Sacrament Meeting Talk: “Loving Our Neighbor—Even When It’s Hard”

Good morning, brothers and sisters.

Today I want to talk about what it really means to love our neighbor—especially when it’s difficult. Over the last four years, since our neighbors to the north moved in from Chicago, what started as small misunderstandings has grown and escalated into something that often feels like a never-ending story. There have been boundary disputes, misunderstandings, and moments when I’ve wondered if the challenges will ever end.

The Power of Stories

Stories have always shaped me and my family. When I was young, my grandmother shared The NeverEnding Story with me—a tale where the world is threatened by “the nothing,” a force that brings emptiness and despair. It’s only through courage, hope, and holding on that darkness is pushed back. Sometimes, facing ongoing conflict and disrespect in real life has felt like fighting off that “nothing”—that sense of discouragement or hopelessness trying to creep in.

Corey and I have also always loved The Princess Bride. We even wove its words and themes into our wedding ceremony. It’s a story about true love, perseverance, facing impossible odds, and never giving up on each other. In both of these stories, the heroes don’t win by running away, but by standing strong and holding on to what matters.

But as much as I love these stories, the most important story in my life is the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon—A Living Story for This Land

For me, the Book of Mormon is not just scripture; it’s the true story of the past of this American continent. It’s a record that teaches us what happens when people remember God—and what happens when they forget Him. I read it because I want to be conscious and aware of what happened to those people. If we forget the past, we are bound to repeat it. And I truly believe that the people in the Book of Mormon are conscious of us, too.

When I read the Book of Mormon, it’s not just words on a page. It answers my questions. It speaks to me—just like I’m speaking to you now. It comforts me when I’m discouraged, it corrects me when I’m wrong, and it gives me courage when I feel overwhelmed. I feel seen, understood, and guided by the same Lord who watched over them. Their record helps me navigate my own “never-ending story” and reminds me that the Lord is with me here, now, in this land.

Boundaries, Love, and Leadership by Example

Living out here, boundaries—both physical and spiritual—matter. Property lines, rights-of-way, and fences aren’t just lines on a map; they are signs of respect and stewardship. Some folks think “unincorporated” means you can do whatever you want, but it doesn’t.
Unincorporated doesn’t mean “come out here and see if you can get away with it.”
It means “come out here and lead by example.”
It means respecting your neighbor, honoring boundaries, and choosing to do what’s right because it’s right—not just because someone’s watching.

The Savior taught, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:16)
Anyone can claim the name Christian, but our actions—how we treat our neighbors, how we respond to adversity, how we hold onto patience and kindness—show who we really are. Sometimes, even those who are called to lead or help don’t step in when they should, but the real test of discipleship is not in the title, but in the love, service, and courage we show—especially in times of conflict.

Finding Strength and Writing Our Story

After four years of ongoing challenge, I can honestly say: I love my neighbors, even the ones who are suing us. Because in facing these challenges, they’ve shown me that my family has always had the power to stand strong, the right to set boundaries, and the blessing of learning to forgive and move forward.

I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned—about forgiveness, about patience, about standing with the Savior. I know that when I remember the past, listen to the Spirit, and act in faith, the Lord will guide and comfort me, just as He did for the people in the Book of Mormon.

So as we each face our own “never-ending stories,” may we ask ourselves:

  • Am I bearing good fruit?
  • Am I setting and respecting boundaries with kindness?
  • Am I leading by example—no matter who’s watching?
  • Am I listening for the Lord’s answers, and willing to follow them?

We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can choose to bear good fruit, to remember the stories that matter most, and to be true disciples in this land.

I’m grateful for my Savior, for the Book of Mormon, and for the chance to write a better story every day by following Him.
I share this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.