What has changed in your life because of the pandemic? Have you taken a step back from the world and reprioritized what is important in your life? Have you drawn closer to your loved ones? Are you more alert? More calm? More worried? Even though there is crisis, we can remain calm.

Some have seen the pandemic as a source of depression, anxiety, and fear for the future. And others have felt frustrated to the point of acting out and joining riots for causes that lead to violence.

More and more signs go up showing the choices people are making. I’ve seen signs that remind me to pray and I’ve seen signs of raised fists. The signs show choices people are making. Some choose God and His peace while others clearly side for violence and a demand for justice.

For this week’s reading of the October 1989 Sunday afternoon session of conference, both L. Tom Perry and Gordon B. Hinckley speak of peace.

In his talk, Elder Perry reminds us of the Book of Mormon that teaches that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only calming influence in our lives. When Ammon went to preach to the Lamanites, he desired only to be a servant; to allow himself to be subject to someone who could have him killed on a whim. His peaceful motivation created an undying friendship, respect, and love that developed between two men from opposite spectrums. We were also reminded of Alma, who decided to give up his seat in government so he could preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Can we see our politicians doing that today?

Elder Perry suggests that we, as modern-day listeners, put up signs (for personal use, or hey, why not for others) that preach peace that only comes from the Savior. For example, Matt. 5: 43-44, a scripture that reminds us to love our enemies and those who would cause us harm. Or perhaps James 1:27, which teaches us that pure religion is to serve those who are struggling. I think the last thing we want to do is fuel the crisis we are living in.

President Hinckley closed conference with these words from the Doctrine and Covenants:

“Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings …

“See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.

“Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another. …

“And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.

“Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself [saith the Lord]. Amen.” (D&C 88:121, 123–26.)

Our world may never get much better, but we can remain calm even though there is crisis all around us. We can look toward the Savior, and His coming. In Him we will find peace.