A few months ago, Elder Ballard wrote an interesting article regarding the participation of faithful Latter-Day Saints in the new proliferation of user-generated media.  I admit, a few months ago I saw it as just a simple endorsement to be missionaries to the world, but lately I have seen it in different light. 

Anyone that spends much time searching will stumble over the "Blogernacle".  Blog after blog of LDS related themes.  Unfortunately, in my opinion the negative voices drown out those that are positive at a pretty wide margin.  It always surprises me to see how negative some people get about the church, especially those that were once faithful members, and for whatever reason no longer are.  Both online and offline, the hatred in the lives of these individuals is astounding.  Certainly not all that have chosen another path are negative and hateful.  Many are as respectful as I think we try to be towards them.   The recent controversy regarding California Prop 8 has exacerbated the issue.  Some voices are rude, many ignorantly making references to the church and its past (or referencing the FLDS Church as if it were the LDS Church).   

I believe we all need to take Elder Ballard’s instruction to heart, and participate in the conversation.  He reminds us that contention is of the devil, which makes participation necessary of great tact and balance.  How wonderful it is that such a large organization trusts its members to carry for the the message in the new media.  I know it can be done, and I know we can be successful.