Comment

President Kimball’s Birthday …

I’m not sure who is directly responsible for the compilation of the article “President Spencer W Kimball: On the Occasion of His 80th Birthday” (March), but whoever it is, please thank them for me! That is one fantastic article! It made my day!

An appreciative BYU student who prefers to go unnamed

Among the photographs used to illustrate the March article on President Kimball were those kindly loaned from the Kimball family album. However, a credit line was inadvertently omitted for two other photographs: the one of the Gila Academy (page 9) and the one of the Thatcher chapel (page 10). Both were used by courtesy of Rogers Photo Center, Safford, Arizona.

Sunnyside

I was thrilled to be listed among the winners of the Relief Society–Ensign contest. You may wish to know that I live in Sunnyvale rather than Sunnyside.

Norma A. Wrathall
Sunnyvale, California

Ensine or Ensun?

Please tell us the correct pronunciation of the Ensign. Some people call it “the Ensine” and some call it “the Ensun.” Which is correct?

Harold Collier
Chicago, Illinois

We pronounce it En-sine because it most accurately reflects the pronunciation Church leaders give to the word “ensign” when they read it in scriptural passages.

Thou Shalt Bear …

Bless you for publishing the article “Thou Shalt Bear Their Infirmities” (January Ensign). And bless the authors for their insight and empathy. What a comfort it was—what a spiritual lift it gives! Besides suffering from our illnesses, we who are chronically ill suffer from feelings of guilt because we can no longer be active in Church work. We suffer frequent put-downs, soul-crushing criticisms, and heartbreaking judgments from those who do not understand. (If you are not constantly in bed, you are considered well!) What a relief to know we are not alone—that someone does understand. And that maybe the Lord doesn’t judge us as harshly assume of our fellowmen do.

H. Joan Owen
Ogden, Utah

My first Ensign …

It is with mixed emotion that I confess I have just read my first Ensign from cover to cover. I apologize for taking so many years to do so. I am feeling regret for all the years of good, worthwhile reading I’ve missed.

You see, I’ve been one of those sisters who truly missed our former Relief Society Magazine. When the Ensign first came out in its place, I skimmed through some issues and decided I could do without reading them—and I’m sorry to say I did just that for many years.

I am usually a “compulsive reader.” I read everything my eyes light on that’s in print, and then my brain takes over and discerns whether the printed matter is worth reading. I probably read 15 books a month, some of the Church books, some light novels, and some just to learn a little more. This excludes the numerous magazines and the daily paper I try to read through.

Perhaps you can see why I can honestly say that reading the Ensign (March 1975) has brought the most satisfying feeling to me. All of the articles are in harmony with the beliefs and the spirit of the Church. Everything is in tune. The words are words of wisdom, faith, hope, and compassion. I don’t have to cast out or reject any thoughts or ideas presented. My brain just becomes as a sponge, and tries to absorb the contents. I love the Ensign!

I got out my trusty red pencil and lightly shaded all areas of particular significance to me personally. This proves to be “instant” research for later lessons or talks. (I serve as Young Women’s president in the Yucaipa Second Ward.) My three teenagers often give me short notice about a talk they need to present. I can see the Ensign is going to be invaluable to our entire family.

The Ensign sits on top of my working area. When I’m in a time of “waiting” at work, I open it up and read some more. Sometimes I have to reach for a tissue to wipe my eyes as I feel especially spiritually moved by an article. May I say thank you to all those who contribute to the Ensign? I appreciate those of you who share “life” with me and mine.

My subscription was a Christmas gift from a fellow Saint whom I work with. I certainly know that I shall be giving as gifts in the future to those near and dear to me—The Ensign.

Mrs. Sue Bailey
San Bernardino, California

Cultural Refinement Support

Thank you so much for the article on Samoa (December Ensign). It was exactly what I needed to add the spiritual insight I wanted to my Relief Society cultural refinement lesson. I hope this represents what will be a regular correlation between Ensign articles and the countries we study in Relief Society. The Ensign is a wonderful addition on any terms. Thank you for making it so modern, easy to look at, and easy to read.

Jane W. Hales
Binghamton, New York

We hope that Relief Society officers and teachers have observed the curriculum support being given their lessons, particularly in the “Random Sampler” Department, where nuggets of helpful information may be found continually.

Mexican Initials …

I’ve noticed in several news stories originating from Mexico that the names frequently end in an initial. For example, one name read, “Romulo Perez T.” What does the initial mean?

Maude Fielding
Othello, Washington

The initial stands for the maiden name of the person’s mother. Its use is customary in Mexico.

We’re Not Mormons!

My family and I are delighted with the Ensign, but we do not like to see references made to us that call us “Mormons.” We would like to point out that when we were baptized, we were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of Mormon or of Moses or of Paul. We are “Christ-ians.” We took upon us the name of Jesus Christ, and no other. The world has given us the name of Mormons, but do we as Latter-day Saints have to accept that name? We should teach both nonmembers and members to refer to the Mormon Church as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; we should emphasize that we teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not “Mormonism.” I have even seen our temples called Mormon temples, which, to me, is putting Christ to open shame. Let’s educate the public by educating ourselves: this is the Lord’s Church, not the Mormon Church.

R. Schofield
Telford, Salop, England