Can you still appreciate art without appreciating the artist?

My passion in life is to help people and better society. I don’t want to make a lot of money. However, it takes a lot of money to help people and better society. So I’m screwed. Haha

Last Saturday was a minor miracle. I came back from vacationing in Las Vegas Friday night, at 10PM, I tried doing some work, but got tired. I then had a midnight heart to heart with a good friend until 1AM we realized it was late. I went to bed, called my boyfriend, sort of sang to him for a good 20 minutes and sat there on the phone while I hoped he fell asleep. I finally fell asleep and woke up a few minuted before 5AM, the time when we were supposed to be up and ready to go. 

I felt soooo sick and prayed really hard and finally got out of bed and got ready. I was ready for my Oregon trip around 6:30 when we finally left our house. On the drive there, I consumed plenty of organge juice and water. Anything to make me feel better. I had hundreds of aches and pains to complain about, but I kept them to myself. I kept going. I kept laughing. I kept talking. I kept praying. 

At lunch time, I received a text message from my boyfriend. The one person who I unconditionally love and adore. His text message read, “Idk if I can stay in the church.” I said a quick prayer to myself, but I knew deep down inside, the statement was more than half true. I excused myself from the table so I could go pray and cry. I wasn’t sure what God was telling me. I had just travelled 4 hours to inspire others to have stronger faith, and the person closest to me wants to give it up. Should I stop what I was doing so I could focus on him? On the faith of my best friend? Then I remembered the night I took oath.

I remembered the sudden moment when I burst into tears, no longer able to control my emotions. I felt my whole body start to shake out of nowhere when I said, “I will love God above all, more than my life, and self-interests.” I knew my life’s ambition was headed on a different path.

I returned to my day as if nothing happened. I spoke about this text message to no one and went on the journey to the next destination. The next local was completely different from the first. It was filled with negativity from their leader. She complained, complained, complained, and wasn’t accepting any advice. I kept my anger and my frustrations with her inside. “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” So I ended the meeting with a prayer full of love. 

After this meeting, I find out my Lola went to the hospital. I thought to myself, God is giving me more and more to pray for. There must be reasons for it. It hurts every time my Lola goes to the hospital because she is the one who took care of me growing up. I would stay at her place watching tv with her or watched her cook all day. She’s almost 92 years old. Will she still be around to see my grand children? I knew I couldn’t let negative thoughts haunt me.

The topic of May’s monthly meeting was “Remembering our Spiritual Leaders.” The question I was given to speak about was, “Why is it important to remember our Spiritual Leaaders?” I told them it’s inspirational to know that average, normal human beings, just like us, with the help of God were able to influence and inspire others to be strong in their faith. The brethren who helped with the beginning stages of the reemergence of the church were not as educated or as fortunate as us when it comes to our lifestyle. It’s important to remember this because since we were given more, we can give more.

I thought about my boyfriend’s ambition in life. How he wants to live his life to make a change in the world, he wants to stop oppression here on earth for all of humanity. I do as well, but I choose to do this through my faith. The leaders in this world fight for their cause, died young, and may never get to live again. 

They make a difference, yet is the justice that they fought for everlasting? When this world is diminished, will they be remembered? I’m fighting for something that can give eternal life, a purpose that can bring hope, when all is lost, a purpose that can give comfort, and a meaning to the power of prayer. 

My grandma was converted into the church after all 12 of her children were born. She converted without her husband and stayed strong in her faith. She was constantly persecuted by her own husband and sons.

I remember what people have done for me, so I can have this faith. Sick, tired, exhaustion? Not much can keep me from doing what I do. I may work a little slower at times, but I won’t stop.