man, he wasn't showy or had a "i'm used to something different" attitude. I think people could relate to him. If he, with all he had to do, was optimistic then I can be too

[CV75]

3 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

What gives you hope today? What concrete habit does the gospel engender within you to help you hope?

I think his optimism was rooted in charity, so I make a habit of praying for it and trying to cultivate it.

[Meadowchik]

31 minutes ago, CV75 said:

I think his optimism was rooted in charity, so I make a habit of praying for it and trying to cultivate it.

A charitable heart definitely makes an enormous difference!

[Robert F. Smith]

Years ago in Provo, I roomed with a non-LDS grad student from Mainland China.  He was a teacher of English in Szechuan, China, and his wife remained there while he was in grad school here.  He saw the Brethren of the LDS Church as analogous to his own Communist Party leaders in China -- very old guys who served for life and provided stability.

[Scott Lloyd]

21 minutes ago, Robert F. Smith said:

Years ago in Provo, I roomed with a non-LDS grad student from Mainland China.  He was a teacher of English in Szechuan, China, and his wife remained there while he was in grad school here.  He saw the Brethren of the LDS Church as analogous to his own Communist Party leaders in China -- very old guys who served for life and provided stability.

Obviously not clued in to the distinction between “gentle persuasion” and tanks on the public square as an instrument for stability, eh?

[Ahab]

7 hours ago, Meadowchik said:

What gives you hope today? What concrete habit does the gospel engender within you to help you hope?

Knowing that when I mess up I can do better.  The concept of what repentance is all about.

The idea that if at first I don't succeed I can try, try again and that once I master my challenge the mistakes and failed attempts to correct them only serve to have given me some experience and expertise at overcoming that challenge.

I know it's a long, long road to perfection but there is a lot of fun to be had in the journey and what we are learning along the way.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I miss President Hinkley so much, and he is and was a tough act to follow, for President Monson and Nelson. He was a member of the First Presidency for so long, and he casted a very long shadow. Most certainly no one will ever be in the First Presidency, as long as he was, and I do mean never. 

[Meerkat]

I love President Hinckley’s statement that the great symbol of our faith is the lives of the members.  That’s what attracted me to the Gospel and strengthens my faith in Jesus Christ.

[MustardSeed]

Human resilience gives me hope.  And my own ability to change gives me hope that others can, too. 

[Meadowchik]

10 hours ago, MustardSeed said:

Human resilience gives me hope.  And my own ability to change gives me hope that others can, too. 

Seconded! It's interesting, by twins' primary school's theme last year was resilience.