Sarah Edmondson: Reflections on Sister Runia’s Talk, “Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens"

marissapskinner
Nov 28, 2023
2 min read

Last Sunday, we were blessed with a remarkable lesson by Sarah Edmondson, who shared her insights on Sister Tamara W. Runia’s inspiring talk from the October 2023 conference session titled “Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens.” Sarah’s preparation and thoughtfulness added a beautiful dimension to our understanding of the talk.

Key Focuses of the Lesson

Sarah emphasized three critical paragraphs from Sister Runia’s talk, which resonate deeply with our everyday experiences:

The Essence of Love and Support: Sister Runia reminds us that our role isn’t to chastise those struggling, but to assure them of their irreplaceable role in our families and lives. This unconditional love is what creates a foundation for growth and acceptance.

Perfection in Love: While acknowledging our imperfections, Sister Runia encourages us to strive for a constant and unwavering love. This ‘no-matter-what’ kind of love is pivotal in fostering change and allowing others to grow and return.

Role in God’s Plan: She highlights our role in God’s grand design – not to judge or redeem, but to love with the same purity as Jesus Christ. This is in line with President Nelson’s teachings about offering love rather than judgment.

Insights from the Lesson

Sarah beautifully connected these teachings with the practical aspects of our faith and daily life. She stressed that while we might not be perfect in everything, we can achieve perfection in certain aspects, like paying tithing. It’s a reminder that our efforts, coupled with the Lord’s grace, lead us towards perfection.

Community Reflections

Our discussion was enriched by heartfelt comments from the group. A standout thought was the need to love our children and grandchildren for who they are and embracing their flaws. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking perfection to nurturing unconditional love.

Acknowledging Our Own

There are so many individuals that contribute mightily to our ward and neighborhood. Those seen and unseen. Thank you, for your humility, kindness, love and dedication - your presence and actions speak volumes of the love and acceptance we all strive to offer.

In conclusion

This lesson was not just an interpretation of Sister Runia’s talk; it was a heartfelt reminder of the fundamental principles of our faith – love, acceptance, and striving for perfection in our unique ways. We are reminded that through the Lord’s help, everything works out in the end, and it’s our journey of love and acceptance that truly matters.

With Love,

VV3RS