1. Doctrine of Inclusion by M. Russell Ballard
1.1. What shall I do to inherit eternal life? Love the Lord thy God and thy neighor as theyself
1.1.1. “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, “And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
1.1.1.1. “Go, and do thou likewise” (see Luke 10:25–37).
1.1.1.1.1. If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times, particularly in times of need.
1.1.1.1.2. The Lord expects a great deal from us.
1.1.1.2. His deliberate use of Jews and Samaritans clearly teaches that we are all neighbors and that we should love, esteem, respect, and serve one another despite our deepest differences—including religious, political, and cultural differences.
1.1.1.2.1. “Funny thing about assumptions—they can cut away the very roots of something that could flourish and grow if given a chance. I am forever grateful that assumptions were cast asid
1.1.2. “Our message … is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father” (First Presidency statement, 15 Feb. 1978).
1.1.2.1. That is our doctrine—a doctrine of inclusion
1.1.3. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).
2. Concern for the One by Joseph B. Wirthlin
2.1. True disciples of Jesus Christ have always been concerned for the one.
2.1.1. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost,”1 He said. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”
2.1.2. We are commanded to seek out those who are lost. We are to be our brother’s keeper.
2.1.2.1. Some are lost because they are different.
2.1.2.1.1. Tied to this misconception is the erroneous belief that all members of the Church should look, talk, and be alike. The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony.
2.1.2.2. Some are lost because they are weary.
2.1.2.2.1. Many feel discouraged because they have not measured up to their potential. Others simply feel too weak to contribute. And so, as the flock moves on, gradually, almost imperceptibly, some fall behind.
2.1.2.2.2. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the Lord “giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
2.1.2.2.3. When we show concern for those who are weary, we “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”
2.1.2.3. Some are lost because they have strayed.
2.1.2.3.1. The Lord knows we will make mistakes. That is why He suffered for our sins. He wants us to get back on our feet and strive to do better. There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
3. Drenched in Grattitude by Kim B. Clark
3.1. the spirit of entitlement is a spiritual poison
3.1.1. If you and I have the spirit of entitlement, it means we have an attitude and belief that the world owes us what we want.
3.1.1.1. Like the poison that was in my leg, if we do not recognize these feelings early and stop their effects, the spirit of entitlement can be deadly.
3.1.1.1.1. Think of your spiritual heart full of receptors and sensors tuned to the Holy Ghost with capacity to receive the gifts of the Spirit. Imagine that righteous desires and the doctrines of salvation have found a place in your heart. Now think of the poison of the spirit of entitlement seeping into your heart, working its way into those delicate and soft receptors and sensors. Think of the poison twisting and shrinking your righteous desires.
3.1.1.1.2. Are you overly critical of others? Do you look down on others? Is the word "deserve" used frequently in your vocabulary--as in "I deserve" or "I don't deserve" this or that? Do you care too much about indicators of status and rank? If you are not recognized, or accorded a privilege, or blessed immediately after doing something good --do you hear a voice inside saying "What about me?" or "That is not fair"? Do you ever seek special treatment for yourself? Does it happen often?
3.1.2. Often those who succumb to the spirit of entitlement feel superior to those around them, or believe certain rules should not apply to them, or that they should not be required to do what everyone else has to do. They believe they are entitled to special treatment and special privileges. They want something for nothing.
3.1.2.1. It is the law of heaven that "when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." But the blessing comes in God's "own time, and in his own way."
3.1.3. The spirit of entitlement has a history that goes back to the War in Heaven. Satan was full of pride and the spirit of entitlement when he rebelled and fought against the Father and the Son. He said to God, "I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor." Jesus, in contrast, said simply, "Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever."
3.1.3.1. The scriptures warn us repeatedly that the spirit of entitlement leads us to anger and to fight against God and His eternal plan. In the Old Testament, for example, we have the story of Naaman, the Syrian captain who was afflicted with leprosy. He came to Elisha the prophet to be healed, but he came with a spirit of entitlement.
4. The Moving of the Water by Boyd K. Packer
4.1. It is natural for parents with handicapped children to ask themselves, “What did we do wrong?” The idea that all suffering is somehow the direct result of sin has been taught since ancient times. It is false doctrine. That notion was even accepted by some of the early disciples until the Lord corrected them.
4.1.1. “As Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. “And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? “Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” (John 9:1–3.)
4.1.2. that “all spirits while in the pre-existence were perfect in form, having all their faculties and mental powers unimpaired. … Deformities in body and mind are … physical.” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., 5 vols., Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979, 3:19.) Physical means “temporal”; temporal means “temporary.”
4.1.2.1. Spirits which are beautiful and innocent may be temporally restrained by physical impediments.
4.1.2.1.1. Truth: After mortal death we will rise in the resurrection to an existence to which there will not, neither could there be an end. The words everlasting, never ending, eternal, forever and forever in the revelations describe both the gospel and life"
4.1.2.1.2. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that “all the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement.”
4.1.3. You parents and you families whose lives must be reordered because of a handicapped one, whose resources and time must be devoted to them, are special heroes. You are manifesting the works of God with every thought, with every gesture of tenderness and care you extend to the handicapped loved one. Never mind the tears nor the hours of regret and discouragement; never mind the times when you feel you cannot stand another day of what is required. You are living the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in exceptional purity. And you perfect yourselves in the process
4.2. The mimicking or teasing or ridiculing of those with handicaps is cruel. Such an assault can inflict deeper pain than can physical punishment—more painful because it is undeserved. It is my conviction that such brutality will not, in the eternal scheme of things, go unanswered, and there will come a day of recompense.
4.2.1. Teach them that they, in their own way, should become like angels who “move the water,” healing a spirit by erasing loneliness, embarrassment, or rejection.
5. Video
5.1. People with disabilities and their families can feel misunderstood and/or invisible
5.1.1. the worst thing to do is ignore
5.1.2. get to know their challenges, gifts, likes, and dislikes
5.1.2.1. address them first not the caregiver