Feedback

All consuming

I wanted to write to testify how true a paragraph is in “Hold On” (Oct. 1992). It says “Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive.” The article goes on to say pornography breaks down your self-discipline and causes you to become desensitized. This is so true. I was seven when I started reading pornographic magazines. Over time, it just became all consuming. I started stealing, using drugs and alcohol, and I committed rape. I’m getting treatment for my problems, and I am working on repenting for what I’ve done. But it’s a long way back. For me, pornography has been more addictive than any drug. I encourage everyone to not learn the way I did.

Name Withheld

New member, new subscriber

A few weeks ago, I received some old editions of the New Era from an LDS friend who had introduced me to the missionaries and taken me to Sunday church meetings. After getting these back issues of the magazine, I read some of the articles and was touched by many of the wonderful and helpful stories your magazine has. Last December when I turned 16, I was baptized a member of the Church, and now look forward to subscribing to the New Era for myself.

Alex Keeton
Auburn, Washington

The UK is okay

It was really nice to have a special edition of the New Era on the UK. It has been a great strength to see so many other youth here in England profiled in the magazine. It would be nice if there could be at least one issue every year on this area, and special issues on other countries as well. This would give readers of the New Era a bigger variety of things to read.

Amy Harbon
Southport, Lancashire, England

Here to stay

Ever since I was little, I always loved to hear and read stories from the Friend, New Era, and Ensign. I’ve learned a lot from these magazines. Recently, I finished reading the July 1992 New Era. Each story had its own meaning and impact on me. I hope the New Era is here to stay for a long time.

Michelle Youngs
Folsom, California

An answer

I would like to thank you for the story “But I Was in Love” in the October 1992 issue. I really enjoyed it, and it has helped me make the right choice. That is a story I want to remember as I prepare to serve a full-time mission. It was an answer to my prayers.

Ethel B. D. Tshuma
Kwekwe, Zimbabwe

What happened?

As I read “The Beer Facts” in the March 1993 New Era, I couldn’t help but think back to a day when I was a caring and loving teenager. That was a time when I was president of my teachers quorum, a time I would buy gifts for my mother just because I loved her. I’m now 35 years old and a recovering alcoholic. As my wife and I strive to put our lives in order, I wonder whatever became of the young man I once was. What happened to my dreams of becoming a pilot? What happened to the spiritual growth in my life? That all ended the day I started “drinking for fun.” Through the wonderful law of repentance, I have a chance to gain forgiveness for my past mistakes. As my experiences show, following the Lord is the only way to true happiness.

Name Withheld
Utah