I've had a lot going through my mind this afternoon and evening. Do you ever wonder why some people seem to have it easy, seem to be so blessed, while others seem to have more than their fair share of difficulties? Perhaps we question it even more when those in the first group seem to be living in their pride, doing what they want, while those in the second seem to be giving their all to do what is right. Unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world. Fortunately, we have a loving Heavenly Father who is always watching out for us and who wants us to succeed. Sometimes we can't see how, and sometimes we can't understand why He would send us such difficult tests when we are already trying so hard to be obedient.
I'm not posting this so I'll have a large number of people worrying about me--I'm fine. I posted last year about how I had learned what it means to mourn with those that mourn. Since then, including today, I have had times when I have felt this keenly again: a pain that isn't mine but that is very real, accompanied by an understanding that the Lord is slowly teaching me what it means to keep my baptismal covenants.
Other thoughts have come to my mind this evening as I have considered my friend's circumstances. Specifically, my mind went to Doctrine and Covenants 121: "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?" (verses 1-3). This was Joseph Smith's plea to God from Liberty Jail; he continued in verse 6: "Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever."
I can't imagine enduring what Joseph endured, including unlawful imprisonment on more than one occasion. Yet he allowed his trials to strengthen his faith in Jesus Christ and in His power to save. His plea is not a complaint, only a plea. He was suffering, but he expressed his faith and even his willingness to rejoice in the name of God.
And Joseph received an answer: "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes" (verses 7-8). Joseph was not promised immediate relief. In fact, in section 122 the Lord describes other calamities that could come upon him, ending with "... and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (verse 8). It doesn't sound very encouraging unless you read on: "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" (verse 8); and at the end of verse 9: "therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."
Jesus Christ has the power to save from all circumstances. His atonement covers all our sins and our trials and sufferings, if we will but come unto Him. It is comforting to know that He suffered all that man can suffer, that He truly understands anything we can ever experience. While I may feel a small part of what my friend feels right now, I cannot fully understand. But Christ does, and He knows each of our needs and desires and the thoughts and intents of our hearts. He experienced everything, and He will be with us to comfort and strengthen us as we seek Him.
The beauty of the gospel and of the atonement is that even when we cannot see the way clearly, our Savior does. Even when it seems impossible to come through a situation, nothing is impossible with the help of the Lord. My friend has mentioned the need for a miracle. Well, fortunately, God is a God of miracles--yesterday, today, and forever. It still does not mean that things will happen in the way our mortal minds, with limited mortal vision, might like. We do not have the eternal perspective that He does. This makes it more difficult to understand. Though the Lord told Joseph Smith, as already quoted, "thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment," I suspect that small moment felt like an eternity at the time. This is a time when we slowly learn to trust, when we strive to perfect our faith, trusting that though we do not see the full picture, our Heavenly Father has something wonderful in store for us.
Someday we will also see things perfectly. We will also see the whole picture. Someday we will come to understand why we were tested in ways that sometimes seemed beyond our mortal capacity. Someday we will see that some trials were to allow us to draw near to the Lord, to strengthen us, to prepare us. If we allow Him to, the Lord will lead us through our trials to beautiful blessings. Some of these may come in mortality. Many will not come until later. But they will come. As the Lord promised Joseph Smith, again already quoted, "And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." We can receive no greater reward than eternal life and exaltation. What we experience on earth is intended to prepare us for that.
So for now, we press forward. We seek the Lord. We lift up the hands that hang down and strengthen the feeble knees, hoping that someone will do the same for us in our time of need. We fast and pray and exercise faith, not just for our own benefit, but for the benefit of those we love. We seek the peace that comes only from the Lord, the peace that comes in spite of trials and hardships. And as we feel that peace, we seek to share it.
I certainly don't see everything. I wish there were some way that I could make things right for my friend, for others who suffer. I can't--not fully. But the Lord can, and I can continue to exercise faith that He is able to do so. I can offer a hand of friendship and support and a listening ear.
My hope is that we can all learn to rely more fully upon Jesus Christ and His atonement, both in times of need and in times of plenty. As we do so, we can be better prepared to overcome our own trials and to reach out to others in theirs. As we look for the small daily miracles, we will feel more able to ask for the miracles that may seem impossible. A Savior who can forgive sins, who can cleanse and purify and sanctify us, can surely bring us through any trial, great or small. I trust in this--for myself, for my friend, and for others who may be suffering right now. I know that our Savior can heal us completely and perfectly and bring us back to Him.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
The times, they are a changin', but some things do not change
I have been watching "The Wonder Years" on Netflix. Good old childhood memories... (And the soundtrack for the show? Awesome!) But tonight's episode sparked some thoughts.
I just watched the episode where, after a year away at college, Karen Arnold announces that she wants to move into a house with a roommate instead of living in the dorms. She admits the house needs work, so Jack (the father), Norma (the mother), and Kevin (the main character and youngest brother, who tells all of the stories from his point of view) drive out to help with the house. They discover that her roommate is a young man. Kevin is surprised when his father doesn't immediately explode in anger, but rather announces that he is going to take a walk. When he finally returns from his walk, he explains that he wondered the whole time if maybe he was wrong. But no matter how long and hard he tried, he could not talk himself out of his values and his standards and expectations for his daughter. Her argument, of course, uses Bob Dylan's words: "The times, they are a changin'." (My link is to Peter, Paul, and Mary, which is also what is played on the show.)
In relation to a quote I took yesterday from a friend's profile, I could not help thinking that this is not by any means a new argument. As Marion G. Romney said (in Look to God and Live, 8), "You see, we are not very modern today when we deny God. Adam's first children did that." The same applies to morality. I suspect that young people have been arguing for centuries, even millennia, that times were changing and standards of morality should also change. In all likelihood, even this dates back to Adam's children. It's not so original, is it?
But what has stood the test of time again and again? Judeo-Christian values. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Old Testament, Genesis 2:24). "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Old Testament, Exodus 20:14). Leviticus outlines in great detail what is considered sin and the Old Testament punishments associated with sexual sins.
Somehow, the standards, the values, have remained constant. Every generation tries again to argue that their way is new and better. It is neither new nor better. The standards of morality are constant, they are still standards, because they are the Lord's standards. If God is unchanging, His laws are also unchanging. The punishments are also unchanging. It is true that most cultures no longer require the life of someone who has been involved in an extramarital relationship. But is the idea gone? Hardly. I'm sure most people still understand the term "shotgun wedding."
I know this can be a touchy subject, and I am not in a position of authority. A couple of things just hit home in watching this episode: first, every generation has tried this same argument, and second, the Lord's laws and commandments have not and will not change.
That said, I love the words of one in authority, Elder David A. Bednar, who gave a beautiful talk in April General Conference: We Believe in Being Chaste. He says it much better than I can, concluding with the following words: "The doctrine I have described will seem to be archaic and outdated to many people in a world that increasingly mocks the sanctity of procreation and minimizes the worth of human life. But the Lord’s truth is not altered by fads, popularity, or public opinion polls. I promise that obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in mortality and make possible our progress in eternity. Chastity and virtue are now, always have been, and always will be 'most dear and precious above all things' (Moroni 9:9). I so testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."
Jack Arnold (back to "Wonder Years") could not turn from what he knew was right. He did not disagree with his daughter out of anger or frustration, but because he loved her and wanted the best for her. Isn't that what every good parent wants? Some things don't change and never will. For this I am grateful. There is peace in knowing that no matter what the world does, the Lord's truth does not change.
I just watched the episode where, after a year away at college, Karen Arnold announces that she wants to move into a house with a roommate instead of living in the dorms. She admits the house needs work, so Jack (the father), Norma (the mother), and Kevin (the main character and youngest brother, who tells all of the stories from his point of view) drive out to help with the house. They discover that her roommate is a young man. Kevin is surprised when his father doesn't immediately explode in anger, but rather announces that he is going to take a walk. When he finally returns from his walk, he explains that he wondered the whole time if maybe he was wrong. But no matter how long and hard he tried, he could not talk himself out of his values and his standards and expectations for his daughter. Her argument, of course, uses Bob Dylan's words: "The times, they are a changin'." (My link is to Peter, Paul, and Mary, which is also what is played on the show.)
In relation to a quote I took yesterday from a friend's profile, I could not help thinking that this is not by any means a new argument. As Marion G. Romney said (in Look to God and Live, 8), "You see, we are not very modern today when we deny God. Adam's first children did that." The same applies to morality. I suspect that young people have been arguing for centuries, even millennia, that times were changing and standards of morality should also change. In all likelihood, even this dates back to Adam's children. It's not so original, is it?
But what has stood the test of time again and again? Judeo-Christian values. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Old Testament, Genesis 2:24). "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Old Testament, Exodus 20:14). Leviticus outlines in great detail what is considered sin and the Old Testament punishments associated with sexual sins.
Somehow, the standards, the values, have remained constant. Every generation tries again to argue that their way is new and better. It is neither new nor better. The standards of morality are constant, they are still standards, because they are the Lord's standards. If God is unchanging, His laws are also unchanging. The punishments are also unchanging. It is true that most cultures no longer require the life of someone who has been involved in an extramarital relationship. But is the idea gone? Hardly. I'm sure most people still understand the term "shotgun wedding."
I know this can be a touchy subject, and I am not in a position of authority. A couple of things just hit home in watching this episode: first, every generation has tried this same argument, and second, the Lord's laws and commandments have not and will not change.
That said, I love the words of one in authority, Elder David A. Bednar, who gave a beautiful talk in April General Conference: We Believe in Being Chaste. He says it much better than I can, concluding with the following words: "The doctrine I have described will seem to be archaic and outdated to many people in a world that increasingly mocks the sanctity of procreation and minimizes the worth of human life. But the Lord’s truth is not altered by fads, popularity, or public opinion polls. I promise that obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in mortality and make possible our progress in eternity. Chastity and virtue are now, always have been, and always will be 'most dear and precious above all things' (Moroni 9:9). I so testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."
Jack Arnold (back to "Wonder Years") could not turn from what he knew was right. He did not disagree with his daughter out of anger or frustration, but because he loved her and wanted the best for her. Isn't that what every good parent wants? Some things don't change and never will. For this I am grateful. There is peace in knowing that no matter what the world does, the Lord's truth does not change.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Sacrament meeting talk, 26 May 2013, marking the release of the RS presidency
It’s been a short five months for me, and I think I’ve gained more than I’ve given. In thinking the past few days about Relief Society and service, which is the topic I was given, I keep coming to back to teaching the doctrine of the gospel and strengthening each other in our faith and testimonies. This is perhaps the most important service we can do for each other, not just in Relief Society but in the Church as a whole.
According to Handbook 2 section 2.2, “the Church focuses on divinely appointed responsibilities. These include helping members live the gospel of Jesus Christ, gathering Israel through missionary work, caring for the poor and needy, and enabling the salvation of the dead by building temples and performing vicarious ordinances.” And the purposes of the Relief Society, as listed in Handbook 2 section 9.1.1 and in Daughters in My Kingdom, are threefold: increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.
As I’ve pondered this past week, I find myself hoping that as a Relief Society we have been able to lift and strengthen and learn from each other each week. My mind keeps coming back to Sister Burton’s talk from the General Relief Society meeting last fall. If any of you have not read it, I encourage you to read it; the principles apply equally to the brethren as well as the sisters.
The talk is titled “Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?” In it she outlines three principles, which she promises will increase our faith in Jesus Christ. “Principle 1: ‘All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.’” In reminding us that we will all face challenges and adversities, she describes these as “soul-stretching” and points to a necessary understanding of our “Heavenly Father’s perfect plan of happiness.” No one likes going through trials. Adversity is difficult. But I like the term “soul-stretching.” Growth comes because of our experiences, because of the difficulties and challenges we face and how we respond to them. She also quotes Elder Oaks, who said, “Our needed conversions are often achieved more readily by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquility.” Perhaps this is because we are humbled by suffering, and we are more prepared to turn to our Heavenly Father and acknowledge our need for His help and our reliance on the atonement. Whatever the case, those things which seem unfair enable our growth now and will be made right, in the Lord’s time, through the Atonement.
“Principle 2: There is power in the Atonement to enable us to overcome the natural man or woman and become true disciples of Jesus Christ.” It is sometimes easy to feel discouraged, to see how far we need to go rather than how far we have already come and how the Lord stands ready to help us. Elder Bednar said, “It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us—that is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us.” We cannot make it alone, but our Savior has prepared the way and will guide us every step of the way, if we will turn to Him.
“Principle 3: The Atonement is the greatest evidence we have of the Father’s love for His children.” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” We cannot comprehend what the Savior suffered, but we know that He suffered for us. We know that this was our Heavenly Father’s plan, so that we all have the opportunity to return to Him.
Sister Burton also mentions the people of King Benjamin, who experienced a mighty change of heart and covenanted to be obedient to God, adding that “making, keeping, and rejoicing in our covenants will be the evidence that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is truly written in our hearts.”
Knowing all of this, we have a responsibility to apply these principles in our own lives. But as we apply these principles, we must also teach them. We must teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ to each other, so that we each gain the understanding, faith, and testimony we need to be converted and have the Atonement of Jesus Christ written in our hearts.
I love Sister Burton’s closing words: from Jeremiah 31:33, “‘After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.’ I invite us to ask the Lord to write these principles of the Atonement in our hearts.”
The Lord wants us to be His people, but we must invite Him to write His law and His Atonement in our hearts. I testify that these principles are true. I know that Jesus Christ lives, and that He is the Savior of the world. I know that He atoned for me, and for each of you, to take away our sins and to lessen our trials and afflictions. I know we have a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to return to Him. I know that this gospel is true, that as we study and share it, we will increase in faith, and that we can have the Atonement written in our hearts and always remember our Savior. I know that this is the purpose of the Church organization, and by extension the purpose of Relief Society. I am so grateful for my Savior’s Atonement, and for the peace I feel in knowing that He has prepared the way for me to return to my Heavenly Father. On this Memorial Day weekend, I am also grateful to the many men and women who have made it possible for us to worship as we choose, to have the gospel in our lives. We can all know these things. We can all work, individually and as a ward, to have the Atonement written in our hearts. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
..._ Resistance Movement
Yesterday my copy of the movie "Resistance Movement" (the feature film telling the Helmuth Hübener story) arrived, and I took the time to watch it. I thought it was very well done! My mom asked whether I liked it better than the documentary, "Truth and Conviction." I responded that "Resistance Movement" is likely to get the story out to more people. I also thought it was more moving in many ways; though Helmuth, Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, and Rudi Wobbe were portrayed by actors, it made it very different seeing what happened as if through Rudi's eyes. When it comes to movies, I'm generally not a crier at all, but I did tear up.
There are so many reasons why this story hits so close to home and means so much to me. Perhaps the first is a personal connection to it. My grandfather grew up in the same congregation as these young men. His older brother listened to some of the early broadcasts and helped distribute leaflets, but he was not there when the three were arrested, and they never betrayed him. But this story helps me to understand some of what my grandfather lived through, as well, especially where it is still very difficult for him to talk about that time in his life. I had the privilege of meeting Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, both in a school setting and later in my grandparents' home, and I am grateful for his willingness in sharing his story with so many.
I'll offer a quick explanation of the Morse code, used in the BBC broadcasts: ..._ It's "V" for "Victory." The young men signal each other, whistling the first three notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which carries the same pattern: short-short-short-long.
Perhaps the most important point made in the movie is that any power that deprives us of our freedom to choose is evil. (It was Lucifer's plan to force us all back to heaven. Our Heavenly Father granted us the gift of agency, the freedom to choose, which also makes it possible for us to grow and progress and eventually, if we choose according to His will, to return to our Heavenly Father.) Hitler was denying freedom and hiding the truth.
Throughout the movie, I couldn't help thinking of what is happening today: conspiracy theorists, government cover-ups, media apparently working hand in hand with the government, etc. Helmuth, Karl-Heinz, and Rudi were working to bring the truth to the German people. Where do we find truth now? It is not from our government or the media. At risk of being labeled crazy, I will still say that I don't believe the current function of the government or media is really any better than in Hitler's Germany. They are seeking to take away our freedoms, promising protection and prosperity as a cover for their true agenda. My patriotism consists of a loyalty and love of this nation and its Constitution and most importantly its God; I feel loyalty only to those leaders who uphold the principles on which this nation was founded.
At one point in the movie, Karl-Heinz is portrayed as shouting at Helmuth that they are not heroes. Of the three, he was the oldest and was portrayed as having the greatest fear for the possible consequences. He may not have felt like a hero at the time. However, the three are among my heroes. I am grateful for their example in sharing the truth at such great risk. Even as Helmuth went to his death, he proclaimed, "I know God lives, and He will be the Judge." Yes, he was a hero, as were his friends. His story, his faith in the truth, puts hope in my heart.
That said, as I consider the state of the world today, I take courage from them in my desire to stand for what is good and true and right. I will seek the truth through the scriptures and the words of living prophets and apostles. I will stand for truth and righteousness. I will continue to speak out against tyranny, against anything that would diminish my agency. I hope there are still many who will stand beside me in this. But if not, my stance will not change. I will stand for truth, for freedom to choose--at the risk of my own life, if need be. I take comfort in knowing that others have done the same. "I know God lives, and He will be the Judge."
I can only imagine the joyful reunion that occurred when Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, the last living, passed away nearly three years ago. I hope I will be able to meet all three and thank them for their courage and conviction.
There are so many reasons why this story hits so close to home and means so much to me. Perhaps the first is a personal connection to it. My grandfather grew up in the same congregation as these young men. His older brother listened to some of the early broadcasts and helped distribute leaflets, but he was not there when the three were arrested, and they never betrayed him. But this story helps me to understand some of what my grandfather lived through, as well, especially where it is still very difficult for him to talk about that time in his life. I had the privilege of meeting Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, both in a school setting and later in my grandparents' home, and I am grateful for his willingness in sharing his story with so many.
I'll offer a quick explanation of the Morse code, used in the BBC broadcasts: ..._ It's "V" for "Victory." The young men signal each other, whistling the first three notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which carries the same pattern: short-short-short-long.
Perhaps the most important point made in the movie is that any power that deprives us of our freedom to choose is evil. (It was Lucifer's plan to force us all back to heaven. Our Heavenly Father granted us the gift of agency, the freedom to choose, which also makes it possible for us to grow and progress and eventually, if we choose according to His will, to return to our Heavenly Father.) Hitler was denying freedom and hiding the truth.
Throughout the movie, I couldn't help thinking of what is happening today: conspiracy theorists, government cover-ups, media apparently working hand in hand with the government, etc. Helmuth, Karl-Heinz, and Rudi were working to bring the truth to the German people. Where do we find truth now? It is not from our government or the media. At risk of being labeled crazy, I will still say that I don't believe the current function of the government or media is really any better than in Hitler's Germany. They are seeking to take away our freedoms, promising protection and prosperity as a cover for their true agenda. My patriotism consists of a loyalty and love of this nation and its Constitution and most importantly its God; I feel loyalty only to those leaders who uphold the principles on which this nation was founded.
At one point in the movie, Karl-Heinz is portrayed as shouting at Helmuth that they are not heroes. Of the three, he was the oldest and was portrayed as having the greatest fear for the possible consequences. He may not have felt like a hero at the time. However, the three are among my heroes. I am grateful for their example in sharing the truth at such great risk. Even as Helmuth went to his death, he proclaimed, "I know God lives, and He will be the Judge." Yes, he was a hero, as were his friends. His story, his faith in the truth, puts hope in my heart.
That said, as I consider the state of the world today, I take courage from them in my desire to stand for what is good and true and right. I will seek the truth through the scriptures and the words of living prophets and apostles. I will stand for truth and righteousness. I will continue to speak out against tyranny, against anything that would diminish my agency. I hope there are still many who will stand beside me in this. But if not, my stance will not change. I will stand for truth, for freedom to choose--at the risk of my own life, if need be. I take comfort in knowing that others have done the same. "I know God lives, and He will be the Judge."
I can only imagine the joyful reunion that occurred when Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, the last living, passed away nearly three years ago. I hope I will be able to meet all three and thank them for their courage and conviction.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Marriage and tolerance... and so many thoughts
Tolerance just won't go away. It keeps coming back. But somehow it is regularly taken to mean that one side must accept and condone everything. Somehow, in the liberal mindset, tolerance and open-mindedness have come to mean "anything goes." Over and over, I feel that I am being accused of closed-mindedness and intolerance, normally for the mere fact that I do not agree with them. Being open-minded does not mean that a person must be swayed easily. It means that a person is willing to listen and to accept that there are other opinions besides his or her own opinions. I am nothing if not a good listener. I will listen when I agree with you. I will listen when I disagree with you. But I will not be told that I must change my mind and agree with you. That represents neither tolerance nor open-mindedness. If we all hold the same opinions, tolerance ceases to exist because there is no longer any difference between us.
I keep coming back to a number of stories of intolerance that was demonstrated by those who are so vehemently demanding tolerance. Since when is driving by and urinating on a young woman appropriate or tolerant? This happened to a young woman in California who was out supporting Prop 8 in 2008. Since when is threatening various religious buildings appropriate or tolerant? Think: LA Temple, Salt Lake Temple, a cathedral on the east coast, and probably countless other buildings which experienced bomb scares and/or marches intended to shut them down and prevent worshipers from attending.
That said, there have been so many other thoughts on my mind today, as well. How many little girls have dreamed of being a princess, and as they grow older, of having the perfect princess wedding? How many young single adult women still cherish that dream? As I've considered things this evening, I've thought about how there are many characteristics that I do not allow to define me, though they certainly make up a part of who I am. (As an example, I am a little person, but that does not define me.) However, my gender does define me. It does not limit me in the things I desire to do. But it certainly defines me. I am a woman. I am a daughter of God. These are things that I have always been and will always be, through all eternity.
So why does it make a difference to me whether or not same sex marriage is legal? Well, there are many reasons. Firstly, Gods laws do not change, and I will put my trust in him and in His living prophets: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men,and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (New Testament, Ephesians 4:11-14). Prophets and apostles are here to teach and remind us of the doctrine of Jesus Christ so that we can avoid being tossed about by every whim and fancy of mankind.
It has been nearly eighteen years since the The Family: A Proclamation to the World was presented. It is not coincidental that we received it not long before the initial battle in defense of marriage began: Prop 22 passed in California in 2000. The words of the proclamation are just as true today as they were eighteen years ago. They are the words of God--a God who is unchangeable. It outlines clearly the responsibility of husband and wife (and even children!) within a family. It also contains warnings: "We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets." Do I want to see the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets? I think not! But do I believe they will come if we as a nation continue in our current course? Yes.
Can I be tolerant of those who differ from myself? Yes, of course. But remember, this does not mean accepting much less embracing their lifestyle. Elder Oaks put it beautifully in his talk Truth and Tolerance given two years ago in a CES fireside and reprinted in the February 2013 Ensign. Again, the timing (especially of the reprinting of the message) is no coincidence. It is a firm reminder that there are absolute truths: truths that will never change, regardless of the changing world around us. I can be open-minded. I can hear what others have to say. I can accept that their beliefs may differ from my own. But what I cannot do is step down and deny or fail to uphold the truths which I know. One of those is that gender is an eternal part of our identity, and that marriage between a man and a woman is God's commandment.
I also do not believe that the term "marriage equality" holds any value. You see, I fear the religious implications that legalizing same sex marriage could have. A few people have probably already read my earlier post Rites of worship, rights of (to) worship. If some people get there way, the rites of worship of many people (not just Mormons) could be taken. The government could argue that a church has no right to excommunicate a person based on sexual practices, and that any marriage allowed by law must be performed by a church if requested. Not only could they shut down temples, they could shut down all of our meetinghouses. Am I being extreme here? Maybe. But it is not an impossibility. As I said in that post, no one can take my right to worship, but government can, unfortunately, infringe on and take away rites of worship. It is no longer equality if my right to marry in the temple (to have my "perfect princess wedding," if you will) may be forcibly taken from me.
Occasionally I hear the argument that the Church is behind the times or that it has finally realized that speaking in the political arena is unwise. Guess again. Does anyone remember the Fourteen Fundamentals of Following the Prophet? #9: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual. # 10: The prophet may well advise on civic matters. Add to this the fact that the Church issued a new statement today: Church Reaffirms Position on Marriage.... It is clear where our leaders stand, and as long as that is the case, I stand with them.
I have also seen other issues arise in the last week or so that would in some degree take away from the attention on marriage. Specifically I am thinking of the case of Ryan Rotela. He was in a class (at a public university!) where the students were asked to write the name "Jesus" on a piece of paper and then stomp on the paper. He refused and was subsequently suspended from the class. There is irony in this. First, as I already said, this is a public university and therefore should be required to treat students equally regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, etc.; there is no religious or non-religious requirement for attending a public university. Second, this occurred in an Intercultural Communications course. Ummmmmm... WHAT?!?! Sorry, professor, you're doing a terrible job of teaching intercultural communications; tolerance, respect, etc., must apply to everyone, not just to the people who agree with you. Third, the school backed the professor in his decision, stating, "While at times the topics discussed may be sensitive, a university environment is a venue for such dialogue and debate." How was that? Dialogue and debate? Ryan Rotela offered dialogue and debate! Or is it like everything else? "Okay, students, this class is open to dialogue and debate, but only if you agree with me. I support diversity in my classroom, as long as you are just like me." That's not open or diverse!!!! That's the same-minded, closed, intolerant attitude we see in every arena. It is the attitude that is threatening our freedom of religion.
I am not by any means taking a stand to oppose any individual or group. I would never do such a thing. In fact, I could argue that there is regular discrimination against me: public restrooms where I can't reach to wash my hands (don't worry, I carry hand sanitizer pretty much everywhere), counters that are high enough that the person on the other side may not see that I am waiting for service, stairs that are way too tall (the individual steps, not necessarily the staircases), and countless other things. And in contrast to those who are demanding same sex marriage, I did not choose this. They have the ability to choose their lifestyle, to choose to act or not to act on their attractions. I can't change my height. So who really has cause to complain of society being intolerant?
Because of things that I have learned over the years, I believe I have become more (not less) tolerant of other people. But as I have already said, tolerance does not mean I agree with you or with everything you do, nor should it. Tolerance means I hear you, I understand that you are different, and I respect you. But I will never back down from defending truth and right. I cannot and will not fight against God. If you choose to allow that to put us on opposite teams, I'm afraid that must be so. I will not stop loving you. I will not stop praying and hoping that you will embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and return to His team. But I will never stand down. Those few who read my blog know I have addressed this issue before; I am certain it is not the last time I will address it.
[As a final note, I learned today that Facebook is among the companies that has submitted a brief in support of same sex marriage. I have one friend at least who has chosen to leave because of it. As I have considered this evening, I have determined that there are two reasons why I will stay, at least for now: (1) I am not paying a cent to use Facebook and (2) I can continue to use Facebook to publish my views, including my support of traditional marriage and family.]
I keep coming back to a number of stories of intolerance that was demonstrated by those who are so vehemently demanding tolerance. Since when is driving by and urinating on a young woman appropriate or tolerant? This happened to a young woman in California who was out supporting Prop 8 in 2008. Since when is threatening various religious buildings appropriate or tolerant? Think: LA Temple, Salt Lake Temple, a cathedral on the east coast, and probably countless other buildings which experienced bomb scares and/or marches intended to shut them down and prevent worshipers from attending.
That said, there have been so many other thoughts on my mind today, as well. How many little girls have dreamed of being a princess, and as they grow older, of having the perfect princess wedding? How many young single adult women still cherish that dream? As I've considered things this evening, I've thought about how there are many characteristics that I do not allow to define me, though they certainly make up a part of who I am. (As an example, I am a little person, but that does not define me.) However, my gender does define me. It does not limit me in the things I desire to do. But it certainly defines me. I am a woman. I am a daughter of God. These are things that I have always been and will always be, through all eternity.
So why does it make a difference to me whether or not same sex marriage is legal? Well, there are many reasons. Firstly, Gods laws do not change, and I will put my trust in him and in His living prophets: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men,and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (New Testament, Ephesians 4:11-14). Prophets and apostles are here to teach and remind us of the doctrine of Jesus Christ so that we can avoid being tossed about by every whim and fancy of mankind.
It has been nearly eighteen years since the The Family: A Proclamation to the World was presented. It is not coincidental that we received it not long before the initial battle in defense of marriage began: Prop 22 passed in California in 2000. The words of the proclamation are just as true today as they were eighteen years ago. They are the words of God--a God who is unchangeable. It outlines clearly the responsibility of husband and wife (and even children!) within a family. It also contains warnings: "We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets." Do I want to see the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets? I think not! But do I believe they will come if we as a nation continue in our current course? Yes.
Can I be tolerant of those who differ from myself? Yes, of course. But remember, this does not mean accepting much less embracing their lifestyle. Elder Oaks put it beautifully in his talk Truth and Tolerance given two years ago in a CES fireside and reprinted in the February 2013 Ensign. Again, the timing (especially of the reprinting of the message) is no coincidence. It is a firm reminder that there are absolute truths: truths that will never change, regardless of the changing world around us. I can be open-minded. I can hear what others have to say. I can accept that their beliefs may differ from my own. But what I cannot do is step down and deny or fail to uphold the truths which I know. One of those is that gender is an eternal part of our identity, and that marriage between a man and a woman is God's commandment.
I also do not believe that the term "marriage equality" holds any value. You see, I fear the religious implications that legalizing same sex marriage could have. A few people have probably already read my earlier post Rites of worship, rights of (to) worship. If some people get there way, the rites of worship of many people (not just Mormons) could be taken. The government could argue that a church has no right to excommunicate a person based on sexual practices, and that any marriage allowed by law must be performed by a church if requested. Not only could they shut down temples, they could shut down all of our meetinghouses. Am I being extreme here? Maybe. But it is not an impossibility. As I said in that post, no one can take my right to worship, but government can, unfortunately, infringe on and take away rites of worship. It is no longer equality if my right to marry in the temple (to have my "perfect princess wedding," if you will) may be forcibly taken from me.
Occasionally I hear the argument that the Church is behind the times or that it has finally realized that speaking in the political arena is unwise. Guess again. Does anyone remember the Fourteen Fundamentals of Following the Prophet? #9: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual. # 10: The prophet may well advise on civic matters. Add to this the fact that the Church issued a new statement today: Church Reaffirms Position on Marriage.... It is clear where our leaders stand, and as long as that is the case, I stand with them.
I have also seen other issues arise in the last week or so that would in some degree take away from the attention on marriage. Specifically I am thinking of the case of Ryan Rotela. He was in a class (at a public university!) where the students were asked to write the name "Jesus" on a piece of paper and then stomp on the paper. He refused and was subsequently suspended from the class. There is irony in this. First, as I already said, this is a public university and therefore should be required to treat students equally regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, etc.; there is no religious or non-religious requirement for attending a public university. Second, this occurred in an Intercultural Communications course. Ummmmmm... WHAT?!?! Sorry, professor, you're doing a terrible job of teaching intercultural communications; tolerance, respect, etc., must apply to everyone, not just to the people who agree with you. Third, the school backed the professor in his decision, stating, "While at times the topics discussed may be sensitive, a university environment is a venue for such dialogue and debate." How was that? Dialogue and debate? Ryan Rotela offered dialogue and debate! Or is it like everything else? "Okay, students, this class is open to dialogue and debate, but only if you agree with me. I support diversity in my classroom, as long as you are just like me." That's not open or diverse!!!! That's the same-minded, closed, intolerant attitude we see in every arena. It is the attitude that is threatening our freedom of religion.
I am not by any means taking a stand to oppose any individual or group. I would never do such a thing. In fact, I could argue that there is regular discrimination against me: public restrooms where I can't reach to wash my hands (don't worry, I carry hand sanitizer pretty much everywhere), counters that are high enough that the person on the other side may not see that I am waiting for service, stairs that are way too tall (the individual steps, not necessarily the staircases), and countless other things. And in contrast to those who are demanding same sex marriage, I did not choose this. They have the ability to choose their lifestyle, to choose to act or not to act on their attractions. I can't change my height. So who really has cause to complain of society being intolerant?
Because of things that I have learned over the years, I believe I have become more (not less) tolerant of other people. But as I have already said, tolerance does not mean I agree with you or with everything you do, nor should it. Tolerance means I hear you, I understand that you are different, and I respect you. But I will never back down from defending truth and right. I cannot and will not fight against God. If you choose to allow that to put us on opposite teams, I'm afraid that must be so. I will not stop loving you. I will not stop praying and hoping that you will embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ and return to His team. But I will never stand down. Those few who read my blog know I have addressed this issue before; I am certain it is not the last time I will address it.
[As a final note, I learned today that Facebook is among the companies that has submitted a brief in support of same sex marriage. I have one friend at least who has chosen to leave because of it. As I have considered this evening, I have determined that there are two reasons why I will stay, at least for now: (1) I am not paying a cent to use Facebook and (2) I can continue to use Facebook to publish my views, including my support of traditional marriage and family.]
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Rites of worship, rights of (to) worship
I had yet another epiphany in my scripture study this evening, this time in relation to the use of a particular word. I'm not sure I had ever truly noticed it before. (It emphasizes the existence of orality in conjunction with literacy: speaking/hearing a word as opposed to reading it.)
The verse that stood out to me was Alma 43:45:
"Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church."
The verse that stood out to me was Alma 43:45:
"Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church."
Because this is not long after king Mosiah established freedom of religion and several stories show that unbelievers could not be punished for their unbelief (only for crimes), I think I have always thought more of "rights" when I have read this in the past. They were fighting for the right to worship as they chose. But that does not describe it in its entirety. You see, no one can take away the right to worship--no one! Several stories come to mind as examples (and I am certain there are more):
1. From the Book of Mormon, Mosiah chapter 24: Alma and those who fled with him from king Noah were in bondage to the Lamanites and prayed to have their burdens lightened. When they were discovered, the Amulonites "put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death" (verse 11). Were they successful in preventing Alma and his people from praying? Of course not! "And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts" (verse 12). They held onto their rights.
2. Also from the Book of Mormon, Alma chapter 24: The Lamanites were angry that so many of their brethren had been converted unto the Lord. They came against them to kill them. 1,005 were killed. But did this take away their right to worship? No! "Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword. And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a thousand and five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for they have gone to dwell with their God" (verses 21-22). Many of them lost their lives, but they did not lose their right to worship. And because they exercised their right to worship, though they lost their mortal lives, they returned to their God.
3. From the Old Testament, Daniel chapter 6: King Darius's counselors asked him to enact a law "that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions" (verse 7). Did Daniel obey the king? Did the king or his counselors have power to take Daniel's right to worship? Again, no! "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime" (verse 10). You know the story. The king was compelled to cast Daniel into the den of lions, but the angel of God shut the mouths of the lions. Daniel was spared, and the king was forced to acknowledge the power of God.
4. Also from the Old Testament, Daniel chapter 3: King Nebuchadnezzar created an image and issued the following decree: "To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace" (verses 4-6). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refused and put their trust in the Lord, and the king was so angry that he ordered the furnace to be made hotter. The men who cast them into the fiery furnace died because the heat was so great, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego not only walked freely in the furnace, but a fourth figure was seen with them. After calling them back out, King Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God" (verse 28).
Regardless of the end circumstances, each of the above stories illustrates that the right to worship cannot be taken. We will find ways to worship our God, even if it must be in secret.
But, oh, how much the meaning changes when we consider that they were fighting for their rites of worship. (And I believe this is particularly significant in light of the brief released by the Obama administration today. I am disappointed that our president wants to see prop 8 overturned and same sex marriage legalized.) What are rites? Rituals, outward acts. For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (and for the Nephites in the Book of Mormon), I would say that these are outward ordinances, physical actions by which we enter into covenants with God. Can men or governments take away rites of worship? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Because rites consist of physical actions and are often associated with specific locations, they can be taken or prevented. Locations could be destroyed, or we could be denied access to them. In the case of temple marriage and sealings, legal recognition could be denied. Rites of worship for those of other faiths could also be prevented or halted.
We are fighting an ongoing battle for our rites of worship. We fight this battle because we know there are ordinances associated with salvation and exaltation. It does not always require physical fighting, armor, or weapons. What it does require is faith and integrity. Will we remain true to our covenants? Will we remain true to our God? Will we give all, even to giving our lives, to preserve our religious freedom and the rites associated with it? In all of the stories I mentioned, the people were prepared to give their lives. Worshiping God was more important. Maintaining faith and integrity, keeping the covenants already made, took priority over their mortal lives. Some lives were spared. Some were not. All were blessed of God. And all helped to preserve the faith and the rites associated with it for themselves and for future generations. This battle continues. "Who's on the Lord's side? Who? Now is the time to show!"
We are fighting an ongoing battle for our rites of worship. We fight this battle because we know there are ordinances associated with salvation and exaltation. It does not always require physical fighting, armor, or weapons. What it does require is faith and integrity. Will we remain true to our covenants? Will we remain true to our God? Will we give all, even to giving our lives, to preserve our religious freedom and the rites associated with it? In all of the stories I mentioned, the people were prepared to give their lives. Worshiping God was more important. Maintaining faith and integrity, keeping the covenants already made, took priority over their mortal lives. Some lives were spared. Some were not. All were blessed of God. And all helped to preserve the faith and the rites associated with it for themselves and for future generations. This battle continues. "Who's on the Lord's side? Who? Now is the time to show!"
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Ammon was a missionary serving Lamanites
I have no idea how I have read the story of Ammon so many times and have never caught on to the symbolism and foreshadowing of him working with the king's sheep. (For anyone who doesn't know the story or would like to reread it, see Alma 17.) Take a look at these words from Alma 17:31:
"My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us."
"My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us."
Think about it. How many times has the Lord compared His children to sheep in the scriptures? In a way, Ammon did exactly the same thing with king Lamoni's sheep that he had come to do (and did) among king Lamoni's people.
"Let us go in search of the flocks..." Ammon and his brethren and the others who went with him went among the Lamanites to find those who would hear the gospel.
"... and we will gather them together..." The Lamanites who were converted unto Christ and His gospel began to worship in their own homes and lands. However, the day came when they had to gather as a group and make a decision as to where to go.
"... and bring them back unto the place of water..." Christ is the living water. In part, this was about bringing them to Christ. But there was also a sense of physically bringing them back. Those who were not converted took their weapons of war and came against the new converts. For their protection, they were physically brought back and given inheritance among the Nephites.
"... and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us." Ammon and his brethren did preserve the flocks. As already stated, they taught the gospel and repentance, and they led them to a physical place of safety. The preservation continued in both spiritual and physical ways. The gospel continued to be preached among them. But also, when the Lamanites came up on the Nephites and upon the people of Ammon (now living among the Nephites), the Nephites protected them and would not allow them to break their covenant by taking their weapons of war. The "flocks" were preserved for the King--for Christ--and, as promised to king Mosiah before his sons left, Ammon and his brethren and the converts ultimately received eternal life.
It seems so obvious. How have I missed it for so many years? It makes the story that much more beautiful. Working with the flocks was not just about serving king Lamoni. It was a parallel to Ammon's real purpose and mission among the Lamanites. It was really exciting to make that connection as I read today!
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