Comment

Touch My Heart

As a less-active member of the Church, let me share with you some ways to touch my heart—and the hearts of your loved ones:

• Be my friend. Know, value, and love me as a person without regarding my status in the Church. Continue to share books, ideas, and time with me.

• Notice and remember my name. Once when I went to Church, a sister asked my name and then said, “I don’t know why I ask. I won’t remember anyway.” When you notice someone is not there—even one week—call and tell her or him she or he was missed.

• Remember my birthday and other special occasions.

• Know what my talents are and make use of them. I once volunteered to do a workshop for members of my ward as well as for wards that my friends belong to, but no one took me up on my offer.

• Invite me to go with you to special events. Tape Relief Society lessons and save handouts for me.

• Make sure I have visiting teachers and home teachers who care about my needs.

I’m struggling to enjoy the blessings of the gospel once again. The transition would be easier if I felt support from friends, family, and ward members. While not all less-active members will desire what I do, it’s hard for anyone to keep rejecting sincere, unconditional love. So reach out to a less-active member who may or may not know he or she is saying, “Touch my heart.”

Name Withheld upon Request

One Church, Many Cultures

Thank you for the article “A Second Decade for Dominican Saints,” featured in the October 1990 issue. I have recently noticed more articles in the Ensign on the cultural mosaic that makes up today’s Church membership. This truly is a worldwide religion, and it is a joy—and a necessity—for members to read about Saints in various parts of the world.

Catherine DeVos
Toronto, Ontario

Thanks for the “Mess”

“I Never Met a Mess I Didn’t Like” (October 1990) touched my heart. I found it comforting to know that others live as I do. I have often asked myself what I would do if the Savior knocked at my front door.

This article clearly encourages us to be genuine and honest with others and not worry about whether they will understand. It also teaches us to love one another.

Sylvia Lawrence
Brampton, Ontario

Inspired Words in Two Languages

I’m so pleased to have Church magazines coming into our homes in two languages (English and French). They are inspiring, powerful tools for us.

Beatrice Therien
Quebec, Canada

Single Members

How does the gospel provide guidance, comfort, and strength to you, an unmarried member of the Church? We would like to share your ideas and experiences with other single members throughout the world. Send your contributions (typewritten, double-spaced, if possible) to Singles and the Gospel, Ensign, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150, within ten days of receiving this issue. We will notify you if we plan to use your manuscript.

Update

Nancy Crookston painted the mother and child on page 11 of the December 1990 Ensign. The illustration on page 47 is by John Kilbourne.