Happy Easter, Standing for Him

This weekend I saw a sign for an Easter Extravaganza which was to take place on Easter Sunday, put on by a local church. First of all, it amazed me that a church would have a celebration of Easter as the "world" see's it on the Sabbath Day, on Easter Sunday, no less. Second, it amazed me that a church would promote a "worldly" tradition for Easter.

I don't mean to be judgmental but I have to wonder where their loyalty lies, man or God. I guess I can understand that sometimes getting the attention of people is to create an activity that attracts them, like an Easter egg hunt, and the Easter Bunny; then, hope that they will return to your church when they finally do decide to search for God in their lives. It's sad to think that this is the only way that people will go to church activities.

How do we show people why we truly go to church, and that its not a bad thing? I remember when I was young(er) that people came to church on Christmas and Easter no matter what they believed. It was just something they did, go to church as a family on special occasions. But today, its more like we stay home with family no matter what we believe on special occasions. When did that change?

I think it changed when people went to sleep and stopped standing up for what is right and true. I think it was easier for people to just give in to those who spoke loudest than to fight for what was right. You could believe what you want as long as you kept it to yourself but they could say whatever they wanted; we see a lot of that in the political world today. It probably started with religion.

My dear Sisters, and any brothers reading this, we have to speak up for our Savior. He came here for a purpose and we cannot fail Him in our responsibilities to that purpose. We have to stand up as righteous women and speak for the truth and light that we so need in today's world. We cannot straddle the fence any longer, we have to stand up and fight for the things that take us away from our Savior. It falls on our shoulder to lead in this area.

But first we have to make those changes in our own lives. We have to know what is truth and light in our own lives in order to be the example and speak for it. Studying, not just reading, the scriptures is a good place to learn. Attending our church meetings, and listening to the words of our prophets will also help us. We have that opportunity next weekend by watching General Conference. I so look forward to being spiritually fed then. And attending the temple is a great place to learn about that Light.

Sisters, the time of the second coming is so near, we have to make that stand today and share what we know with others the best we can. We have to be prepared ourselves and be willing to help as many others along that same path. It is our responsibility to do this and what better day to make that commitment than on Easter Sunday, the day we remember what our Savior Jesus Christ has done for us. Let us all make that stand for truth and righteousness from this day forth and do His will along that path. May God bless you as you make this stand as righteous women.