Self Reliance

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have long loved and appreciated the church's perspective and aid in seeking to help all that need it, but involving self-reliance, both in word and in deed, to help the people benefiting from welfare to truly benefit so as to be able to provide for themselves.   

The church teaches "A mere desire to become self-reliant is not enough. We must make a conscious, active effort to provide for our own needs and those of our families. ² Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop, reminds us that when we have done all we can to be self-reliant, “we can turn to the Lord in confidence to ask for what we might yet lack.” ³ Being self-reliant allows us to bless others. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says, “Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.”"

Through my experience, including a time that we needed the church's assistance to make ends meet and to feed our young family, and through serving others that have been in need, I truly feel and believe the truth of the statement Elder Hales made.  

I am particularly thankful for the blessings I have gained and the understanding I have of the church's intent and guidance in self reliance.  You can learn more about the Church's welfare plan at: Catching the Vision of Self-Reliance.  It teaches that:   "