Pres. Nelson "Back to Work"

[smac97]

LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson on the mend, back to work

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After much rest and healing, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday he is on the mend and able to start work again.

On Sept. 9, Nelson celebrated his 99th birthday. Two days later he fell and injured his back.

"{A}nd able to start work again."  At 99 years of age.

I am grateful that we have men and women like Pres. Nelson.  I do not envy them the burdens the Lord has placed on them.

Quote

Nelson announced his health status on his social media platforms, thanking people for their thoughts and prayers.

“My recovery from my fall in September when I injured the muscles in my back has been rigorous. I have needed your prayers,” Nelson said. “The apostle James taught that the effectual fervent prayers of righteous men and women ‘availeth much.’ Your prayers opened the heavens, and the Lord is blessing me.”

At the time of his fall and lower back muscle strain, the church was preparing for its semiannual general conference. Nelson said that was one of his favorite times of the year, but for the first time he would be unable to attend in person and would be watching from home.

While sitting for long periods of time hurt, Nelson said, he did prepare a speech wrapping up conference and videotaped the message. Part of that message was his announcing the building of 20 new temples throughout the world — a favorite topic anticipated by members of the church.

His recovery has been unique, he said, in that his doctors have never developed a back treatment for one his age.

“As my physician says, ‘We don’t have much data on how 99-year-olds recover from an injury like this one, so I am prescribing a slow, careful approach to healing so that you achieve a full recovery.’ Having prescribed just such a course of action for many of my own patient’s years ago, I feel duty-bound to follow doctor’s orders.”

The doctors were not only tasked with developing a treatment regimen for a 99-year-old to recover from a back injury, they had to craft a regiment that allowed recovery sufficient to allow him to go "back to work."  

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Nelson added that the prayers offered on his behalf have “lifted my spirits and bolstered my courage and my great desire to soldier on.”

"Soldier on."

He is an admirable person.

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“In short, the Lord has responded to your prayers and expressions of love, and He is helping me to heal,” he added.

Nelson said he was grateful to report that, throughout the last two months, he has been able to attend most meetings of the First Presidency virtually.

“Now I am slowly returning to the office on selected days while continuing to use technology as needed,” Nelson said.

“The work of the Lord continues to move on, under His direction,” Nelson said. “Thirty-six new missions will be created in 2024. The Lord is truly hastening His work, and we are blessed to be part of it.”

Regardless of whether one concurs with Pres. Nelson's religious beliefs, I think we must commend him for sincerely holding them.  I think only strongly-held convictions about the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel would be sufficient to motivate a man of his age to continue to "work" as he does.  I admire and am grateful for him, and I am glad his health has improved.

Thanks,

-Smac

Edited November 12, 2023 by smac97

[SeekingUnderstanding]

1 hour ago, smac97 said:

I think we must commend him for sincerely holding them. 

Why?

[MustardSeed]

6 minutes ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Why?

I can commend any centurion who knows his own mind and puts 100 % into a passion.  Heck I admire a 6, 30 50 or 65 year old for the same. I want to die tired but he puts me to shame.  

[SeekingUnderstanding]

1 hour ago, MustardSeed said:

I can commend any centurion who knows his own mind and puts 100 % into a passion.  Heck I admire a 6, 30 50 or 65 year old for the same. I want to die tired but he puts me to shame.  

Must you though? Especially if you think their views are wrong and cause real harm?

[Nofear]

11 minutes ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Must you though? Especially if you think their views are wrong and cause real harm?

Your passion and commitment to nay-saying the Church ... I suppose that I don't respect the object of the passion and commitment, but, that you are able to hold such conviction has merit. At the same time, the ability to hold conviction in one's uncertainty has its place. For my part, because I believe in the Restored Gospel and that the Church is authentically authoritative with Christ's leadership, I both admire and respect Pres. Nelson's dedication to it and that such dedication is worthy of emulation.

[MustardSeed]

1 hour ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Must you though? Especially if you think their views are wrong and cause real harm?

The word must in this case is a form of speech and not a literal directive imo. You can of course respect or disrespect whomever. 

[Tacenda]

I'm almost 62, my mother showed signs of Alzheimer's at around 62. In the last few days I've felt like it could be me.  Hopefully it's lack of sleep. I saw this photo on FB and lucky for Pres Nelson that he's doing so well up to almost 100! I'll be lucky to be fully there by age 75. Just wanted to share this photo, and sorry if I made it about me. It's just something I think about 24/7 and wishing I could live that long, so I can see my family and especially my grandchildren's lives progress. Here's the photo of Pres Nelson and Wendy in a picture in the background on his desk. It doesn't look professional but like a snapshot that Pres Nelson liked. Hope this link will bring it up.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=921764765977075&set=a.289721535848071&__cft__[0]=AZVp2N2rdi546ZChtCyj-Bs2s7LtikvTbmTaqeIi-q6012f3nRQWhLDfk3YZAimibjLT8IRmUdK0Ri9bFvReAjNNSwmjoR7k47Ul_nurILTL02hXlV9bktgk1yyGbLtl6od6GXyQqydS8nK-kdEb7xyiRZn1C-WEtbq3flSdLHvusdkLdkXLFE0miu09yqOXf0cUJWNdwc4d7_ax-JDnZpDG&__tn__=EH-y-R

[MiserereNobis]

5 hours ago, smac97 said:

Regardless of whether one concurs with Pres. Nelson's religious beliefs, I think we must commend him for sincerely holding them.  I think only strongly-held convictions about the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel would be sufficient to motivate a man of his age to continue to "work" as he does.  I admire and am grateful for him, and I am glad his health has improved.

I whole heartedly agree with this. I'm glad to hear President Nelson is doing better and wish him a full recovery, for himself, his family and friends, and all of the faithful.

(on the other hand, a partial recovery would mean he would get to rest more, which might not be so bad at 99 years old  )

[MiserereNobis]

3 hours ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Must you though? Especially if you think their views are wrong and cause real harm?

Is there any major religious leader you would commend for sincerely holding strong religious beliefs?

I'm just trying to determine if you think Mormonism specifically causes real harm or religion in general.

[Calm]

49 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

I'm almost 62, my mother showed signs of Alzheimer's at around 62. In the last few days I've felt like it could be me.  Hopefully it's lack of sleep. 

Most likely the sleep, that can have a subtle or massive impact.  But also just in case check all your medications and supplements, including combinations.  Two of mine were fine on their own, but horrible together.  Thankfully I could substitute one of them easily with a harmless version.  There are also some that can be fine originally, but then develop into being a problem.  We can talk privately if you want…

Edited November 10, 2023 by Calm

[SeekingUnderstanding]

14 hours ago, MiserereNobis said:

Is there any major religious leader you would commend for sincerely holding strong religious beliefs?

I think sincerity in this context (in general not just religious leaders), in and of itself, is a low bar for praise. Praising someone, (Nelson this case) because he honestly believes what he is preaching to millions? Well I sure hope he believes. 
 

I do find some actions from religious leaders commendable. Pope Francis eschewing the papal apartments for example. 

14 hours ago, MiserereNobis said:

I'm just trying to determine if you think Mormonism specifically causes real harm or religion in general.

I can speak personally about Mormonism* (I can never remember what the official replacement for this word is supposed to be). I can draw parallels to most other religions. 

The topic is too big to go into here, and for those that wish to respond, I apologize in advance, but it’s a debate I just don’t have time for at the moment. I will also say that not everything religion does is harm (if that’s not clear). There are some things that religions can do really well. 

[Calm]

3 hours ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

can speak personally about Mormonism* (I can never remember what the official replacement for this word is supposed to be)

“The restored gospel  of Jesus Christ”** supposedly, but that doesn’t really cover culture that has little to do with the gospel, except that people in the culture practice the faith, so I don’t think they actually have a replacement…can I count this as a solid criticism of the Church as it really frustrates me because it should be obvious that it doesn’t work in so many cases “Mormonism” is used?  Christ didn’t restore use of green jello or funeral potatoes, for example.

So using “the restored gospel of Jesus Christ” for the actual doctrine and its interpretations into policy and practices and teachings, that I can agree with.  Lifestyle when it is a result of those teachings as well, though it seems borderline.  Lifestyle that does not follow those teachings, but is a result of a close knit community needs another name, maybe like “Mormonism”.

Until they come up with a sensible replacement for the last usage, they are doomed to fail, imo.

However, for your post, “the restored gospel of Jesus Christ” would be accurate by their standards, not sure by yours. (Capitals would work better, imo, because then it is a name; otherwise it reads like the person is agreeing it is the restored gospel and not just that the Church claims this).

**

• Quote

  The term “Mormonism” is inaccurate and should not be used. When describing the combination of doctrine, culture and lifestyle unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term “the restored gospel of Jesus Christ” is accurate and preferred.

  https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/style-guide

Edited November 11, 2023 by Calm

[Teancum]

On 11/10/2023 at 2:32 PM, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Must you though? Especially if you think their views are wrong and cause real harm?

I agree.  I don't commend old Muslim Imams who continue to promote jihad for example just because their belief keeps them energized in their elderly years.

[Teancum]

On 11/10/2023 at 2:48 PM, Nofear said:

Your passion and commitment to nay-saying the Church ...

Oh boo hoo.  @SeekingUnderstandinghad a valid question. Just because Russell Nelson is really really old but still committed to the cause and organization that is the foundation of what he likely believes does not mean one needs to commend him.  

On 11/10/2023 at 2:48 PM, Nofear said:

 

I suppose that I don't respect the object of the passion and commitment, but, that you are able to hold such conviction has merit. At the same time, the ability to hold conviction in one's uncertainty has its place. For my part, because I believe in the Restored Gospel and that the Church is authentically authoritative with Christ's leadership, I both admire and respect Pres. Nelson's dedication to it and that such dedication is worthy of emulation.

Sure. And if you were a devoted muslim jihadist you would admire a old warrior jihadist as much.  That does not mean we should fine your behavior commendable not the old jihadist's behavior.

[blackstrap]

There are knee-jerk reactions and then there are reactions in which no knees are involved.😬

[Teancum]

22 hours ago, MiserereNobis said:

Is there any major religious leader you would commend for sincerely holding strong religious beliefs?

You did not ask me but I like your current Pope pretty well.  I am sure there are others that I could commend.

22 hours ago, MiserereNobis said:

I'm just trying to determine if you think Mormonism specifically causes real harm or religion in general.

Most organizations are a  mixed bag so I guess one has to think about the degree of harm or not.  

[Nofear]

19 minutes ago, Teancum said:

Just because Russell Nelson is really really old but still committed to the cause and organization that is the foundation of what he likely believes does not mean one needs to commend him. 

Nor does being old and committed disqualify one from being commendable. I gave the reasons why I do find him commendable.

[Teancum]

39 minutes ago, Nofear said:

Nor does being old and committed disqualify one from being commendable.

Did I say that?

39 minutes ago, Nofear said:

 

 

 

I gave the reasons why I do find him commendable.

Yes I understand that.

[SeekingUnderstanding]

1 hour ago, blackstrap said:

There are knee-jerk reactions and then there are reactions in which no knees are involved.😬

Is calling other posters jerks allowed as long as you do it in a sly way?

[Nofear]

1 hour ago, Teancum said:

Did I say that?

Sorry. Confused you with SeekingUnderstanding.

[Calm]

3 hours ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Is calling other posters jerks allowed as long as you do it in a sly way?

Is that what he meant…man, am I out of it, lol.

[The Nehor]

5 hours ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Is calling other posters jerks allowed as long as you do it in a sly way?

As someone who has tested this theory multiples times I can say the results are mixed.

[smac97]

On 11/10/2023 at 11:12 AM, SeekingUnderstanding said:

Quote

I think we must commend him for sincerely holding them. 

Why?

Because a not-uncommon narrative about the Church is that its leaders are a bunch of secretly conniving Machiavelli clones who know that the Church of Jesus Christ is a scam, but they perpetuate it for ulterior and nefarious reasons (greed, power, whatever).

I think it is more likely that Pres. Nelson sincerely believes in the foundational doctrines of the Restored Gospel, and on that basis is willing to get "back to work" in this, his 99th year of life.

I think it is sincerely- and strongly-held convictions about the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel that motivate this man.  I am grateful for his example.

Thanks,

-Smac

Edited November 12, 2023 by smac97

[SeekingUnderstanding]

5 hours ago, smac97 said:

Because a not-uncommon narrative about the Church is that its leaders are a bunch of secretly conniving Machiavelli clones who know that the Church of Jesus Christ is a scam, but they perpetuate it for ulterior and nefarious reasons (greed, power, whatever).

I think it is more likely that Pres. Nelson sincerely believes in the foundational doctrines of the Restored Gospel, and on that basis is willing to get "back to work" in this, his 99th year of life.

I think it is sincerely- and strongly-held convictions about the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel that motivate this man.  I am grateful for his example.

Thanks,

-Smac

And that means that people who disagree with him, “must” commend him? Because he’s not lying about his conviction?

[CV75]

1 hour ago, SeekingUnderstanding said:

And that means that people who disagree with him, “must” commend him? Because he’s not lying about his conviction?

No, commending is fully voluntary. But improved understanding between parties that disagree is often advanced when favorable attributes and commonalities are recognized. I think the gospel and analogous principles help people accomplish this. Tearing down and minimizing another's positive attributes are voluntary too. Doing so as a result of feelings over the disagreement in policy is conflating and unproductive.