A really cool experience

It's funny. You'd think I would feel different now that my dad has been excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Like I might be angry or sad or confused and take out my feelings by distancing myself from the church or something...But it's not like that.

I feel happy even. I don't know why except that it must be the Holy Ghost's influence on me.

I drove home friday after class to be a part of the disciplinary council on sunday night. It didn't go as planned. We did not learn the lesson that we had anticipated learning:

"For clarification, we weren't of the conviction that the children should be at the disciplinary counsel to hear the "outcome." We had already discussed that at length in our family beforehand. We all were prepared for any outcome. What we are absolutely certain of was that they should be allowed to see the process as it took place.

In our discussions with them we talked of the Spirit that attends a disciplinary council. We discussed the format and the procedure. We reviewed the scriptures and what they say about disciplinary councils. We were certain this would offer them an opportunity to hear from people who disagree with their father and hear how other people interpret the scriptures and how they relate to the history of the church. We were looking forward to the opportunity for them to see the scriptures used by me and then by the members of the high council testify of gospel truths. The Spirit witnessed to Stephanie this would be a faith promoting meeting for them to attend. The outcome was a non-issue.

In any event, again we would like to thank you for your service. We know this has been difficult and bear no resentment for you or anyone involved.  I am saddened, even ashamed that there wasn't an open process which allowed my children to have this important opportunity.  I've prized the underlying principles of the gospel which involve persuasion, knowledge, meekness and avoid control, compulsion and dominion.  I wanted my children to witness this glorious process in which men of good faith and belief come together to work through an important disagreement.  I had wanted them to behold the Spirit leading to unity."

But we DID learn a different lesson or two:

1) Family is important. It is the most important thing God has given us. Our family is a reflection of us and our lives. The scripture "By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20) has new meaning for me. The fruits are your family. That is true. Think about it...we use the word "roots" to refer to family heritage and such. It makes sense! The Snuffer clan was a pretty damn sturdy and strong fruit tree last Sunday night. Our roots can withstand anything.

2) Man is imperfect. Man will always be imperfect. And IT DOESN'T MATTER. God is perfect. He is the source of all light and truth so no matter what people do (excommunicate your father) or don't do (listen to the spirit) you can bear them no ill, think no less of them, sustain them fully and know that you can go to God as the source of all light and truth. It does not matter that man (YES, even your church leaders, YES even your Bishop and Stake Presidency and Thomas Monson) are imperfect and make imperfect decisions without utilizing the divine gift of the Holy Ghost. IT DOES NOT MATTER. God is with us all if we let him be. And THAT is how we will attain salvation. 

3) Disagreement is a good thing. Really. 

"Disagreement does not require warfare, and sometimes makes for very healthy and interesting conversation between those holding different views. We all need to push beyond rhetoric into the substance of the disagreements. Once we do that we can find the ability to love one another even as we disagree."

Where would we be if Joseph Smith hadn't disagreed with the churches of his time? How can we learn to be Christ-like if everyone agrees on everything? How do we learn to love despite differences and disagreements? I don't think you can. It is not meant to be easy to love everyone. It is meant to be a refining process. 

SO...

I am grateful for the disagreement and discussion that occurred between my family and the Stake Presidency. It taught me three important lessons that I thank God for. 

God works in awesome (and mysterious) ways. I would suggest to those reading this that you find out how he works. It will be worth it 10000X over. 

P.S. I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am thankful for Institute and my YSA. I love my leaders and sustain them and pray for them. I love general conference and the men who dedicate their lives to the cause. I also know that these things will prepare me for the next world, while remaining here in this one.