Why Did I Name My Blog- Are We Not All Beggars?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s words in Are We Not All Beggars? form one of the most poignant and transformative teachings of our time… Of course in my own opinion. It has resonated so deeply with me that I named my blog after it… a space where I reflect on the profound message that life, though often filled with pain and turmoil, is also a canvas for miracles, hope, and redemption. This talk embodies my conviction that we are all bound together in our shared need for grace, compassion, and understanding.

When Elder Holland asks, “Are we not all beggars?” he bridges the gap between spiritual poverty and physical need, reminding us that regardless of our circumstances, we are all dependent on the mercy and love of God and one another. Despite my agnosticism, I am an agnostic tat thrives on the hope of the existence of this very God. This principle echoes in my heart because I, too, have found myself begging… not just for financial relief, but for healing, understanding, and the strength to rise above life’s trials. Hollands message reassures me that this vulnerability is not a failing but an intrinsic part of the human condition.

Yet, even as this talk inspires, it invites robust reflection. While Elder Holland’s focus on alleviating poverty and showing compassion is undeniably noble, it raises essential questions about the practicality and inclusivity of such a message, especially for those who feel overwhelmed by their own struggles. How do we reconcile the call to serve others with the deep and often paralyzing pain many of us endure? How can we balance extending grace to others while also allowing ourselves the grace to simply be, to heal, and to endure?

Pain is a shared experience and a catalyst for creation…

Elder Holland reminds us of the Savior’s mission to “heal the brokenhearted” and “preach deliverance to the captives.” These words speak not only of Christ’s infinite ability to heal but also of our right to feel and express our pain. Too often, we are pressured to silence our struggles or to present a facade of strength when inside we are breaking. But if we are to take Elder Holland’s words seriously, we must first acknowledge that we are all broken in some way.

This acknowledgment is not a weakness but a source of power. I have found that the deepest pain can serve as fertile ground for art, connection, and legacy. My writing has become a sanctuary where I can transform anguish into something meaningful… where I can remind others that they are not alone in their suffering. My blog, named after this talk, is my way of saying, It is okay to beg for life to get better. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. And it is okay to find your voice amid the chaos.

Elder Holland’s emphasis on service doesn’t negate the importance of self-compassion. Yes, we are called to “do what we can,” but that includes doing what we can for ourselves. By embracing and expressing our struggles, we open the door for others to do the same, creating a cycle of shared understanding and healing. We must balance responsibility and self-care

One of the strengths of this talk is Elder Holland’s recognition that the poor and suffering are not a monolith. He cautions against judgment and urges us to see everyone as deserving of compassion, regardless of how they arrived at their circumstances. This sentiment resonates deeply, especially for those of us who have felt dismissed or judged for our struggles.

At the same time, his reminder to “do what we can” must be tempered with the understanding that we cannot pour from an empty cup. For those battling chronic illness, mental health struggles, or overwhelming personal challenges, the capacity to give may be limited. This doesn’t make us lesser disciples; it makes us human. Even Mother Teresa, whom Elder Holland cites and I have my own disdain for, famously admitted to experiencing spiritual dryness and despair. Her life shows that even the most devoted (or perhaps masked as devoted in past media) servants of God are not immune to suffering. Rather than diminish their contributions, this reality enhances their legacy… it reminds us that faith and service are not about perfection but persistence.

If there is one message I would underscore, it is this: Your pain is valid, and your efforts… no matter how small… are enough. Elder Holland’s talk, while primarily a call to action, also carries an implicit reassurance: God sees your struggles, and He values your contributions, whether they manifest in grand acts of service or in simply enduring another day.

For those who feel they cannot do enough, remember Mary, who anointed the Savior with precious oil. Jesus did not scorn her for extravagance… He praised her for doing what she could. In the same way, our small acts… whether they are offering a listening ear, sharing a poem, or holding space for someone else’s pain… carry immeasurable weight.

While it is essential to honor our pain, we are also called to rise from it… not as a denial of our struggles but as a testament to our resilience. Elder Holland’s message reminds us that lifting others often lifts us as well. When we extend compassion to others, we reaffirm our shared humanity and find healing in the process. This does not mean we must have all the answers or that our journey will be linear. Rising is a daily act, a continual choice to move forward even when the weight of life feels unbearable. It is in this rising that we create our legacy… not a legacy of perfection, but one of courage, authenticity, and hope.

The beauty of “Are We Not All Beggars?” lies in its universal application. It challenges us to see ourselves in one another… to recognize that, whether we are rich or poor, healthy or ill, strong or struggling, we all stand in need of grace. This acknowledgment binds us together and reminds us that our pain, when shared, can become a source of connection and strength.

Through my blog and my writing, I strive to embody this message. I write not only to process my own struggles but to offer a hand to others who are reaching out, grasping for hope in their own lives. To those who feel overwhelmed by the weight of their burdens, I say: Your pain is real, and it matters. But so does your art, your voice, and your legacy.

Elder Holland’s talk, though rooted in religious doctrine, transcends specific beliefs. It invites all of us… regardless of faith or background… to be kinder, more compassionate, and more forgiving, both to others and to ourselves.

“Are We Not All Beggars?” are both more than a conference talk and blog space to me… they are a lifeline and a manifesto. They both remind us that life’s miracles often come in the form of small, ordinary acts of love and resilience. They challenge us to see the divine in one another and to recognize that our shared struggles bind us together as brothers and sisters.

In naming my blog after this talk, I sought to create a space where pain and hope could coexist… a space where the weary could find solace and the broken could find beauty. If you are struggling, know this: you are not alone. Your pain is real, but so is your strength. And as you rise, you will leave behind a legacy that inspires others to do the same.

This is why I write, and this is why Are We Not All Beggars? will forever hold a special place in my heart.