News Break or Heartbreak: Meridian Readers Respond
Edited and compiled by Kathy Green

Mom Delivers Meridian

I wanted to thank-you for the beautiful daily feast you provide to us. Our twenty-five-year-old son is in prison. I send him articles from your site on a daily basis. They are encouraging, uplifting and have helped to change his life. He was raised in the gospel, but at the age of thirteen, he chose a different path — of drugs, etc. He wants desperately to change and you have contributed immensely to that goal. Of course the real change comes from within and only he can do that.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there.

Name Withheld by Request

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May the Best Man Win

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A Romney Candidacy: What to Watch for in the Press, by Mitch Davis

It should be an interesting two years. Hopefully we can all keep our cool and still keep people informed of the truth.

Laurel Gallegos
Grand Junction, Colorado

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This needs to be out where everyone (LDS) can see it and be aware of all that's headed down the pike — the good, the bad and the ugly. Any thinking person will know that it's going to bring all the worms out of the wood, and then some.

In South Africa, just before the Johannesburg Temple was to be dedicated in 1985, we had people picketing our little chapels across the country. A bit of a surprise to most members — that picketing would be used against a religion. I know that most of us were able to walk by, wishing them a good day, as we went on our way. Difficult to ignore when pamphlets & suchlike were being thrust under our noses.

However, there were some who could not bear to see the church beliefs and ordinances vilified in public thusly; and their exceptions to these people took a more confrontational stance. I am certain that this is bound to happen here in the days to come. However, it might be tempered somewhat with as many as possible being forewarned (rather than forearmed)!

What an exciting time to be here. What a time to stand up and be counted. What a time to help usher in a new world!

Am looking forward to the new site OurSharedValues.com

Coral Anna Foster
Mt. Solon, Virginia

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I was born in Mexico, but I am a US Citizen. We knew the Romneys came from Colonias Mormonas en Chihuahua, Mexico. Reading about Mitt running for president is something wonderful. I have being Republican no matter what, because of the principles of the party, unhappy when those we elected are out of focus; but that happens. I'm reading with great interest anything about this run for the White House.

As a member of the Church, I love it and I will do any thing I can to help this campaign. For us, having been subject to great persecution because of the injustices of our government, it is great to have some of our people with deep roots in our constitutional and moral principles. Government under such a man is a great dream to achieve.

Samuel Oteo,
Provo, Utah

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The Buddy System

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Witness of the Light: A Photographic Journey in the Footsteps of the Prophet, Joseph Smith, by Scot Facer Proctor

I watched this New Year's Eve with a friend. We loved it! It's both beautiful and informative. Thank you, Scot and Maurine.

Evelyn Jeffries
Riverton, Utah

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The Hand that Reaches

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In The Due Time of the Lord, by G.G. Vandagriff

I cried as I read the article, “In Due Time of the Lord.” We have a daughter who suffers from mental illness, and it is so difficult for all of us. She has endured hospitalization and electro-convulsive therapy — among many other treatments. This began shortly after the birth of their two-year old son. She no longer lives in our area, and I pray every day for someone to reach out to her, and that our daughter will take the hand that reaches.

Several of us in the family suffer from depression, as well. These words mean so much to me. I can’t even describe my feelings.

Name withheld by request

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It was very helpful to read of G.G.'s experience with depression and how she found hope and help. There are many of us who have suffered with depression and related problems, some for much of our lives.

I can recall the fantasy world I lived in when I was a child. When my fifth grade teacher told my mother that I was a troubled little girl, this was dismissed quickly, and the teacher's words were ignored. Some people react with fear, ignorance, and many other responses when confronted with mental and emotional illness. But as I grew older, I can recall a distinct age at which I felt the promptings of the Lord guiding me and helping me to understand that I need to learn to talk with people and to look them in the eye and to reach out to them.

This was very frightening for me, but I know the Lord was helping me. At that time, I was not a member of the Church. As I grew older and went away to college, I met the missionaries and accepted the gospel. Soon enough, I transferred to BYU, and there met some of the greatest friends I have ever had! Bishops gave listening ears, friends cared and helped with friendship and love.

Still, I suffered more and more from depression, especially in the dark, winter months, and I learned that condition has a name (S.A.D. — seasonal affective disorder). A general feeling of depression and inability to feel joy and hope in the normal sense, has accompanied me throughout my adult years. But I have also found help particularly by doing family history research and attending the temple as often as I can.

Writing in my journal has helped at times, as well as reading the scriptures and being around positive friends and family members. Also, keeping busy with Church callings and making efforts to share the gospel and help other people has helped me keep my mind off my darkness and despair at times. But I do want to encourage yet another avenue of help, which is to explore the benefits of many natural supplements and herbs, etc. Ideally, this should be guided by a professional who is familiar with this form of treatment and knows how to assist in the search for help.

I have done much research on my own and have found a number of natural products that have helped me to stabilize enough that I can function fairly normally. This help along with the faith that in the eternities, all of our handicaps, whether physical or emotional, will be removed, has given me the incentive to endure on, despite many dark days. The substances that have particular helped me are amino acids (5-htp), good quality fish oil, and SAMe for my son, who also has a chemical imbalance. Some of the natural substances actually help to produce the missing chemicals that the body needs in order to produce a feeling of well-being.

Again, I thank the author of this article for her courage to share her experiences, and I encourage others to prayerfully explore the world of natural and alternative care, in their efforts to find help and healing. May the Lord bless you all in your righteous efforts; and may you find renewed faith to believe that He is always there with you even when your heart can't feel the joy of this truth! He WILL walk with you throughout your life and will lead you into an eternity filled with the joy you so long for.

An anonymous reader

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This article came at such a good time. I am able to forward it to a friend who is desperately needing it.

Thank you SO much for being so honest and direct in your feelings.

I truly believe that those who go through the hardest trials here on earth have the greater reward on the other side. Sister Vandagriff, you must have an awesome spirit. You have this wonderful talent to write and the Lord is using you to bless and give hope to many many lives. You really couldn't help others without experiencing these things yourself.

Susan in Arizona

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The Lord extends His hand and the wise ones grasp it and keep on going. Amen to a wonderful account.

Stephen Todd
Lemoore, California

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Perfect Attendance

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One-Man Congregation: The Church in Bethlehem by Matthew Pitts

I was so touched by this beautiful story of Odeh Marcous. I am so grateful to know of him. His determination in the face of such difficulty in such a restrictive environment softens the harsh landscape that surrounds him as well as the harsh reports of goings on in his surrounding homeland. The Lord is truly mindful of all human beings and knows their hearts. This is another strong testimony to me of the truth of the gospel and the beauty of those who publish peace in every corner of the globe. Thank you for this inspiring, touching and hope-inducing article.

Hollie Hendricks
Granstville, Utah

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Close Call

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Lessons Learned from Embracing the Call

I just read through Brother Goddard's fine article "Embracing the Call." It reflected so many of my thoughts, memories and experiences. I served as the bishop of two different wards in two different stakes. Two of the bleakest days of my life are those days when I was released as bishop. There is nothing to compare with serving when carrying that mantle.

Yes, the call does require a large time commitment, and can affect the bishop's family.

There were many, many times when counseling members I would almost stop what I was saying and think this is good stuff, where's it coming from? Humility is quickly refound. Those times remain as the sweetest of memories; up there with some of the events with my family.

I spent numerous hours counseling individuals through the process of repentance. When I happen to see them years later in the course of life; I remember spending a lot of time with them. But unless I focus really hard I cannot remember the reasons for the repentance. I mostly remember the joy I got to share with them.

Dennis Martin
Lakewood, Washington

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Study Notes

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Lesson 1, "That Ye Might Believe That Jesus Is the Christ"Isaiah 61:1-3; Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 3:4-11; John 1:1-14; 20:31, by Maurine Jensen Proctor

I really enjoyed this article and found it more informative than things I had read so far. I wondered if there is any material suggesting the ages of the writers, and where do they refer to "Q"? I liked the author's surmise about Luke possibly interviewing Christ's mother. That would suggest Luke was an adult when Mary was still living. Since Christ died in his early thirties, Mary was possibly under 50 at the time, but may not have lived much longer. I wonder if there is any further information about Christ's family members (ignoring the De Vinci Code, of course).

Ann Miller
Mission Viejo, California