Surprised by "The Singles Ward"

Last night several members of my family watched The Singles Ward, an LDS comedy that I would never have watched were it not for the recommendation and free loan of the video from a single sister I home teach. Apart from a tendency to overdo things for a laugh, I found the movie to be surprisingly good. I was especially surprised to find myself relating well to the man character, John, a divorced Mormon who struggles to find his path forward in terms of his faith and his social life. While my life has been much different than his, his descent into acting like a jerk and his rescue motivated by the influence of a good woman reminded me of some of my low points in life, and of the way that the examples, the influence and the kindness of LDS women (especially but not only my wife) have rescued me. My life probably would have turned out to be vastly unhappier, much less filled with joy, were it not for the presence of these female beacons who called me back to shore when storms were raging. God bless them all.

We are all such imperfect beings. Even those who we think are strong often have great weaknesses, gaping wounds in our spiritual psyche that need first aid from those who can heal. How vital it is that we love one another and seek to have charity in our lives, for a simple kind act at the right moment can make all the difference. As the great Apostle Paul wrote (Ephesians 2:19-22):

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

We need to be in a community of saints, founded upon Christ with the inspired guidance of divinely called apostles and prophets to guide us. We need each other and the Church in our journey, if we are ever to find joy and ultimately Eternal Life. How grateful I am for the blessings and guidance that the Gospel offers us, and for the kindness of its members - especially some of you sisters and my own incredible wife.