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Nephi's Courage
Nephi's Courage
While watching TV at the end of April, as we reached the end of another week spent social distancing, the character said something that I found so profound that I stopped and wrote it down.
“What defines character? Integrity, courage, resilience” he said.
“Character is not a product of circumstances. It’s the thing that survives despite it.”
As we have experienced the changes that have come with a global pandemic, we have seen examples of a few people who have struggled and snapped under pressure, and many more who have come together to reach out and help.
As part of our mortal journey, each of us experiences challenges. Some are personal, while others are global. At times in my life as I go through a difficult time, it is easy to think: “It is ok if I am rude to that person. I’m going through a hard time.” Or perhaps: “Why should I do this? No one else in this situation would.” Or even, “Why did God let this happen to me?” But blaming my circumstances has never made me feel any better.
“When I am discouraged, and think I cannot try, I will be courageous, and I will reply: ‘I will go and do the thing the Lord commands. I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.’” (Nephi’s Courage, Children’s Songbook, 120)
The prophet Nephi and his family left their home, their possessions, their friends, even their jobs behind to journey into the wilderness. It would have been easy to give up after the first, or even the second failed attempt at getting the plates, but Nephi had courage that did not depend upon his circumstances.
It is easy to look at Nephi’s example because we know how the story ends. Yes, Nephi was risking his life returning to find Laban, but in the end he received the plates.
The end of our journey is not yet written. We don’t know what the end result will be. But we can have faith that there is a plan, and that our Heavenly Father knows each of us, and will “not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13)
I know our Heavenly Father loves us. He has a plan. The path he asks us to walk is not always easy, but it is possible. Some of the strongest testimonies come from watching how our faith survives our trials. As Alma taught, “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 36:3).
-Jason Longhurst
The bright side of social distancing from the world
The bright side of social distancing from the world
Coronavirus has swept through the earth beyond what most could have predicted at the beginning of 2020. This pandemic has created a global impact from economies down to the individuals, bringing them to their knees. It has been hard to distinguish between truth and deceit. The Governor’s “Stay Safe, and Stay Home Directive” was about the coronavirus and everything came to a halt. We were asked to social distance and to isolate ourselves from an unseen enemy. Fear has overcome many and boredom has tortured our children during the standstill. Routines and life schedules were turned upside down.
What is the lesson we were supposed to gain from all this?
Has this been a Liberty Jail type of experience for some of us (D&C 121:1-10)?
These questions are rhetorical and the answers to them are personal. However, despite all of this, there is a bright side. There is hope. That bright side and hope is found in Jesus Christ.
As you reflect over the past couple of months, there were probably a lot of things that were missed and cancelled. There were good things that were sad to let go of. There were people that were not around in the same way to lift you up. Yet, life was simplified, and essentialism took root. We, as a society, were blessed with the gift of time, with a huge focus on family. Every day and every night turned into a Family Home Evening (FHE).
Consider the tender mercies, blessings, and even miracles that came through these difficult times. I personally was able to improve my relationship with Heavenly Father through prayer, fasting, scripture study, and family history work. He helped filled my perceived voids. I found truth through Him. I gained strength, hope, faith, and power in general conference. Honestly, I was personally better prepared for this general conference and had a more dedicated focus on it because of this pandemic that I would have been otherwise. Looking back, I learned that in the end the gospel of Jesus Christ and family is what is truly essential and survives the tragedies of the world.
Each of us can share lessons learned through these past couple months. They may be similar, and they may be different, but they are all personal. I pray that you have found peace in Christ and that your afflictions will be but a small moment (D&C 121:7). There are unseen enemies that still lurk, whether it be coronavirus or the evils of Satan, we need to be ready and put our trust in the Lord. As we begin to normalize our lives or have created to new normal, remember to prioritize the essential aspects of life and apply the lessons that we have learned over the past months. These lessons can hopefully be applied to your current trials as well as other or future challenges.
Heavenly Father loves you!
Sincerely,
Matt Pepper
Planting the Gospel Deep in Our Hearts
Planting the Gospel Deep in Our Hearts
Erin and I and our children have now lived in this neighborhood for ten years. When we first moved into our home, our landscaping consisted only of six fruit trees along the back of our yard. They were small and we could only hope at that point that they would someday produce the pears, peaches, and apples. We patiently waited over the next four or five years as they matured, as they sent their roots deep into the earth, before we ever were able to sink our teeth into the most delicious fruit I think I have ever tasted. I often marvel at God’s goodness in providing free and delicious food to us year after year through these trees.
As I ponder on this great blessing, I realize that Heavenly Father intends for us to be like these trees. He intends for us to produce fruit that we and others can feast upon day after day, year after year. Through our families, He intends to nourish the world with goodness and truth.
How can we become that?
In our wonderful most recent General Conference, Douglas D. Holmes, who was recently released from the Young Men General Presidency, spoke about some different routes through which the Gospel of Jesus Christ can become planted deep within our hearts and the hearts of our children. This is more important than ever before. This is the time to become prepared to usher in Jesus Christ’s Second Coming by becoming strongly anchored to Him and receive the life-giving nutrients He offers. Only then can we bear the fruit this world so desperately needs. He said: “I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. For without me, ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
The first route: Relationships
We are born into families. Not all families are the same, and none are perfect. It is up to us to make our family as good as we can by nurturing those relationships, however they exist. Our family extends to the Church, and we all belong to the family of God. We aren’t meant to do this alone. Building these relationships takes time and selfless service. Elder Dale G. Renlund said: “To effectively serve others we must see them … through Heavenly Father’s eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul.” God’s love will come through and plant itself in our hearts as we serve each other. Let us also be sure to be mindful of our families on the other side of the veil who also need our loving service. Coming to know them better, and provide temple ordinances for them as soon as we can, will tie us together and to the Lord. The prophets have promised this.
The second route: Revelation, Agency and Repentance
“To connect our hearts with heaven, we need individual spiritual experiences…. Those experiences come as the Holy Ghost carries the word and love of God to our mind and heart.” We should seek to make personal revelation the hallmark of our personal and family life. As we use our agency to seek truth and knowledge from heaven, and then to act on it through obedience and repentance, the Lord will strengthen, forgive, and bless us and draw us ever nearer to Him.
The third route: Engagement and Sacrifice
This is a route rich with great promises. Let us help ourselves and our families catch the spirit of this great work. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes sacrifice. President Nelson said: “If you choose to, if you want to, … you can be a big part of something big, something grand, something majestic!... You are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!”
Think of that! Our children look to us. In order for our children to catch the spirit of this, they need to see us engaged. We need to put our worries aside, “hush our fears” (Mosiah 23:28), and believe in (act on) the promise of our dear Prophet. We have to act. We have to give our time, make effort, and sacrifice for this. The time is far spent, brethren. He is coming. Let us prepare ourselves and our families now. Identify for yourself one thing you can sacrifice now, and adopt something new to take its place in your life which will bring you closer to the Lord. In time, let your children see the blessings that come from that sacrifice. You and they will be amazed.
I am so thankful to have Prophets and Apostles and inspired leaders in our day to help guide us through these perilous and uncertain times. I know they are men and women of God and His word through them can bless our lives if we hearken to it. Let us do what is required to plant these promises and the seed of faith in our hearts, and help our children to plant the same in their hearts, is my prayer for us in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Ethan Jolley
During this time of enforced solitude, I want to remind us of a principle of ministering.
During this time of enforced solitude, I want to remind us of a principle of ministering.
Effective ministering is simple, individualized, and led by the spirit.
Which of those words stands out to you?
Simple? … Individualized? … Led by the Spirit?
The root of the word simple, literally means “single.”
Sometimes it takes something heroic within ourselves to cut out the unessential and focus on what really matters.
One thing vs. A ton of things.
What “single” thing can you do? Maybe it is to initiate contact and introduce yourself. Pick one thing. Keep it simple.
When we minister, we represent Jesus Christ and act as His agents to watch over, lift, and strengthen others. The Savior ministered to the one. He cared for the individual. What works for one may not work for another which is why being prayerful is so vital.
As we commit to prayerfully ask how to best love and serve others, we will be blessed with the inspiration and knowledge we need to minister as the Savior did.
President Allred
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