Suicide

Although it is wrong to take one's own life, a person who commits suicide may not be responsible for his or her acts. Only God can judge such a matter. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said:

“Obviously, we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide. Only the Lord knows all the details, and he it is who will judge our actions here on earth. When he does judge us, I feel he will take all things into consideration: our genetic and chemical makeup, our mental state, our intellectual capacity, the teachings we have received, the traditions of our fathers, our health, and so forth” (“Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not,” Ensign, Oct. 1987, 8).

To learn more: Hope and Help - Suicide

Understanding How Chronic Illness Affects Relationships

Chronic illnesses can begin at any time in life from childhood to old age. Some of these illnesses contribute to disabilities that are clearly seen, but others create “invisible” disabilities that may not be readily apparent. Family members and others who assist those with chronic illness also experience difficult challenges.

Chronic illnesses vary in their symptoms, treatment, and course. Some may be life threatening, and as they progress, the quality of life and ability to function deteriorate. Others, although persistent, may be less disabling and respond well to treatment.

Examples of common chronic illnesses may include such varied illnesses as cerebral palsy, asthma, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Living with a chronic illness involves more than the physical limitations created by the illness. It may also contribute to financial, relationship, and emotional challenges as well. Individuals may experience loneliness, embarrassment, fear, and concerns about dependency. It often takes time to adjust and to accept the realities of a long-term disabling illness.

Family life may be vastly altered if the primary wage earner is unable to work or if treatment requires long-term changes in the family routine and activities. Learning how to follow medical instructions, managing medication, working out financial challenges, and adapting to limitations and changes created by the illness all require learning new skills and ways of coping.

Those who cope successfully usually have a supportive network of people who help them to maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth. They also strive to keep the Spirit with them, remain close to the Lord, and keep the commandments.

To learn more: Hope and Help - Understanding Chronic Illness

Families with Disabilities

Having a child with unique needs can be the beginning of a journey that leads to great spiritual blessings. Learning how to raise a child with a disability is a process, not an event. You may struggle at times with painful emotions as you try to understand the disability of your child and your role as a parent. Having a child with unique needs, however, can be the beginning of a journey that leads to great spiritual blessings. Draw close to Heavenly Father and allow His Spirit to comfort and instruct you. Trust that God will make you equal to the challenge and will bless you with insight and understanding in making decisions regarding the welfare of your child.

To learn more: Hope and Help - Families with Disabilities

30 Things You Never Knew About Your Mom

Think you know everything there is to know about your mom? Try answering these questions on your own. Then sit down and ask your mom the ones you don’t know. You could be surprised at how much you can learn! It could even be a family home evening activity! Pick some questions from the list, and have everyone write down what they think the answer is. Then have your mom answer the questions and see who gets the most correct!

1. What was it like being pregnant with (or adopting) me? How was it different from my siblings
2. What were you like as a child?
3. What makes you happier: someone doing the dishes or someone giving you flowers?
4. Tell me about your worst date ever.
5. How many jobs have you had in your life? What did you learn from them?
6. Who was your favorite person to spend time with when you were a teenager? Why?
7. What kind of car did you learn to drive in? Who taught you?
8. What was the most popular song when you were in high school? What kind of music did you like to listen to?
9. Who was your role model as a kid? Who is it today?
10. What was the highlight of high school for you?
11. What are your favorite smells, sights, sounds, and feelings?
12. Is there anything in your childhood you wish you could have changed? Why?
13. What do you admire most about your parents?
14. Did you have any traditions with your friends growing up? What about fun family traditions for the holidays?
15. What is the greatest service someone has ever done for you?
16. Tell me about your worst hair day ever. And what about your worst hairstyle ever?
17. What is your first memory of Dad? What kind of boyfriend was he?
18. As a teen, did you ever feel the Spirit prompt you very strongly to do something?
19. What was your favorite restaurant or store as a kid?
20. What’s the best thing Dad has ever done for you? That you’ve done for him?
21. What’s your dream job? Is it different from the job you dreamed about as a kid?
22. Tell me about the first movie you remember going to. How much did a ticket cost?
23. Which three foods do you wish didn’t exist, and which three foods do you wish you could eat every day?
24. What was your first experience living outside of the home you grew up in?
25. What would you want your grandkids to remember you for?
26. Tell me about one day or event that you wish I could relive with you.
27. What’s your favorite thing about having kids? What’s the hardest part? The most surprising?
28. Do you have a favorite travel memory?
29. What do you feel like you inherited from your mom and dad?
30. What is your proudest moment as a mother?

To learn more: 30 Things You Never Knew About Your Mom

Families are a Source of Support

"Our families have the potential to provide a tremendous source of love and support. One reason the Lord has provided us with families is to listen and be available when it feels like there is no one else. Trusted family members may provide the validation and support we need to continue to face our challenges with determination." Addiction and Recovery Support Guide

Good Relationships Require Forgiveness

Forgiveness includes a process of letting go of burdens that keep us from experiencing the Savior’s peace. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “A spirit of forgiveness and an attitude of love and compassion toward those who may have wronged us is of the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Of You It Is Required to Forgive,” Ensign, June 1991, 2). We will find healing as we forgive others. President James E. Faust taught: “It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us ‘to forgive all men’ [D&C 64:10] for our own good because ‘hatred [hinders] spiritual growth’ [Orson F. Whitney, Gospel Themes (1914), 144]. Only as we rid ourselves of hatred and bitterness can the Lord put comfort into our hearts” (“The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 69).

Forgiveness does not mean that we condone our loved ones’ poor choices or allow them to mistreat us. Forgiveness allows us to move forward spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Just as our loved ones are in bondage to addiction, our unwillingness to forgive can hold us captive. As we forgive, we leave behind feelings that, in the words of President Thomas S. Monson, have the power to “canker, fester, and ultimately destroy” (“Hidden Wedges,” Ensign, May 2002, 20). In this way, we eliminate the barriers to having the Spirit more abundantly and continue on the path of discipleship. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminds us, “Heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive” (“The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 77).

To learn more: Addiction and Recovery Support Guide

God is Aware of Our Situation

There may be times when we wonder if God knows what we are going through as our loved ones struggle with their addictions. As we turn our hearts and minds to God, we can sense His presence and guidance. Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy said, “He loves each of us perfectly and is full of mercy and understanding. He knows everything about us. He knows what we need, even when we can see only what we want. He has infinite power and capacity to sustain and guide us. He is always willing to forgive us and to help us in all things” (“Improving Your Personal Prayers,” Ensign or Liahona, June 2013, 36–37). President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Again, my brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father is aware of our needs and will help us as we call upon Him for assistance. I believe that no concern of ours is too small or insignificant. The Lord is in the details of our lives” (“Consider the Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 88).

To learn more: Addiction and Recovery Support Guide