Sister Tamara W. Runia
Sister Tamara W. Runia, the First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, encourages us to adopt an eternal perspective and view ourselves and our families with hope and joy. She draws inspiration from the concept of the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts when they saw the Earth from space, emphasizing the power of faith and hope in our lives and relationships.
Zooming Out to the Eternal Perspective
Sister Runia invites us to shift our perspective from the magnified, close-up view to an eternal lens. She quotes Moroni, who speaks of those with exceedingly strong faith who see with an eye of faith and experience gladness.
“With an eye focused on the Savior, they felt joy and knew this truth: because of Christ, it all works out. Everything you and you and you are worried about—it’s all going to be OK! And those who look with an eye of faith can feel that it’s going to be OK now.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Ether 12:19: “And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.”
- Moroni 7:41: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.”
The Power of Hope in Family Relationships
Sister Runia shares a personal story about her father’s hopeful approach to parenting and how it positively influenced her life. She emphasizes the importance of being a cheerleader for our loved ones and using our words to uplift and encourage.
“Our job is not to teach someone who’s going through a rough patch that they are bad or disappointing. On rare occasions we may feel prompted to correct, but most often let’s tell our loved ones in spoken and unspoken ways the messages they long to hear: ‘Our family feels whole and complete because you are in it.’ ‘You will be loved for the rest of your life—no matter what.’”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Moroni 7:48: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
The Overview Lens in Family Relationships
Sister Runia encourages us to view family relationships as opportunities to learn and love at a deeper, godlike level. She emphasizes that while we may not be perfect, there are many ways to be a good spouse, parent, and friend.
“Let’s zoom out to view family relationships as a powerful vehicle to teach us the lessons we came here to learn as we turn to the Savior.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 2 Nephi 2:25: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-13: “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.”
Hope, Love, and Unity in Families
Sister Runia emphasizes the role of love in changing hearts and the importance of empathy and understanding in family relationships. She quotes President Russell M. Nelson and encourages us to focus on love more than judgment.
“Love is the thing that changes hearts. It is the purest motive of all, and others can feel it. Let’s hold fast to these prophetic words offered 50 years ago: ‘No home is a failure unless it quits trying.’ Surely, those who love the most and the longest win!”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
The Promise of Miracles in Families
Sister Runia encourages us to maintain faith and hope even in difficult times, knowing that the Savior can turn our trials into blessings. She emphasizes the promise that all things will work together for our good as we love and follow Christ.
“It is my witness that the Savior has the ability, because of His Atonement, to turn any nightmare you are going through into a blessing. He has given us a promise ‘with an immutable covenant’ that as we strive to love and follow Him, ‘all things wherewith [we] have been afflicted shall work together for [our] good.’ All things.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 98:3: “Therefore, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion.”
Calls to Action:
- “Let’s choose hope—hope in our Creator and in one another, fueling our ability to be better than we are right now.”
- “Before we interact with a loved one, can we ask ourselves the question ‘Is what I’m about to do or say helpful or hurtful?’”
- “In earthly families, we’re simply doing what God has done with us—pointing the way and hoping our loved ones will go in that direction, knowing the path they travel is theirs to choose.”
- “We can hold on and hope on! We can stay at the tree and partake of the fruit with a smile on our face, letting the Light of Christ in our eyes become something others can count on in their darkest hours.”