Some wise counsel

It amazes me how much great stuff makes it to my inbox these days! All of it is, of course, stuff that comes my way so that I'll pass it on to you.

So, here's the latest - some true words of wisdom:

As all of you know, the protests from the No on 8 side will continue this weekend.

We are counseled not to hold counter-demonstrations. The other side will be looking for confrontations and if they get them, guess how the attending media will spin villains and victims?

Please counsel our people to stay away from the demonstrations and let the police handle things. Especially encourage our most passionate supporters to stay at home. The more the other side demonstrates, the more their temper tantrums help us.

Let's not do anything that detracts from their visual stupidity.

Keep things in perspective: We can paint over graffiti on ourbuildings and we can plant new flowers on our temple grounds, but it's more difficult to repair a reputation that has been tarnished because some member loses his temper.

Be patient and kind. Turn the other cheek. This too shall pass.

For a further good read along these lines, check out "Christian Courage," Elder Robert D. Hales's conference talk from the October General Conference. It's one that a few friends have sent my way in the midst of all this craziness, and I think there's definitely a reason why he gave it when he did.

As he says, "One of mortality’s great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized. In such moments, we may want to respond aggressively—to 'put up our dukes.' But these are important opportunities to step back, pray, and follow the Savior’s example. Remember that Jesus Himself was despised and rejected by the world."

For more information go to http://whatisprop8.com