love of local in Utah
BYU Women’s Conference
My mother in law has come from sunny California to snowy Utah for a few years in a row to attend BYU Women’s Conference. Yes, let’s say that part again. She LEAVES the sun to come to the SNOW. There must be a pretty good reason for this, right? She comes with sweet Grandma. This year, her two sisters also came with some of their kiddos. Rebecca and myself went as well.
Although, let’s get this out of the way. I can only do ONE day of Women’s Conference, and even with that, by about noon I am feeling really overwhelmed. Blame it on the fact that I still feel terribly ill every time I enter a new school or campus. I have been scarred from going to way too many new schools growing up. Or on the fact that it really wears me out, which is my excuse for falling asleep during one of the classes.
But put that aside. I NEEDED to go. There were things for ME to hear to help me to make changes for grow and to take care of my family. These women who put the conference together are inspired, the speakers genuinely want to help us grow and it is full of “ah-ha!” moments for me.
When I was flipping through the schedule one class was almost flashing in bright neon lights to me. There was no question I needed to be at that class. I even planned my other classes close by so I would make it to this one class.
It was on Conquering Criticism: “Be Ye Holy in All Manner of Conversation”by Karen J. Allen and Susan Hilbig. It should have been titled, Here, Vanessa. This is What Will Get You to Quit Being Such a Negative Nancy and to Be Nicer.
Here is what I learned on How to Overcome Criticism:
#1 Act & Not React, Act with Charity
#2 Give People the Benefit of Trying to do their Best
#3 Forgive Others
Forgiveness is a gift to our soul because we have the spirit & that is when the healing comes.
Keep focus on things that really matter & listen to our prophet.
The speakers then quoted from my favorite book Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl and shared this part where he says,
“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality.”
This is not too complex a formula. It makes complete sense. It is based around Christlike love. This is what I need to work on. This is why I needed to go, and thank you so much Mom for inviting me to come.
I plan to post more next month on my journey to Overcome Criticism over at our Always Something to Talk About blog, I’ll be sure to let you know when it is up!
