Standing for Something by Gordon by Hinckley (5)

"We are forgetting God, whose commandments we have neglected and in some cases forgotten, and which we seem reluctant- or too undisciplined- to obey. In too many ways, we have substituted human sophistry for the wisdom of the Almighty.

America is still strong, but destructive forces have been and are at work. There is a serious unsteadiness in our country's stance in terms of morality, ethics, principles, and behavior. We as a people and a nation have increasingly neglected and abandoned time-honored virtues that have been proven through the centuries to keep human beings individually, and therefore collectively, strong."

I have been reading quite abit recently and alot of my most recent books have focused on quite heavy subjects so I thought I really need to do some uplifting reading so I picked up "Standing for Something" Even though it does focus on America's problems you can see the breakdown of this virtues in any country. But President Hinckley gives us hope ...

"Healing in our hearts and in our homes, and subsequently throughout society, will begin to occur when we individually and collectively return to the code of ethics and the canons of divine truth that our honored forefathers lived by."

He outlines in his book, this code of ethics, by way of the following ten virtues:

1) Love: The Lodestar of Life
Love is the only force that can erase the differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness.
2) Honesty: Where There Is Honesty, Other Virtues Will Follow
In our day, those found in dishonesty aren't put to death, but something within them dies. Conscience chokes, character withers, self-respect vanishes, integrity dies. How cheaply some men and women sell their good names!

3) Making a Case for Morality
Both experience and divine wisdom dictate that moral virtue and cleanliness pave the way that leads to strength of character, peace of mind and heart, and happiness in life.

4) Our Fading Civility
Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, and consideration of others. All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, of going the extra mile.

5) Learning: "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding"
No matter how old we become, we can acquire knowledge and use it. We can gather wisdom and profit from it. We can grow and progress and improve- and, in the process, strengthen the lives of those within our circle of influence.

6) The Twin Virtues of Forgiveness and Mercy
Hatred always fails and bitterness always destroys. Are there virtues more in need of application in our day, a time marked by litigious proceedings and heated exchanges, than those of forgiving, forgetting, and extending mercy to those who may have wronged us or let us down?

7) Thrift and Industry: Getting Our Houses in Order
I commend to all the virtues of industry and thift, which I believe go hand in hand. The Labor and thrift of the people make a nation, a community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make the family independent.

8) Gratitude: A Sign of Maturity
Gratitude is the beginning of civility, of decency and goodness, of a recognition that we cannot afford to be arrogant. We should walk with the knowledge that we will need help every step of the way.

9) Optimism in the Face of Cynicism
My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we "accentuate the positive." I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort.

10) Faith: Our Only Hope
Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. Faith has always been , and always must be, at the root of any meaningful practice and endeavor.

There are so many beautiful quotes in this book that I could go on all day writing them down but we really need to get back to the basics ... And alot of the things in this book you would just take for granted but you can see in today's world how even the simple things like gratitude is breaking down ...

I loved the quote of "With that frame of reference, my plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we "accentuate the positive". I just thought that was lovely ...

I loved this book and rate it 5*****

President Hinckley's last testimony