#3- Rhetorical Analysis

I am very anxious about writing this rhetorical analysis. In a way, I am excited. But I also feel nervous. I have never written a paper quite like this before. I have looked at a lot of different speeches, most of which are speeches given by different Presidents over many decades. All political speeches are interesting to me; they are all persuasive by nature! But, as I have read more, I have found certain speeches that I find especially interesting. I am going to write about a speech given by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Honestly, writing assignments like this are hard for me, because I have to be objective. All I want to do is share my opinion and explain why I agree or disagree with the text. I'm not super good at formal writing; I prefer to write just as I would speak. I'm excited about this speech, though, because it was given in a crucial moment of our nation's history. This speech was given less than a week after the assassination of President Kennedy. I feel like this is a great speech to analyze because President Johnson was taking on a big task of unifying a nation in the midst of a catastrophe.

#2- MINDFUL WRITING

One thing that I have realized as I have read Mindful Writing is that I am a writer! We are all writers. Before starting this book, I had it in my brain that writing involves an essay, grammar checks, "be" verbs, rough drafts, revising, editing, and finally, the finished product. Writing certainly can include all of these things. However, writing can also be much simpler. Each and every time that we type a text message or post on a social media site, we are writing! This is an interesting new perspective for me. When I post on social media, or type a message to a friend, I always try to think of creative things, and I always share my honest opinion. It is a different kind of writing; I'm not worried about being graded. As I have thought about writing in this way, I have realized that writing is something that I actually enjoy doing!
Also, I have learned the importance of audience. It is so important for a writer to identify an audience; the exact same sentence or movie scene can have two totally different meanings, depending on the audience. In class, we have talked about persuasive appeal, especially ethos, logos, and pathos. I think it is so important to balance writing, according to all of these appeals. It is important for a writer to connect emotionally with the audience; however, that means nothing without evidence to back up the writer's opinion!

#1- Sweep the Earth as with a Flood!

Called to Serve 

In the talks, “Things as They Really Are” and “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood,” Elder Bednar analyzes both the benefits and the drawbacks of modern-day technology. We truly live in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Joseph Smith taught that prophets throughout all of history saw and anticipated this time, a time in which we see the fulfillment of many prophecies and the Gospel being spread throughout the world. However, this is being done in new, creative, and innovative ways. Gone are the days in which missionaries walk block after block, sweating, and knocking doors.  

Since the Restoration of the Gospel, God has blessed us with greater forms of communication that not only allow us to keep in contact with our loved ones, but also allow us to share the Gospel. Elder Bednar teaches that if we use text messages, Facebook, and other forms of social media in appropriate ways, we can “cause the earth to be swept as with a flood.” Not too long ago, members around the world might have had to wait days, weeks, or even months to receive the words of the prophets. Now, through social media sites and other forms of technology, millions of people, both members and nonmembers, can receive the inspired words of prophets and apostles within minutes.  

In today’s world, we all move one hundred miles an hour, almost one hundred percent of the time. Academic, religious, work and family responsibilities can overwhelm even the most competent people, making it seem like there simply isn’t enough time to accomplish everything. By using social media, members of the church can have spiritual and missionary experiences simply by sharing a church image or video on a social media site. Many nonmembers don’t have the time, confidence, or interest required to let two strangers into their home. They might, however, click on a link shared by a friend and form an interest in learning more about the Gospel.  

Technology, as Elder Bednar teaches, can also be addictive, distracting, and even enslaving. People can form bad habits and allow Satan to wear them down spiritually, socially, and emotionally. While technology can be an effective tool to share the Gospel, it can also drag good people down and cause bad habits that have long-lasting consequences. Elder Bednar warns us that we should be cautious of how we use technology.  

Despite the fact that technology can bring negative influences and habits, it is inspired of God. He has provided us with the means to “sweep the earth as with a flood,” and carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the earth. Technology helps us strengthen our testimony, and it can help us to follow the Savior’s command and truly be “a light unto the world.”