Question
Gramps,
With COVID-19 and all that it has entailed, do you think people have really learned anything from it? It’s a first for all of us, unless we lived through the depression.
Liam
Answer
Dear Liam,
Thanks for your question. I know personally I have learned quite a few things from this experience. But to find out a detailed answer to your question I decided to go to the source. The people! Here are some of the responses I received:
If you’re prepared, there’s no need to fear! (the great 2020 toilet paper hoard!) Kim
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The words are no longer superficial or hollow: Heavenly Father has a plan for me. The entire world is in a turmoil and events describing the time just prior to the coming of the Savior are unfolding. But, more than ever, for me, a recognition of a prophet preparing us is a source of calm. It is comforting to know that because of Heavenly Father’s plan to bring us home to Him cleansed and redeemed through Christ’s Atonement we can move forward with faith. The doubt and worry are diminished. Humanity is bring humbled and reminded. The temple doors are not forever closed; there is work to complete. The missionaries will return to a changed field, a people now ready to hear the gospel. There is responsibility knowing how much we were trusted to be here on earth as such a time as this. Because of continuing revelation, we have a renewed joy in the Priesthood, knowing no matter whatever occurs in this mortal state we can maintain sacred covenants. We can be blessed to obtain “all [the] Father hath”. 2 Nephi 31:19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Debbie
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To listen to the news, not obsess about it. To take it in, without letting it take over. I have had make an effort to step back from the news and to find ‘fun’ in the everyday things with our children. Amber
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That comfort foods are an important part of food storage. Emily
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I’ve learned to be grateful for my home. Catherine
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I have reflected on my many blessings that come from obedience. I am grateful for my scriptures. I am thankful for my food storage and my personal preparedness. Thankful for our prophet (the Lord’s guidance). Focusing on all my blessings helps me to cope in times of uncertainty Connie
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Well I have learned to wash my hands more often. I went ministering yesterday we both wore homemade masks cause we wouldn’t be 6 feet apart. We did not visit them just put a gift at there door. The a Earthquake in Salt lake 5.7 was little nerving then we base a earthquake in Challis Idaho 6.5. I felt both. I guess I am learning spiritually. Also fill in My food storage more. Shelly
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When we were given permission to bless the Sacrament in our homes by our Bishop I questioned in my mind how that would go , My husband is handicapped and can’t kneel , and very often with health issues has to have the sacrament brought to him , the first Sunday of the COVID-19 one of the Elders from our ward called and ask if we needed help with the sacrament and I said yes , he invited such a special spirit He and his Son , and he also counseled my Husband that he did not have to kneel to bless the sacrament , and he could bless it health permitting , and if he had any problems or concerns to call him as they hurried on their way to go to another home, The next Sunday early morning I put the sacrament on a small white plate and covered it with a white napkin , getting ready for the day and ready to bless the sacrament , when I would glance over at the sacrament preparations there was such a special spirit, our first attempt was not like having a Deacon or a Leader from our Ward do it , it was very clumsy at best, but the second week went a lot smoother and more spiritual also it was fast Sunday and we shared our testimony’s with each other , this was so special to me , where as he is Handicapped our ward is not prepared for this opportunity in testimony meeting , it has been 15 years since I have heard him bare his testimony verbally , I’m so great full for the opportunity and Blessing to have the Sacrament in our home during this difficult time and for the growth and stretching our spiritual muscles this opportunity has given me ….Rhea
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I have had some very profound learning experiences. One being this is not a time to worry about the faith of others, it’s time to secure your own to the foundation of the gospel and Jesus Christ. We never knew exactly what the world crisis would look like and how many would respond. I’m just so grateful for a living Prophet who has been preparing us for these moments for a long time, especially the last couple years. Home centered church, ministering in a different way and Temple sealings not requiring a wait period of one year after a civil marriage seemed really awesome before, but now I see the hand of the Lord loving us. Shelley
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I’ve learned that the time for oil in my lamp to be filled for this crisis is passed. If I had not studied and prayed and drawn myself close to the Lord before this crisis hit, I’d not be strong enough to still spiritually stand and testify where I can…Online only, currently, but still..having and sharing hope is so needed right now. I am glad I thought to build my reserve of oil, and that Christ is merciful in my weakness. Bekah
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I’ve learned I need to keep my food storage rotated more often. My beans are HARD, and won’t sprout so they’re dead. And I know to refresh my 72 hr kits but apparently I let two years go by. Oops. Catherine
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I’m seeing where I need to fill in gaps in food storage and to adjust it to diabetes that my husband has and my gestational diabetes I have hopefully for now. Also learning our home can be the church. Amanda
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I’ve learned that this challenge is a glimpse of things to come before the Second Coming of Our Lord and that we need to be prepared and ready… Luis
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I learned it pays to listen to the Prophet! Even after sharing with others I have enough food to last over a year and enough toilet paper for a few months. Sharon
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I learned from this COVID -19 to Draw Closer to The Lord. Be Thankful for what I have and Especially for what Jesus Christ has Done for Us All. I Also Learned to Trust God More . Also My Mom who was an R.N. Taught us to Wash Our Hands, Cover Our Mouth when Coughing, Sneezing and Stay Home when Sick.Just since 2020 started its been so Intense in Life. So much Good is going on while so much Evil is going on So I can only speak for myself . I am trying to do better every Day . I know these are The Last Day’s. My Family has been going thru Earthquakes in Utah, We had a Storm yesterday that took Our lights out for 40,000 just in our County as well as 3 more Counties . They came in last Night and I am Thankful . It is Something Everyday out there and in here. Prayer’s for All during these Trying Times. Katie
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Pay attention to the counsel given. Nothing is learned until you actually DO something. Sitting idol does not benefit you. Tim
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How truly unprepared we really were. Need to rethink what I’m storing up. Kelly
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Definitely agree with comfort foods. Also a large freezer would be nice(since power isn’t an issue). That I am better prepared than I expected as far as storage goes. That following the guidance of the Prophets can be a true blessing and a source of comfort (as we watch others scramble). And that by focusing on the scriptures and our loved ones during this time we can see what is clearly important in our lives. Kim
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I think of the 10 virgin’s and their oil. It had nothing to do with food storage, the oil is testimony you can’t just give a testimony away others have to get their own. A lot of people of different faiths, including ours, have said and shared this odd belief that if you have faith you won’t get the virus. I find this to be a pharisee principle. People who get sick are not less faithful or lacking in something that others who have not gotten ill possess. The rain will fall on the just and the unjust. The Lord loves us, but his followers will not be spared trials. Whom he loves he chastens. Lin and Jayanna
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I’m so glad that President Nelson got us prepared with the home centered church. I have a good food storage but need to still get more to last 6-12 months. Tara
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I’m seeing where I need to fill in gaps in food storage and to adjust it to diabetes that my husband has and my gestational diabetes I have hopefully for now. Also learning our home can be the church. Amanda
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I learned that being home with my family is a joy beyond measure, instead of running from place to place. The family is central to the Creator’s plan. I’m an extrovert so staying put is a challenge for me but I have learned to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. Karin
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I’m grateful that I was blessed to go to the Temple before the closings and participated in many washings and annointings. The words brought great peace and hope to me that wearing our garments properly, we are protected from the destroying angel to spare us. Looking forward to being back in the Temple helping my dearly departed ancestors and others too. It is very true that we must be worthy of the Holy Spirit constantly or we won’t emotionally survive these times ahead. This is what is meant by keeping your oil vessels full for the Second Coming. Stacy
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I love conversations with my brother, it always becomes a spiritual experience. We were discussing how last General Conference changes were made to incorporate a home centered church. Now with covid-19 we no longer meeting as wards. We may partake of the Sacrament in our homes. We are individually more responsible for our spiritual study and growth. The Church is doing seismic upgrades to Temples and Salt Lake has a 5.7 earthquake. Idaho just had a 6.5 earthquake. If we aren’t paying attention we need to. Our Prophet is a man of God. Our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us and has not left us without guidance. I also learned I am not as prepared as a single senior as I was when my children were living at home. I have more faith than I thought, I didn’t panic and hoard. I have a feeling of calm. Very importantly I learned even while people are hoarding, grabbing things off shelves when someone else is reaching for it, buying guns and ammunition – there are others offering to shop for the at risk, open their own storage if needed, offering breast milk because baby formula is sold out, people ordered to shelter at home are sewing face masks for 1st responders. Our Heavenly Father’s children are demonstrating love for each other. It’s always been there just not in the forefront because hating was getting all the attention. We are strong- not because of our governments decisions but because loving one another is stronger. Kristy
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1. It has been enlightening as a test run for food storage. I am pleased that I have not had to panic over toilet paper, but I underestimated the need for comfort food during a time of stress like this. 2. I am SO grateful for the obvious foresight of our general authorities. It gives me peace to see that the Lord gives direction to the prophet for us before it is needed. Kristen
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Physical knowledge of the disease. Nathan
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My workload at the newspaper has doubled, while my parents have been idled. Not a good combination. Neither one can sit still for very long, but I *need* space if I’m going to work from home. Darren
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I’ve learned that when Pres. Nelson tells us Conference is going to be “unforgettable”, watch out. Seriously, through the changes that have been made in the last 2 or so years in the Church, I know that Pres. Nelson is a prophet. He is leading us along, if we choose to listen. When he announced his 95th birthday party 5 months in advance, I thought “What 94 year old plans a birthday party? Most 94 year olds don’t buy green bananas!” And yet, he was still alive for it. When he told us about conference being unforgettable, who would think no one would be gathering at the Conference Center, but we would all be staying at home with our families, including some of our missionaries returned to be home ahead of schedule? He saw. Ann
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I have learned more use of humility.I know that President Nelson is a prophet.He is living and guiding the Lord’s church. Trying to impress and reinforce upon us the truth of it all.We are living in the last days ! We were saved for this time.Even though, I may question that,I believe, he is telling us the truth.I don’t remember,but, President Nelson does.We are seeing the truths and examples of people all around us.I have had many want to come and help me,in so many different ways.I have needed the help of others in my life because of my health.Our hearts have been touched by this horrible Virus.We have had to think and use what all prophets have told us over & over.Food storage,water storage. Repentance.We are as a people to be prepared.We only have ourselves to blame, if we have not prepared ourselves and taught our families.In these hard times, it seems to bring out the best or the worst in others.I.have mostly seen the best in others, since this has all began.I pray for our dearly beloved prophet, and all that are in his leadership.I pray for the church and the peoples as a whole to be protected,healed and cured,if that is the will of our Father.To carry on and to be strong during these really difficult times.Obey all that you know to be correct and follow through.Love your families and be extra good to them Teach them correct principles too.Love your neighbor,as you would yourself.Be extra forgiving.The time to meet the Savior is not far away from now.May our Heavenly Father bless our efforts. Sandra
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I’ve learned that some people just want to watch the world burn. This pandemic has shone a light on many things for me, it’s revealed the strength of character of some and the ineptitude and inadequacies of others! John
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One thing I have learned is the importance of having some kind of an interest or hobby. With a job that shut down temporarily and living pretty much alone, my hobby of sewing has become a God send. Not only to keep me occupied but also provided me with a way to make some money to make up for wages lost. What my kids have jokingly called my tubs of fabric as hoarding can now be called being prepared. Pam
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Gramps
