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Steve Waldrip's avatar

In the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk tragedy my brother Matt challenged me to read or listen to President Nelson’s 2023 Peacemakers talk for 10 straight days. It has changed me profoundly, and hopefully, lastingly. I am constantly challenged to turn inward to find the shards of pride that prevent me from peacemaking. Thank you both for the beauty of your work and bless you in your efforts to share the Savior’s greatest teaching.

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Chad Ford's avatar

What a beautiful idea. 10 days of peace. And what a cool outcome!

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Randall Paul's avatar

Thanks for these personal stories. I am moved by your desires and grateful for your work especially among our little tribe. In the next century we LDSaints can quietly but intrepidly change our brand by ‘outdoing’ our wonderful rivals as courageous peace builders among groups that sincerely disagree about value priorities and the common good. With an expansive vision of Zion missionaries of diverse persuasions will cooperate in the creative tension of peaceful co-resistance as they continue to seek (and live) the whole truth together. Onward!

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Chad Ford's avatar

What a beautiful sentiment Randall! I love it.

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Karrie Ketchum's avatar

What a beautiful tribute. Chad and Patrick, you are both pure examples of peacemakers, thank you for your contribution to our communities and continuing to remind us through this newsletter of the value and necessity, peace is in our lives. It brought me so much joy this evening to go back and watch these conference talks!

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Chad Ford's avatar

Thank you for the words and I too got so much joy from re-listening to those powerful talks. You are doing so much good in the world Karrie, I'm so happy to be able to work alongside you on our mediation project.

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Emily White's avatar

Thanks Patrick and Chad for these personal glimpses into the impact of Russell Nelson on your professional and personal work as peacemakers. You are building a critical scaffolding to train a global community of peaceable followers of Christ that amplifies President Nelson’s call for more peacemakers. This Redemptive call is transforming my heart.

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Chad Ford's avatar

Thank YOU Emily for all you are doing doing to help us build this community and transform our hearts.

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Mary B's avatar

Trying to be a peacemaker is difficult! You see your own pride and that your own heart is hard... I want to make this a bigger part of my life. Thank you for sharing your passion/call to this important work.

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Chad Ford's avatar

You are right! Seeing your own pride in your own heart is one of the hardest things ... the way to conflict transformation starts within!

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Michele Thompson's avatar

Thank you for sharing your personal experience with Pres. Nelson on your peacemaking journey that is impacting the world. It's so very inspiring! It reminds me that we can ALL do something to forward peacemaking efforts, in our own hearts, personal relationships, social media output, in our communities. I appreciate all you are doing for the betterment of our mortal existence!

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Chad Ford's avatar

I love that takeaway. We can ALL do something! By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass!

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Logan's avatar

Oh, I love this as an HPI grad far from home!

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Kristan Fjeldsted's avatar

Beautiful said from both of you . Thank you for your work.

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Brooke Scott's avatar

Thank you for this. My heart is feeling tender tonight and I know that now more than ever, I need to be a peacemaker. I loved President Nelson dearly- he was President for some of my most formative years (senior year of HS, college, mission, marriage, first child) and I know I will not soon forget the messages he shared. Took a step towards being a peacemaker tonight by writing to a public official I didn't vote for and thanking them for their service.

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Chad Ford's avatar

Brooke, what a powerful first step. And an important one. Please reach out and let us know how we can continue to help you on your peacemaking journey.

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Matthew Whitney's avatar

Easily one of the best articles I've read. I want to be a Peacemaker too! What's my next step?

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Joanie  Allen's avatar

Peace is everything to me . I’’m a DOVE, 🕊️, though , not ever a sitting DUCK 🦆.

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