Trick or Treat?
Oct 27, 2010
Because I know the question has come up for some readers, I thought I’d go ahead and address it head-on:
“Is it safe to learn from Leslie Householder?”
In other words—is the information you’ll learn from me some kind of spiritual trap… or is it a genuine treat that can help set you free?
You might be wondering, “Who even asks that?”
Well. Let me tell you.
A while back, an old friend reached out to me after two decades of silence. She said she saw my name on a list—yes, an actual list—of people who had apparently “gone to the devil.” (Can you imagine?) She told me, “I just HAD to see what you were up to, because you were listed alongside a bunch of people I deeply respect!”
Huh. That’s… interesting company, I guess.
It reminded me of a moment from years ago when I was so financially stressed that I called the police on a kid who broke my broom. (Yes, a broom.) And now, every time I tell that story, my husband chimes in with:
“Yeah, she lost her mode of transportation that day.”
Thanks, honey.
Anyway, back to the question.
Yes, some people are critical of what I teach. They get uneasy when they hear talk about how thoughts affect our circumstances. I get it. It sounds new or “out there” if it’s not something you’re used to hearing in familiar religious circles. But the truth is, some of the most godly and inspired leaders throughout history have taught the same idea: that we should watch our thoughts and exercise faith.
Still, people judge. They’ll judge me. They’ll judge you. But here’s the thing: Don’t let that stop you from doing what you know is right.
The most important thing is to stay in alignment with your own conscience. Discern the difference between fear that protects and fear that deceives. One keeps you safe. The other keeps you stuck. Learning to recognize the difference is life mastery.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to dive into my books, my trainings, or my programs, just know: I’ve wrestled with those same concerns. I’ve spent hours praying and studying, asking, “Are these principles true? Are they right? Or are they philosophies of men mingled with scripture?”
And on the day I dedicated to seek an answer with real intent, I received multiple insights—one of them coming from an unlikely place: a plaque posted in the foyer of a temple I visited in Los Angeles. It featured a quote from Brigham Young:
“[My faith] embraces all truth that is revealed and that is unrevealed, whether religious, political, scientific, or philosophical.”
It struck me deeply. And I remembered what I’d been taught my whole life:
“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
I also came across this powerful insight from President Boyd K. Packer, quoted in the Sunday School manual:
“There are two kinds of faith. One of them functions ordinarily in the life of every soul. It is the kind of faith born by experience; it gives us certainty that a new day will dawn, that spring will come, that growth will take place. It is the kind of faith that relates us with confidence to that which is scheduled to happen.”
“There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that causes things to happen. It is the kind of faith that is worthy and prepared and unyielding, and it calls forth things that otherwise would not be. It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things.”
“It comes by gradual growth. It is a marvelous, even a transcendent, power, a power as real and as invisible as electricity. Directed and channeled, it has great effect.”
(© Boyd K. Packer, by Intellectual Reserve, Inc., used with permission)
(post continued below...)
So then, what’s the issue?
Some people hesitate to explore topics related to the Law of Attraction. And honestly? I get it.
It’s been associated with greed, selfishness, instant gratification—even flirted a little too close to the edge of “witchery” for some. Like with many true principles, there are counterfeits. And when people are more familiar with the counterfeit than the truth behind it, it’s no surprise they might run the other direction.
That’s completely understandable.
That’s why I believe it’s every person’s individual responsibility to do their own homework. Study it out, take it to God, and ask if what you’ve concluded is true. That’s how truth is confirmed.
Recommended reading (and both are FREE!):
📘 As a Man Thinketh
📘 Hidden Treasures: Heaven’s Astonishing Help with Your Money Matters
If you do the work and sincerely ask God for a confirmation, it will come—often in the form of peace and clarity. If your conclusion is off, you may feel what’s described in scripture as a “stupor of thought.” Either way, you can keep testing it out until you know for sure (see D&C 9:9).
Now, if you’ve ever been nervous about learning how to use your thoughts to influence your outcomes, I completely respect that concern. But here’s something to think about:
You’re already using your thoughts to influence your life.
The only difference is—are you doing it consciously and intentionally?
My purpose is simply to help you use that influence on purpose, so your results start to line up more closely with the life you actually want.
And still—if your conscience tells you, “This isn’t for me right now,” then listen to your conscience. Timing matters. Context matters. You can set this aside for now (or for good) and still walk away with respect. All I ask is that you reserve character judgment unless or until you’ve done your own sincere searching… and not just because your neighbor’s great-aunt’s brother-in-law said something once. 😉
(I’d extend the same courtesy to you.)
As for my training events? You’ll never be asked to do anything that feels out of harmony with truth, goodness, or what strengthens the family. Ever.
While the principles I teach can help you reach any goal, I will always encourage you to choose goals that align with God’s will—and to pursue them using methods rooted in sound, scriptural truth.
Updated:
Rare Faith can help us get what we want, but we do not use it to receive everything we want. Its purpose is to build the Kingdom of God: helping us overcome personal challenges, helping our families thrive, finding and fulfilling our divine purpose, and serving others. When we hit a roadblock, we use Rare Faith to stay on course. That's what Rare Faith is for, and to be clear, that's the only thing it's for.
NOTE: While I thoroughly enjoy donating time to speak for non-profit organizations whenever circumstances permit, I do not officially represent any one of them, nor are my events or programs officially endorsed by them. If you are interested in having me give a Sunday "Fireside" or speak to your religious organization about applying these principles of faith to strengthen families and/or combat financial bondage, contact me here. Click here to watch a fireside given to our own ward under the direction of our Bishop, which we've been given permission to share.
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- To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)
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