Holland on Words and a Word on Optimism

In April, 2007, Elder J. R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the LDS church, delivered an excellent sermon called The Tongue of Angels. In it, he teaches about the spiritual importance of the words we speak. Here are a couple exerpts:

The Prophet Joseph Smith deepened our understanding of the power of speech when he taught, "It is by words . . . [that] every being works when he works by faith. God said, 'Let there be light: and there was light.' Joshua spake, and the great lights which God had created stood still. Elijah commanded, and the heavens were stayed for the space of three years and six months, so that it did not rain. . . . All this was done by faith. . . . Faith, then, works by words; and with [words] its mightiest works have been, and will be, performed."

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I love what Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: "The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience." We should honor the Savior's declaration to "be of good cheer." (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, "Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow."

My take: If all I have are words to decide whether to trust a man (or woman) enough to vote for him, then his words have to engender good faith (hope in things that are true but not seen). Did Obama say things that were true? Probably some. Did his words align with my understanding of truth regarding good government (constitutional principles of personal liberty and accountability)? No. Was his speech optimistic? I thought so. Truth is optimistic, according to Holland. All would agree that faith is essentially a principle of optimism. No?

When it comes down to it, I didn't vote for Obama, because I couldn't trust him. And I didn't trust him because what I believe to be good government for America is essentially different than his ideas(maybe more on this later: progressivism vs. constitutionalism). So, while I think the hint of optimism in his speech lured me in, it doesn't change the fact that in my view his words and plans are based on incorrect principles of good governement. Truth alone infers optimism, but optimism alone does not infer truth.

Any thoughts how you decide you can trust someone that you've only seen speaking on television?