Holy Places

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the General Young Women session of the April 2013 General Conference.

Last week in our stake adult religion class (a free Institute class) we talked about standing in holy places in the last days in preparation for the Second Coming. Our instructor even quoted Sister Ann M. Dibb from this session of conference.

I think it's important to learn about and practice "standing in holy places" wherever you are because, unlike the Amish, we don't separate ourselves from the world so much. We live in, go to school in, and work in the world. But like Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, we can be holy people in unholy places.

However, a place can be 'a distinct condition, position, or state of mind'. This means holy places can also include moments in time--moments when the Holy Ghost testifies to us, moments when we feel Heavenly Father's love, or moments when we receive an answer to our prayers. Even more, I believe any time you have the courage to stand for what is right, especially in situations where no one else is willing to do so, you are creating a holy place.

As the conditions of the world continue to deteriorate our ability to be holy and feel the Spirit anywhere we are will be increasingly important. Especially for those times when we have to be out in the world amongst those whose beliefs and values are diametrically oppose to ours.

I tend to isolate myself at home where I can feel peace. I try to remember to pray before I leave home so I can feel peaceful and calm driving, interacting with people in stores, and any other time or place that challenges me. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I fail and want to retreat into a pint of ice cream. I'm a work in progress.  Sister Dibb's talk was a good reminder of the ways and means of standing in holy places.