The Difference Between Being Meek and Being Weak

      Several weeks ago, as I ran on the treadmill, I listened to podcast by Neal A. Maxwell entitled "Meekly Drenched in Destiny." Elder Maxwell was a gifted orator and I found myself listening to his speech again and again over the next few days. Then I went to the computer and found a written copy and printed it so I could highlight my favorite parts. Now, this morning, I find myself wanting to share some of those highlights:
       Meekness is an attribute that is essential to developing other crucial virtues such as faith, hope and charity. The Savior described himself as being "meek and lowly in heart."  Our Father in Heaven loves us enough to have made us free to learn, to choose and to experience. According to Maxwell, "Agency is essential to perfectibility, and meekness is essential to the wise use of agency - and to our recovery when we have misused our agency." I learned many years ago, that the sooner I can repent, the better off I am. When I hold onto my mistakes and dwell upon them, I am held hostage by my personal pride.

        Life isn't meant to be fair or easy. We see life's struggles all around us. But, "meekness can help us in coping with the injustices of life...Meekness does not mean tentativeness, but thoughtfulness." It is choosing hope and courage. It is choosing to have faith and to trust in our Father in Heaven.