For months, I was so focused on getting an option to be back in school in-person. It consumed my thoughts. I knew how badly many of them needed it. I knew from the data that they would be safe from coronavirus, and teachers would be safe (especially after vaccination). I felt so grateful when it finally happened.
Yes, online worked to keep their education going. But once they got back in person, grades skyrocketed, and depression fell (there's an article in the paper today about it). Ben especially thrived with seeing other people again.
(Max speaking at a youth fireside about the challenges of this past year)
Growing up all over the world, we used to go long distances to get to Church. I remember walking through a rainstorm and flooding in Brazil, or taking a bus in Spain, or driving through the countryside in Missouri. When I got to BYU, I was almost in tears that first day to be surrounded by so many Church members. And I was a very shy and introverted person. It would be easier to stay home. But my soul recognized it needed to be among others and learn from their testimonies.
Right now, I am constantly thinking of how to help get us back to Church second hour, and to help my fellow ward members come back in-person. I am working hard as a member of the primary presidency to get our children a way to sing and learn in-person. My young men need to have activities with other youth.
I fill JB's ear with it on our walks. I'm starting to be braver at posting some thoughts on social media. I hope they are encouraging messages.
(Millie joining James's primary class zoom)
(James joining Andrew's primary class zoom)
This quote from President Nelson this past General Conference I think is key:
“God
wants us to work together and help each other. That is why He sends us
to earth in families and organizes us into wards and stakes. That is why
He asks us to serve and minister to each other. That is why He asks us
to live in the world but not be of the world. We can accomplish so much
more together than we can alone. God’s plan of happiness would be
frustrated if His children remained isolated one from another.”
My friend Sarah posted that she gave a talk about this in her sacrament meeting in Ohio. I asked her for that talk, and here is a part that really stood out to me:
Sociology is the study of groups of people and how they interact with each other. It is through this form of science that we learn that people need people.
A study from South University stated, “As humans, social interaction is essential to every aspect of our health. Research shows that having a strong network of support or strong community bonds fosters both emotional and physical health and is an important component of adult life. Over the years, there have been a number of studies showcasing the relationship between social support and the quality of physical and psychological health.” (source southuniversity.edu.)
UCLA professor Matthew Lieberman states, “A growing body of research shows that the need to connect socially with others is as basic as our need for food, water and shelter”, he continues by saying, "Being socially connected is our brain's lifelong passion”.
As studies have proven we all need some sort of social interaction, some seek and desire it more than others. God made us to be social human beings. So when life shut down and church went online, I am sure this was a hit to our social seeking members. And rightfully so, since our church is a social church. We are encouraged to meet and serve each other. It is through each other that we are able to be the conduit to answering people’s prayers. It is also noted that when we meet together we build a support system that helps make us stronger and feel wanted and needed.
(She shared a story of being invited to be with the other college freshmen at orientation and not knowing she needed it until she went and joined them)
...it wasn’t until they allowed us to come back to Church that I realized what I had been missing in the support of other church members. The phrase, “You don’t realize what you got till it’s gone,” is very true. For those that are sitting at home who perfectly well know they could be sitting in the audience with me today, I say please come back and join us. We need your smiling eyes/face and spirit to uplift us.
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I agree with Sarah! Vaccinations work. Cases are down. Church is safe. Transmission among kids is extremely low. If kids and teenagers are going to school in-person, they should be at Church. If you are getting on a plane or going to the store or going to large gatherings, you can go to Church. It is easy to Zoom, and you may think you are doing fine. But doing the harder thing by getting dressed and showing up will help you grow and learn and progress and be blessed like never before. Saints need each other.
Spread the word!
