Rumors of wars

I was reading in 1 Nephi 12:2 where Nephi talks about there being "wars and rumors of wars" in the last days before the Savior comes, and that we should not be afraid, because this is to be expected. It's part of the plan. God is not causing wars; he is allowing us to fight, until the time when he says, enough, and halts it all.

"Rumors of wars" shows up several times in Nephi's writings, twice in the New Testament, and in the Doctrine and Covenants 45:26:
"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth."

That sounds like now!!! The fear caused by rumors of wars, even when the actual fighting is physically far away, hurts us. Now is the time to keep your feet planted on the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God. Yes, there are wars; yes, there are rumors of wars, physical, mental, spiritual. Yes, there is actual conflict, in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our towns and cities.

Now is when we most need to recognize fear for what it is: a tool and a warning, a weapon and a caution. Use it to increase your awareness, but do not be overcome by fear. Keep your roots in Christ, our Savior, the source of our forgiveness, the source of peace and calm, even in the hurricane. Peace is an action; it can be made. Choose not to flame. Choose to soothe. Choose to not take offense. Become meek, willing to listen, eager to calm others and yourself. Take action to fix problems, without rancor. This is love.