In The Spirit of Jershon

Thoughts on 132 days of quarantine. 

Once upon a time when I lived in Utah, Barbara Lovejoy formed “The Jershon Group” with the mission to discuss among other things: 

The urgent need to improve the academic achievement in our Hispanic community. Identify and reach out in helping those in need among us. Discover effective ways to increase the education and success of our at-risk youth. Figure out the importance of the needs of our youth and their families. Foment messages of compassion service and unity. 

We were inspired by the history of the land of Jershon that was given to thousands of new converts in the Book of Mormon. This kindness is detailed in Alma 23 and 27 when the hatred and murderous lawlessness in these converts’ home lands required them to seek sanctuary in another land. (I was reading about it recently which prompted my post.) The grace in which they left their comfort zones and the welcoming and good will at the receiving end was inspiring to us. We found that we shared a profound love for the Book of Mormon and for those who sacrificed to preserve it for us today.

We even published a book. In the Spirit of Jershon to express those ideas as a group and as individuals too. We aspire to help foment similar acceptance, charity, fairness for all, and grace in our church of the 21^stcentury. In forming such group, our intention was to share our own views. We did not represent the Institutions where we worked. We represented ourselves

In the Spirit of Jershon was intended for educators, policy makers, legislators, community leaders, and parents and neighbors. Each of the authors In the Jershon project comes with varying political learnings and believes that we as people of good will should work with others in respect and compassion to reduce cultural divisions as we teach and serve each other despite our differences. 

We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most powerful force for change and good in the universe and in the human heart. As the result of our efforts in writing the chapters in the book, we hope that others will take more steps forward and bless the lives of all God’s children, especially those who may come as strangers among us. Part of our life’s mission is to be champions, cheerleaders, and effective teachers. Are we not all teachers? 

 As we look for answers, we found views and suggestions for actions to share with readers that are based from our life experiences and from research. We are still more than ever, motivated and committed to advocating for the policies, programs, procedures, persons, and places that will improve the academic achievement and life success of all the rising generation. 

What I find fascinating with the pandemic is that it does not stop learning. Many can participate through the new global higher education organization called BYU -Pathway worldwide. This online learning is blessing the lives of thousands of our young adults worldwide and for that I am grateful! 

Con amor,

Vero