I am so grateful for those that were willing to talk about how they were different, even when they were in the small minority. It made a big difference in my life, and the lives of my children. It also helped me to become more open-minded to all the new ideas I've encountered in the last 10 years.
Bruce Hafen describes it perfectly.
The world today is a polluted river. We are like fish swimming in the pollution, often carried by a current of which we are only vaguely aware, until someone swims against the current. Then we see the contrast.1This idea, of seeing the contrast, has really been apparent to me lately. Anytime I have left my home in the last week or so, I have been shocked at the contrast between "the world" and my home. Not that my home is perfect, but it is a safe haven bubble. And it feels a lot safer than what is outside.
Making the first step to fortifying our homes is the most difficult. "Can we really live without the cable tv/video games/pop music? What will we eat if we get rid of meat/sugar/processed foods? What will the kids do if 95% of their toys are gone?"
If Heavenly Father has been whispering to you to make some changes, you can trust that He has your best interests at heart. Elder Oaks article in the April 2010 Ensign on The Atonement and Faith has a lot to say on the subject of Faith in God's Plan for us.
I'll end with a quote from Orson Pratt.
In the latter days there will be a people so pure in Mount Zion, with a house established upon the tops of the mountains, that God will manifest himself, not only in their Temple . . . [but] when they retire to their [homes], behold each [home] will be lighted up by the glory of God - a pillar of flaming fire by night.2(I wanted to say more, but it's hard to think and type with sick children, a potty-training toddler, and a crying baby. Motherhood calls!)
1 The Temple, Truman G. Madsen, pg 70
2. The Temple, pg 74
