Speeches
Elder & Sister Hafen: Simplicity on the Other Side of Complexity
Buena Vista, Va.—Southern Virginia University welcomed Elder Bruce C. Hafen, emeritus General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Marie Hafen, to share the spiritual strategies outlined in their latest book, “Faith is Not Blind.”
“There is a natural tension between the ideals of the gospel and the realities of life,” began Sister Hafen. “Sometimes it’s good for us because it stretches us, but sometimes it can produce a little uncertainty.”
Elder and Sister Hafen explained that their message should not be interpreted as an answer to specific struggles, rather as a formula for preventing that tension from becoming an impediment to faith.
“If we can make our way through…[to] the other side of the complexity, we will find the simplicity beyond complexity,” said Elder Hafen.
One way of doing this, Sister Hafen advised, is to take action despite the desire for more evidence.
“We trust the Lord,” she said. “We trust what we do know, and we give the Lord and His Church the benefit of the doubt.”
Elder and Sister Hafen gave four suggestions tailored to dealing with complex questions of life and the gospel in the digital age:
- Invite faithful questions
- Be cautious about the Internet’s weaknesses
- Focus on the Restoration’s hugely positive doctrinal content
- Cultivate an attitude of meekness
The purpose of these tips, explained Elder Hafen, is to help us become “not just optimists and not just pessimists, but open-minded believers who want to understand everything we can.”
In their closing remarks, Elder and Sister Hafen expressed their confidence in the love of Jesus Christ and His willingness to guide us.
“The Lord knows what your search is,” promised Elder Hafen. “He knows of your questions and your struggles. He will lead you through this process, and you will become stronger for it.”