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Brother John J. Ivers, Associate
Dean of the Foreign Language
Department at Brigham Young University-Idaho, counseled students
during his devotional address on Tuesday, September 27 not to
have fear or self-doubt in their lives.
As one of
the themes of his talk, Brother Ivers used the advice he gave to
his sons as they were leaving on their missions: “I told them to
always be cool. Always be cool. I told them not to let
self-doubt, guilt and insecurities get the best of them.”
Brother
Ivers continued, “We live in a very demanding culture; a culture
of high expectations; a culture of excellence. In most ways that
is very good. However, in a few ways it can be bad if we lose
the proper perspective.”
Citing the
fact that many people lose hope because they feel they can’t
measure up, Brother Ivers rehearsed the plea of the Savior found
in Matthew. It says: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)
Sharing
experiences from his childhood, Brother Ivers explained how he
often feared for the safety of his mother, who was divorced and
raising him alone. Now, he feels these fears were unreasonable
because his mother is alive and well today. However, Brother
Ivers also recognized that some fears are legitimate, but we are
not without help in working through them.
“If a
loved one is seriously ill, that is a legitimate fear. If
someone you love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, that is a
legitimate fear. If you yourself are involved in destructive
behaviors, that is a legitimate fear,” Brother Ivers said.
“However, even our legitimate fears should not be as powerful
and as vexing as they often are. The Lord will always be there
for us when we really need Him. He is helping many of you now in
ways you know not. We often forget that in the very famous 23rd
Psalm it says ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy
rod and thy staff they comfort me.’” (Psalms 23:4)
Brother
Ivers also shared advice on dating as it relates to fear and
self-doubt, teaching that one should seek a member of the
opposite sex with high standards to be friends with. When you
become friends, then you can be yourself. Then maybe one of
those people you are friends with will become more then a
friend, but things need to develop naturally without being
forced. Brother Ivers recognized that when relationships are
forced too quickly then emotional and spiritual problems can be
encountered by both people.
Ivers
concluded by reminding that one doesn’t have to have everything
or be everything because all are sons and daughter of God, which
is the most important thing to remember. He made a special plea
of the students to continue to develop charity in their lives,
especially among their roommates. This charitable attitude
should enhance the way we view all people – as equals and as
ones who are worthy of appreciation.
Next
week’s devotional speaker will be
Sister Delia Rochon, Former
Member of the Relief Society General Board.
Devotionals are held Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
in the Hart Auditorium with additional seating in the Hinckley
Chapel, Taylor Chapel and Kirkham Auditorium. Devotionals are
broadcast on KBYI-FM 100.5 at
2 p.m. and rebroadcast Tuesdays
at 7 p.m.
and Sundays at 5 p.m.
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