The Single’s Conference, Part 3
I went to part of the single’s conference - the church and fireside part. I should’ve blogged about it but lately I’ve been blogged out. I get paid to blog and I do more of it than ever. So please forgive me and watch next summer at the LDS Singles site at www.multistakesingles.org for the next one.
Each year I tell myself I’m going to the whole thing and each year I decide not to. Here’s a recap of the day I did go, this past Sunday, June 24, 2007 (I just noticed these posts aren’t dated).
Tip: if you’re speaking to a group of singles who are depressed or mad about their single state, be careful about asking them to tell you their challenges. I thought this wasn’t going to end…a lot of focusing on what’s wrong with life rather than all the things that are right. You know what is right? you have the gospel of Jesus Christ in your life!!
I just loved the talks, I mean just LOVED them. There was so much doctrine and the words were wise, smart, and insightful. But what was really there is the spirit. And this time it felt so loving, just an abundance of love. Brother Eyre talked about the facets of Christ - his chrisma, his friendship, his love. The restored gospel of Christ gives the world more information about who the Saviour is. He told a particularly moving story about a woman and her dream.
The woman drempt she was transported to a place and gradually realized that she was in the presence of Christ. She started to fill herself with dread thinking that he would see her. And when he saw her he’d see all of her flaws, her weaknesses, her mistakes, and everything she could see that she didn’t want anyone else to see about her. She wanted to hide but she knew he would look and her and know her. When he did look at her something totally unexpected occurred. Instead of feeling judged or inadequate all she felt was love. He just loved her.
I realized that about Christ - that he really is interested in loving us. He is love. It’s a moving to experience the strength, purity, and power of it. It’s both expansive and so individual at the same time.
There’s much more I could write about but my overall impression was deep worship and gratitude for Christ - or love. In every single talk and comment I could feel it.
The other speaker, a dapper 76 year old (I’m sorry I can’t recall his name) spoke about parables - including the Good Samaritian. You know who that represents? Christ.
The world leaves us wounded and half dead, like the man left to die. Everyone passes by, even those who almost stop (members of the church) keep going. Ultimately the Samaritan comes to our aid. He pays the price to heal us and then he’ll come again to stay and settle all debts in our behalf. There’s much more to it, but it gave me insights.
This year I’ve focused more on the parables than ever. It all seemed so apparent when he spoke about it but I hadn’t considered it as he explained before. Did you get that? He paid the price to bind up our wounds and take care of us. That’s good news for everyone because he is an amazing healer if we accept the help.
The fireside was incredible. Elder Bateman handled everything with grace. He talked about our bodies, light, and creation. Beautiful topics. Another way of talking about marriage and family than I’ve heard.
If I’m still single next year I promise to attend more of the conference. Perhaps I’ll have the courage to go to the dance. Everyone looks so old to me. It’s just not my scene. But it doesn’t matter, at least there are LDS singles to meet and talk with. I don’t have to drive hours to find people who share my values.
Oh, and I got asked at the fireside. I don’t think that’s happened before. It’s strange to flirt at church but it worked and it was a wonderful day.