Some general authorities have a reputation for giving strong emotional support, warmth, empathy, and guidance. One such general authority is Elder Jeffrey R. Holland from the quorum of the twelve apostles. In this article, several of his quotes will be shared that can have particular importance, relevance, and applicability to singles. I would encourage you to read these quotes, take them to heart, and find ways to apply this wisdom and direction to your life. You will be glad you did.
Quotes:
Don't You Quit:
“Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”
― Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Good Things to Come"
"If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. You can find an apartment. You can win over your mother-in-law. You can sell your harmonica and therein fund one more meal. It’s been done before. Don’t give in. Certainly don’t give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. He wants everyone to be miserable like unto himself. Face your doubts. Master your fears. 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.' Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence"
“We have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the Lord. We can’t quit and we can’t go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before. The Crucifixion, Atonement, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ mark the beginning of a Christian life, not the end of it.”
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "The First Great Commandment"
The applicability of these quotes for singles should be obvious: keep searching, dating, having relationships, and looking to marry. Don’t give up on the idea of marriage and the search for a partner. Sure, take some brief periodic breaks to rejuvenate and refresh yourself, but don’t ever accept defeat and throw in the towel. Don’t quit. Ever.
You Have Heavenly Help:
“God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go.”
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Created for Greater Things
"In the gospel of Jesus Christ, you have help from both sides of the veil, and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham's seed.”
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Created for Greater Things
How do these quotes apply to singles? Often singles in the church can feel isolated, alone, and without support from others. Yet single members of the church can and will receive spiritual support, help, and guidance when such help is requested from the Lord. Don’t give in to despair or the idea that no one cares and no one will help you. The most important help you can receive is spiritual, and that is always available.
Keep Trying and Keep Going:
"Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. You have more faith than you think you do.”
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "'Lord, I Believe'"
“If for a while the harder you try, the harder it gets, take heart. So it has been with the best people who ever lived.”
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Inconvenient Messiah"
"So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You"
In regards to singles, the encouragement here is for perseverance. To endure to the end. To stay active and involved in church. To stay worthy and committed. This needs to be done before, during, and after finding the next relationship and marriage.
Be Kind:
“Lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.”
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Laborers in the Vineyard"
“Let people repent. Let people grow. Believe that people can change and improve. Is that faith? Yes! Is that hope? Yes! Is it charity? Yes! Above all, it is charity, the pure love of Christ. If something is buried in the past, leave it buried. Don’t keep going back with your little sand pail and beach shovel to dig it up, wave it around, and then throw it at someone, saying, 'Hey! Do you remember this?' Splat!”
―Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Best Is Yet to Be"
For singles, being kind involves treatment towards other singles, as well as those who are married as well. Other singles are not the competition. They are similar to you. It is important to love one another. Also, others who are married are not to be envied or treated with spite or negative assumptions. They may be married but that does not mean they are exempt from challenges, problems, or issues. We are all just people working to get through this life as well as possible. Remember the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Or, as stated in the scriptures: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” –Matthew 7:12.
Quote Reference Source: https://www.ldsliving.com/20-Quotes-from-Elder-Holland-for-When-You-Need-a-Good-Pep-Talk/s/91346
Final Thoughts:
I would encourage you to strongly review and apply to quotes here to your life. Elder Holland is truly an inspired man and will lead, guide, and direct you towards health, happiness, and success—both in your dating relationships and with life in general. And remember that “…neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 11:11.
Dr. G
P.S. If you can questions, comments, or a future article request for me, feel free to contact me at drgilchrist@yahoo.com.
| 2021-02-08 | Randy Gilchrist |
About the author
Hello, my name is Dr. Randy Gilchrist (aka "Dr. G"). I am a licensed clinical psychologist, a licensed marriage & family therapist, and a certified hypnotherapist in private practice in Roseville, CA (www.dr-rg.com), practicing since 1997. Also, I am happily married in the temple (Manti) since 1996 and have 4 sons. I am a volunteer writer and contributor to LDS Dimension. I use my training, education, and experience to share insights with LDS Dimension on all things of interest to the LDS dating community. Please read my articles and columns on this site to assist you in your online dating journey. Also, to be considered for an answer in a future Q and A column, please email me your dating/relationship oriented questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com. Finally, I also offer a powerful, effective worldwide custom hypnosis recording service just for LDS Dimension members for weight loss, pornography, and many other issues of concern to those in the LDS dating community (please learn more now at www.dr-rg.com/lds; email me questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com).