Serenity

Serenity is the name of a science fiction movie released in 2005, as a follow-up to the television series Firefly. The show has been described as exploring the idea, "What if Han Solo never met Luke and Leia?"

The Serenity Prayer is a prayer authored by Reinhold Niebuhr (which is unrelated to the Serenity movie):
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

In other words, learn to let go of trying to control things that you cannot control. This is not easy to do. Many of us stress and worry about things which are external. Often, these fears are imagined and unrealistic. Instead of living in reality, we tend to live in a fantasy version of existence where we imagine that we are powerful enough to control the actions, decisions, and choices of those around us. This leads to unhealthy, dysfunctional behaviors when we try to control things which we cannot (and should not try to) control.

Have you heard of "unrighteous dominion"? It is another term for tyranny. It means the abuse of power, whether actual or perceived. It is the basis for trying to impose our will. It is the basis for the Marxist ideas of using force and violence, whether actual or implied, in an effort to control those around us.

It can be very subtle. Unrighteous dominion can be disguised as self-righteousness and manifest itself as trying to help. Born of arrogance and pride, (because we think that we know better than they do what they ought to be doing) we try to control others in order to save them from themselves.

This type of behavior leads to power struggles and frustration. Sometimes, we blame ourselves for the poor decisions and choices of others and feel guilt and remorse for things which are beyond our control. We feel responsible for them which can lead to depression or lead us to become social justice warriors in order to fix what we perceive to be broken. Instead of leaving it to the Lord, we may attempt to become someone's personal savior whether they like it or not. We try to rescue them from making their own choices and decisions. Ironically, switching sides to that of the enemy in continuation of the war in heaven.

It is a delicate balance which must be taken when we are in positions of authority in order to not overstep.

Many of our desires to control are fueled by misunderstanding the Atonement. We underestimate the scope and power of the Savior to heal. Our frustrations can be healed completely and we can be given peace. We can fix what is wrong, not by controlling others, but through allowing ourselves to be healed. We often make false choices for ourselves in binary thinking when there is another and better solution. Letting go is not enough. It is just the beginning. We also need to learn how to be made whole and allow our frustrations to be healed. The Atonement does bring about resurrection and forgiveness from sin but also provides so much more.

Part of why we are here is to learn how to be spiritually and emotionally healed and to choose to allow it. Unlike many of His mortal children, God does respect our agency and will not heal us against our will. Life only seems unfair because we are required to live by faith in order to learn and grow and to maximize the many many daily ways in which we can be blessed. We are often surprised and disappointed when bad things happen. There are no surprises to God. He already knew and already had a plan for us to overcome the effects of anything negative in this life. The effects of evil need never be permanent. When we need Him, and sincerely pray, God has provided the way for us to be completely healed.