Bishop W. Christopher Waddell: ‘There was bread’ @ 190th Semiannual General Conference

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell speaks during the Saturday afternoon session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 3, 2020.
Summary points:
During difficult times, the Lord’s children can look to guidance from His prophets.
Paying tithes and offerings and avoiding financial debt remain key principles of self-reliance.
While the peaks and valleys of mortality are certain, better days await those who are prepared.
Text summary:
Since the beginning of time, the Lord has provided direction to help His people prepare - spiritually and temporally - against the calamities of mortality.
“These calamities may be personal or general in nature, but the Lord’s guidance will provide protection and support to the extent that we heed, and act upon, His counsel.”
God’s children are blessed to be led by prophets who understand the need to prepare for the calamities of the day - while also recognizing the limitations or restrictions that people may encounter in striving to follow the counsel of the prophets.
The effects of COVID-19 and other devastating natural disasters are no respecter of persons. Jobs have been lost, incomes have been reduced and opportunities have been upended.
“To all who have been affected, we express understanding and concern for your situation, as well as a firm conviction that better days are ahead.”
“You have been blessed with bishops and branch presidents who seek out members of their congregations who have temporal needs, and who have access to tools and resources that can help you reestablish your lives and place you on the path to self-reliance as you apply principles of preparedness.”
The Church-provided resource “Personal Finances for Self-Reliance” includes essential chapters on budgeting, protecting families against hardship, managing financial crises and investing for the future.
Key principles to managing finances include payment of tithes and offerings and eliminating and avoiding debt. Key home principles include storing food, water and other provisions for times of need.
“As we embrace the spiritual principles and seek inspiration from the Lord, we will be guided to know the Lord’s will for us, individually and as families, and how best to apply the important principles of temporal preparedness. The most important step of all is to begin.”
Better days await, but the “temporal peaks and valleys of mortality” will continue. By becoming temporally prepared, one can face life’s trials with increased confidence and peace.