Safety and Peace

I had a wonderful father whose only wish was to keep my brother and me safe. He had poor self-esteem and was not built like a boxer, but he understood the importance of walking confidently and with purpose. This was something he felt strongly about teaching us: keep your head up, look people in the eye as they walk toward you, do not act weak, but show strength even if you do not feel it.

Dad’s teachings have helped me tremendously when it comes to meeting strangers on the street. However, having lived in different places throughout my life, I have found that it is not always prudent—or safe—to look at people’s faces while walking. Sometimes we have to look down.

  Some obstacles are obvious and easy to see.

Sometimes you can see them if you look down and ahead.

But sometimes you really have to pay attention to where you should place your feet in order to not fall and/or get hurt.

It is important to know where to look in order to stay safe. When walking on an uneven surface, look down; if you are in an unsafe neighborhood, show strength and do not appear afraid. My father had many experiences to draw from, and I am grateful that he was there to guide me. He has been gone for many years, but I still follow his rules for safety.

However, life is not easy. There are many difficulties that cannot be helped simply by looking down or looking people in the face. We need help from Someone who loves us and has knowledge we do not possess. Our Heavenly Father and our Savior are always there to help and guide us. All we need to do is look to Them. They want us to succeed in life and do not ask for much in return.

In order for us to be happy and safe, our Heavenly Father has given us guidance. If we look to Him and His Son and follow Their counsel, we have a better chance of becoming the best people we can be, and we will feel the kind of joy and peace that are only possible through Their help and guidance. There is a children’s song that explains this well:

“Keep the commandments; keep the commandments!

In this there is safety; in this there is peace.”

I can testify of the truth of this song, and I have seen the difference in my life since accepting the gospel. It is difficult for me to imagine going back to the way my life was before. Like my earthly father, our Heavenly Father is kind and loving, and I am grateful to Him and the Savior for all They do for me. I want the safety and peace that come from looking to Them, even during difficult times. 

Because everyone has been given moral agency, it is impossible to live a completely problem free life. However, we have been given commandments to help us, and by keeping them we are more likely to live with as much safety and peace as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3--thiRbM_I

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square singing "Keep the Commandments".