Barack Obama

I do not normally have anything positive to say about the President. However, after reading the Parade article on Sunday, I have a new found respect for this man. The article is by Bill O'Reilly. The subject is titled, What Pres. Obama can teach America's Kids.

* Lesson One: Forgiveness
Pres. O was just 2 when his father abandoned him. When he was 10 his mother shipped him off to live with his grandparents. This kind of situation can ruin a child. However, Obama states that even though his mother was somewhat, "reckless", the void left him motivated to succeed. He doesn't sit around wallowing in pain or harboring bitterness toward his parents. He forgave his parents and embraced a positive outlook.

*Lesson Two: Respect
Even though his parents put their needs ahead of his, he speaks of them in affectionate tones and does not demean them. Patricia Saunders, a clinical psychologist in N.Y. says: "Barack dealt with his family situation by understanding it. He put his own ego aside and made a decision to act respectfully toward his folks. That MATURITY has served him very well throughout his life."

*Lesson Three: Persistence
Psychologist Ruth Peters, who counsels children in Clearwater Fla., believes that all the hard knocks Obama took in his young life prepared him for both victory and defeat. "Some people shrink when faced with adversity, others seem to gain momentum and are challenged when they fail. The President did not use his difficulties as an excuse to quit."

*Lesson Four: Hard Work
Children need to understand that work is very important and will ultimately define their lives. Your life is determined by your choices and your own efforts.

*Lesson Five: Anything is possible
The man had no fatherly guidance, is of mixed race, and had no family connections to guide him in the world of politics. Whatever dreams you may have can happen in your life. It all depends on lessons learned.

I thought that this was a great article and that we can all learn from this example. Dealing with other people is never easy. It takes time and patience and lots of effort. Showing kindess, brotherly love and more especially...living the gospel. People are usually very aware of their own shortcomings and don't need others to point them out. Christ is the supreme example of that. May we all be more Christlike in the coming months and years. My ward RS is having a Sisterly Love month. Random acts of kindess are to be performed. If everyone participates...just think what a difference it will make in my ward. Think of the difference it can make in a family. Try serving those you don't like (King Benjamin was a great example of this), maybe you will learn to love them. At the very least...try showing them some forgiveness and respect.