[At least once a month, and sometimes more often, President George D. Durrant of the Kentucky Tennessee Mission from 1972 to 1975 would write a message to all of the missionaries. He called such messages 'Newsletters'. This is one of them.]

Some concepts are hard to express and are difficult for some to understand. So it is with the concepts which we describe with the word dignity and its twin respect.

A missionary showing dignity and respect calls his companion "Elder Clark." He knows that that is more appropriate than calling him "Clark" or "Robert" or "Robbie." He just senses that. No one needs to remind him. He calls his president, "President" rather than "pres." He does that because his inward dignity and respect causes him to sense that that is the way it should be.

His manners are most gracious. Words such as thank you, excuse me, and please come quickly and sincerely. In someone's home he sits with dignity. He's not a slouch; nor does he loosen his tie or try to act as though he's right at home. Because he knows he isn't.

He trifles not with sacred things. He smiles and he laughs, but always with dignity and respect. He handles his scriptures, his garments, his body with dignity and respect.

He doesn't want the self-criticism that comes from a poor performance, and thus he prepares and works so that his dignity and self-respect are totally intact.

Preserve your dignity and self-respect. No one else can do it for you. I humbly pray that you understand these vital concepts.