The other day, my son wanted to talk about the protests going on across America regarding the "Black Lives Matter" and the maltreatment of different races. It started out as a friendly discussion that terminated in my son feeling like I had kicked him out of my home and did not tolerate differing beliefs or accept him. I knew in the morning that he would have to leave since I had just learned that I had been exposed to Covid-19 at work and needed to take extra precautions. However, I wish I could have had him leave under different circumstances than a heated argument where I blurted out, "You need to leave-because I might have Covid-19."
I'm trying to figure out the turning point in our discussion. What triggered me from being the calmly cleaning mother, to the angry woman shutting him out-being a silent observer as he gathered his belongings and left.
I'm rehearsing different topics during our conversation:
*Importance of Unity and becoming as one as a society instead of a having all manner"ites"-such as Lamanites, Nephites, Zoramites or a loose confederation of distinct ethnicity, race, religion, special interests, etc. It's being different but being bound together in love-all with the same in purpose-a Zion people who are pure in heart. That wasn't my trigger.
* Stating that we will not have world peace until the Second Coming when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ. This might be interpreted as a type of compulsion- "You will bow your knee!" Everyone must believe in Jesus Christ or they will be destroyed. That wasn't my trigger.
*My statement to him saying,"I know you don't believe in Jesus Christ" and explaining how people generally show their faith in Jesus Christ by keeping his commandments and making and keeping sacred covenants. This statement was a trigger for him (not me). Many believe Jesus is prophet who greatly encourages moral behavior but do not accept him as their personal Savior or the need to be saved from sin. Law should be subjective.
Another trigger for him was saying, "whatever you believe" while waving my hands in a dismissive manner. Instead of saying-everyone can believe different things-it's all good. It's all true for them. We can all live in peace and harmony even if we believe different things. Think of all the atrocities committed in the name of religion and intolerance of other people's beliefs! That wasn't my trigger.
*My role as mother in teaching my children about Jesus and how to follow him as part of the global world problem. Not only was our family prayer and scripture time all in vain, but they did more damage than good. THAT was my trigger. Though he may not have said those exact words, that is how I interpreted it. This is where it got personal. I felt like he was attacking my efforts as a young mother to teach my children the gospel. Though I may have had noble intentions, really I was not tolerant of others with differing beliefs. Teaching one Savior, one faith, one baptism- the only true church offends many. It's too black and white. Staying in the gray is a lot safer. Unless I say- I accept whatever you do-it's all good. I accept whatever you believe-it's all good. I accept whatever you want to become-it'ts all good. Everyone can do whatever they want as long as it's not hurting anyone. Hey, but if someone gets hurt-now that's wrong. You can't do that. That is not acceptable.
Not everything is acceptable. Society witnessed police brutality. Racism is unacceptable. Protests cry for reform for what is not acceptable. Through their actions they demand CHANGE.
God invites us to change. He cannot force us to accept that Jesus is the Christ. One day we will know, but even then he does not force us to repent. We will be changed from mortality to immortality even though we may not repent.
Just because I'm trying to repent and change doesn't mean that God doesn't accept me for who I am, understand me, or love me. Through His spirit, He teaches those black and white truths that balance justice with mercy. Oh how he loves black and white, bond and free-every single person that has ever or will ever exist- and invites all to come unto Him-
2nd Nephi 26:33
For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he ainviteth them ball to ccome unto him and partake of his goodness; and he ddenieth none that come unto him, black and white, ebond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the fheathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Sunday, May 17, 2020
The Power to Gather-Yellow Alert Level
Utah has recently moved from orange level of precaution to yellow. This is good news for family gatherings of 50 people or less. Yesterday I participated in a great family gathering to celebrate the 2nd birthday of my sweet grandson, Lennox. It was celebrated with much fanfare, in typical Mexican style, complete with "Nacho Libre" themed decorations and costumes, bounce house, pinata, and glorious food buffet. My daughter married in to a wonderful Mexican family who throw these kinds of parties all the time for everyone. That's just what families do in that beautiful culture of gathering and celebration. I loved the scene of the immediate family draped over each other while laying down on a picnic blanket simply enjoying each other's company as they watched the children in the bounce house. It was a beautiful scene. These parents have the incredible power to gather their family together.
After the party, I went on a bike ride on the Provo River trail to Utah Lake. Along the trail, I saw gatherings of families recreating together-fishing, biking, hiking, enjoying each other's company. I saw over the fence another family gathering of my sister in law as they picnicked in their backyard located near this same river. All these families displayed this same power to gather their children around them.
On the other hand, glaringly absent from the picture yesterday was my adult children. They had the same invitation to gather, but no one showed. Each sibling had personal reasons for not attending but it was difficult to see the expression on my daughter's face for this seemingly lack of familial support. Feeling quite powerless, I forced a smile to accept what was, what is and what is not.
Accepting What Was: Truth is, my children know that when they were 2 years old, about the only thing their parents would have done to celebrate was give them a bunch of balloons to bat around, blow out 2 candles on their birthday donut, and maybe open a present. That was our tradition for the wee ones. As they became older, I tried as a mom to do everything within my power to make them feel special on their day. However, I told them it was their job to appreciate their life. It was their responsibility to celebrate their time on earth, their mortal bodies, and the glorious freedom to make choices. So, I guess all my children learned that lesson as they exercised their freedom to choose how to spend their time yesterday on a Saturday afternoon.
Accepting What Is: With a mandated PTO day and having worked last Sunday, today marks the end of another 4 day weekend. I admit, though Utah went from orange to yellow levels of precaution for the virus, I used much of my free time in self-imposed quarantine. I preferred to be by myself, sleeping in, cleaning, watching Broadway shows, listening to "Harry Potter" books on tape, shopping bargains while wearing a mask and eating good food. Perhaps I did this because as an "essential worker" I really haven't had to self-quarantine during the past 3 months. It has been work as usual or should I say work in unusual circumstances. I have to be careful that "self-care" doesn't turn into justification for selfishness.
Accepting What Is Not: Though I appreciate the fine examples of my relatives in throwing elaborate shin digs, I'm not going to get caught up in comparing and competing for the award for "Best Family Gathering". Though families gather for all sorts of reasons- habits, tradition, expectations, mutual interests, or sheer necessity-what gives families the great power to gather is LOVE.
I love my family-each member individually and collectively. It helps when we are together because it reminds me that I am not alone. I have a support system following me wherever I go-even when facing challenges- especially when facing challenges. I had that experience recently when being wheeled into a MRI tunnel (btw, they didn't find anything). Though it was not a quiet time with all the loud, strange sounds of magnetic resonance imaging, it was a time to be alone...with my thoughts.
I meditated and felt I was a model patient of staying calm and collected in this claustrophobic environment. Then the thought came into my mind, "I love my family." So much for staying perfectly still. Tears ran down my cheeks and I had difficulty retaining my composure. How I love my family! Even in this isolated environment, they were with me! More specifically, is was the feelings I had in my heart for each member of my family that produced such an overwhelming sensation. At the same time of being draped in surgical coverings, I was symbolically draped in the collective weight of love for my beautiful family. What a privilege to LOVE. It is the greatest privilege in my life. It gathers them to me no matter where they are. A most miraculous power of gathering.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
NAILED IT!
This morning I was thinking about the phrase "Nailed It" as it relates to judgment, more specifically the resurrection and final judgment.
This week I had the privilege helping my daughter with her new baby as well as giving special attention to her older toddler son. After the babes were sleeping, she introduced me to a baking contest show called, "Nailed It." I had never seen this humorous spoof on baking competitions as a master baker challenged each contestant to create a ridiculously ambitious pastry, cookie or cake. These contestants had no formal training experience, or competence but liked to bake or were at least willing to follow basic instructions outlined by the show. Perhaps the most impressive quality each contestant possessed was their ability to keep trying through this unique challenge. Also impressive was their strict adherence to time constraints while covering their work without complaining. Finally, each contestant one by one exclaimed, "NAILED IT!' as they enthusiastically revealed their creation. The real humor lay in the side by side comparison of what they were suppose to create and what they actually did create. Hilarious!!!
I'm sure it helps to have the show facilitated by a comedian. I appreciated each of the three judges ability to focus on the positive even though the results were often disastrous and deserving of the harshest criticism. That cake sucks man. You did a horrible job. You call that a cake? I admit, sometimes, they do spit the cake out but on the whole, it is a warm-hearted show that celebrates effort and sheds a fresh perspective on the concept of final judgment. The contestants enthusiastically sign up for the privilege of being judged according to their works. I'm sure they are also motivated by the attention received as well as the 10K for the winner. It's a legit prize for their best efforts.
It made me think of my best efforts to create: My body of work as a writer and composer...NAILED IT! My efforts raising my 5 children..NAILED IT! My work as a Recreational Therapist...NAILED IT!. My discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ...NAILED IT! My very life and my works...NAILED IT! Yes it's laughable, especially compared to the work of the masters all around me in each of these areas-especially compared to THE Master. I'm hoping he has a good sense of humor. More importantly, I hope he will be able to overlook the glaring deficiencies with great mercy and find the good...something...anything recognizing my best efforts.
Oh, and there will be rewards for all contestants! Much more than a measly 10K. How about an incorruptible body anyone? Talk about a body of work! Or should I say, a body that always works!
A body that will be raised up so I and and have the privilege of being judged. Yes the privilege of being judged.
At times I don't think judgment is a privilege at all. Competitions, comparisons, tests, evaluations, reviews, resumes, interviews, observation, feedback and criticism-all forms of judgement. Even discerning between good and evil and making a sound choice...all forms of judgement. Adam and Eve's choice put the nail in the coffin for the whole human race...We all die. That is the first judgement according to Jacob. "7 Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more." (2 Nephi 9:7). We're all destined for dust.... or cake mix.
However, I think of the Master Baker, the Lord of All Creation, who truly nailed it-for real-joking set aside. The nails driven through his hands and wrists culminating his great suffering for us. His humble submission and admission for his best efforts..."It is finished." All this..so I will be raised up with an incorruptible body and brought before God to have the privilege of being judged with justice and mercy. Happy Easter to all!
This week I had the privilege helping my daughter with her new baby as well as giving special attention to her older toddler son. After the babes were sleeping, she introduced me to a baking contest show called, "Nailed It." I had never seen this humorous spoof on baking competitions as a master baker challenged each contestant to create a ridiculously ambitious pastry, cookie or cake. These contestants had no formal training experience, or competence but liked to bake or were at least willing to follow basic instructions outlined by the show. Perhaps the most impressive quality each contestant possessed was their ability to keep trying through this unique challenge. Also impressive was their strict adherence to time constraints while covering their work without complaining. Finally, each contestant one by one exclaimed, "NAILED IT!' as they enthusiastically revealed their creation. The real humor lay in the side by side comparison of what they were suppose to create and what they actually did create. Hilarious!!!
I'm sure it helps to have the show facilitated by a comedian. I appreciated each of the three judges ability to focus on the positive even though the results were often disastrous and deserving of the harshest criticism. That cake sucks man. You did a horrible job. You call that a cake? I admit, sometimes, they do spit the cake out but on the whole, it is a warm-hearted show that celebrates effort and sheds a fresh perspective on the concept of final judgment. The contestants enthusiastically sign up for the privilege of being judged according to their works. I'm sure they are also motivated by the attention received as well as the 10K for the winner. It's a legit prize for their best efforts.
It made me think of my best efforts to create: My body of work as a writer and composer...NAILED IT! My efforts raising my 5 children..NAILED IT! My work as a Recreational Therapist...NAILED IT!. My discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ...NAILED IT! My very life and my works...NAILED IT! Yes it's laughable, especially compared to the work of the masters all around me in each of these areas-especially compared to THE Master. I'm hoping he has a good sense of humor. More importantly, I hope he will be able to overlook the glaring deficiencies with great mercy and find the good...something...anything recognizing my best efforts.
Oh, and there will be rewards for all contestants! Much more than a measly 10K. How about an incorruptible body anyone? Talk about a body of work! Or should I say, a body that always works!
A body that will be raised up so I and and have the privilege of being judged. Yes the privilege of being judged.
At times I don't think judgment is a privilege at all. Competitions, comparisons, tests, evaluations, reviews, resumes, interviews, observation, feedback and criticism-all forms of judgement. Even discerning between good and evil and making a sound choice...all forms of judgement. Adam and Eve's choice put the nail in the coffin for the whole human race...We all die. That is the first judgement according to Jacob. "7 Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more." (2 Nephi 9:7). We're all destined for dust.... or cake mix.
However, I think of the Master Baker, the Lord of All Creation, who truly nailed it-for real-joking set aside. The nails driven through his hands and wrists culminating his great suffering for us. His humble submission and admission for his best efforts..."It is finished." All this..so I will be raised up with an incorruptible body and brought before God to have the privilege of being judged with justice and mercy. Happy Easter to all!
15 And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the judgment, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God.
22 And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day. (2 Nephi 9: 15-16)
Sunday, April 5, 2020
#Hear Him
This morning I was thinking about my hearing and how dull it has been of late. Recently I've had problems related to my inner ear and dizziness. On Wednesday, I reported to a co-worker that I was having some dizziness while seated at my computer. Shortly thereafter, I laid down on floor because my world was literally spinning. So much so, I proceeded to throw up in the trash can... continually. I've always been prone to motion sickness, but I could not lift my head without being affected. After being removed by wheelchair from the building, with trashcan on my lap, I laid down on the cold sidewalk waiting for transport to the doctor's office. I'm sure those around me thought I had Covid-19 due to how incapacitated I truly was. It was scary but I felt confident that is was related to my inner ear problem and not some sudden viral illness.
I was not surprised when my doctor confirmed my diagnosis, told me to clean out my ears, gave me a shot in my side for my nausea and related prescription, and advised me to reduce motion. The next day I stayed in bed all day and gradually felt better. I learned from my mother that my grandmother spent several days in the hospital for her vertigo. She was sure she had a tumor near her inner ear, but she didn't. There is a 3% chance that I might have this kind of benign tumor around my inner ear but I don't really want to spend a ton of money for a scan that will pretty much tell me the same thing my grandma was told. You have vertigo. It is a chronic condition you'll have to manage throughout the rest of your life. And so it goes.
I'm trying to be more aware of the symptoms so they don't escalate to that spinning world state I experienced in my office. I'm taking precautions by focusing on my ears since that appears to be the first symptom leading up to vertigo. "Dull hearing" is a great description of this type of hearing loss due to gross wax build up. Of course the nifty gadget I bought on Amazon this morning is supposed to take care of all that grossness and prevent hearing loss and cognitive impairment. This tool might be an important investment in sharpening my capacities to hear and think.
I know I have also been spiritually "dull of hearing" and can identify with this scripture in Matt. 13.15: "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
Yep, that's me. Dull of hearing. I'm sure it didn't help my hearing or perceiving spiritual things by spending my isolation time binge watching Vidangel's rendition of "Breaking Bad." Surely I need a tool a lot more effective than the Amazon ear picker to remove some of that build up.
Fortunately for me, and for the whole world, we have such a tool...General Conference. Since hearing has been on my mind, I was especially sensitive when approaching the theme (#HearHim) of our 190th session of General Conference. I heard Him in my heart and in my mind testifying of the truth of what I heard in spoken word and song. Though my eyes are wet, they see more clearly. Though my ears are dull, I heard the message loud and clear- as President Nelson read a new proclamation to the world. It's a powerful message. It's one I know is true. My words are stupid, this blog is stupid, but this proclamation is not...It is important. It is worth reading and accepting the invitation to hear for yourself-His voice. Ask if it is true.
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/restoration-proclamation
I was not surprised when my doctor confirmed my diagnosis, told me to clean out my ears, gave me a shot in my side for my nausea and related prescription, and advised me to reduce motion. The next day I stayed in bed all day and gradually felt better. I learned from my mother that my grandmother spent several days in the hospital for her vertigo. She was sure she had a tumor near her inner ear, but she didn't. There is a 3% chance that I might have this kind of benign tumor around my inner ear but I don't really want to spend a ton of money for a scan that will pretty much tell me the same thing my grandma was told. You have vertigo. It is a chronic condition you'll have to manage throughout the rest of your life. And so it goes.
I'm trying to be more aware of the symptoms so they don't escalate to that spinning world state I experienced in my office. I'm taking precautions by focusing on my ears since that appears to be the first symptom leading up to vertigo. "Dull hearing" is a great description of this type of hearing loss due to gross wax build up. Of course the nifty gadget I bought on Amazon this morning is supposed to take care of all that grossness and prevent hearing loss and cognitive impairment. This tool might be an important investment in sharpening my capacities to hear and think.
I know I have also been spiritually "dull of hearing" and can identify with this scripture in Matt. 13.15: "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
Yep, that's me. Dull of hearing. I'm sure it didn't help my hearing or perceiving spiritual things by spending my isolation time binge watching Vidangel's rendition of "Breaking Bad." Surely I need a tool a lot more effective than the Amazon ear picker to remove some of that build up.
Fortunately for me, and for the whole world, we have such a tool...General Conference. Since hearing has been on my mind, I was especially sensitive when approaching the theme (#HearHim) of our 190th session of General Conference. I heard Him in my heart and in my mind testifying of the truth of what I heard in spoken word and song. Though my eyes are wet, they see more clearly. Though my ears are dull, I heard the message loud and clear- as President Nelson read a new proclamation to the world. It's a powerful message. It's one I know is true. My words are stupid, this blog is stupid, but this proclamation is not...It is important. It is worth reading and accepting the invitation to hear for yourself-His voice. Ask if it is true.
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/restoration-proclamation
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Reflect His Light & Heal the World
This morning I was thinking about my response to the invitation for a world wide day of fasting and prayer for relief from physical, emotional, and economic effects of the world wide pandemic.
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-fast-pray-relief-covid-19
I gladly accept the invitation and join with those of all faiths to raise my voice to God, the Master Healer and seek continued inspiration to #HearHim and do his will. It's something I can do to exercise some level of control in a situation where I don't have any. It's socially responsible like social distancing, hand washing, staying home etc.
I don't get to follow the mandate to stay home since both of my jobs are considered essential: public transportation and health care worker. In some ways it's a privilege and great responsibility. In other ways, it puts me on the front line. It doesn't feel like such a personal sacrifice right now because the virus hasn't hit Provo in a significant way..yet. We all know it's coming. It's something I can't see right now, but there is ample evidence from the latest news and eye-witness accounts of those who have seen and experienced this assured coming of the effects of the virus. I see the crazy as fiction from the books and movies I've read, come to life... It''s real.
How would I feel if the virus had a 100% kill rate? How would I feel if I knew I was going to die? From reports, some Italians over age 60 have been sent home from hospitals to die in isolation-die alone. How would I feel during this great vulnerable state, if other forces combine to bring the world to its' knees-literally-throw in some social unrest, continued wars, economic ruin, terrorist attacks, forest fires and other natural disasters. If we are are on our knees-we pray.
Our Utah earthquake sent Moroni's trumpet from the SLC Temple crashing down to the ground. It got my attention-a great mic drop on the world stage. Perhaps some people wondered what that gold angel on every temple stood for. What is the message heralded through the skies? Who is our trusted source we can listen to for the most important, accurate "real" news? In a time where things on the ground aren't looking too hot for the entire world, it's nice to look up-look up to the skies.
Last night, while taking out the trash, I looked at the bright object in the sky next to the moon. I'm not super observant, but it looked brighter than usual. I googled it, and think it was the planet, Venus. According to the description I read, though stars emit their own light-the moon and Venus reflect the light of the sun-they are literally bathed in light. They are sunbathers! My heart beat a little faster when I saw this object in the sky since the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is certainly on my mind and I continue to joke around about it with family and co-workers. Yet I know this promised coming of Jesus Christ is something I should take seriously, prepare and be ready. Repent continually. He's coming soon...why not now?
I remember the excitement around the topic when discussing it in seminary class as a teenager. I believed it was a realistic possibility I could be alive when He came back to the earth. I know it will be more dramatic, and conditions on earth will be more severe than this current pandemic but still...like the virus, I know he is coming. I see evidence from the eye witness accounts from the scriptures in both the Old and New Testament, Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Though I can not see Him right now, the effects of His presence are apparent in the lives of those around me and in my heart. I look for ways to increase my faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is real.
Like the sleepy towns where the virus doesn't seem as real as it is in New York, I go about my business as normally as I can. But if I knew I was going to die, would I live differently? I am assured destruction the minute I stepped into mortality as a babe. The seeds of destruction are already in my genes- I have a "virus" that will result in my eventual death..The clock is always ticking. I might die any day from a variety of causes including the virus.
Even though I might die from the virus in isolation without any family around me, I have the promise of being sealed to loved ones through the ordinances performed in holy temples. This is part of the fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy from the Old Testament, "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Malachi 4:6)
This is one of the most important messages of the restoration about forever families heralded by that angel posted on spires of temples around the world. He doesn't have a microphone to loudly broadcast the message, but instead holds a trumpet. If that doesn't get our attention-what will?
Yes, the trump broke off in SLC but right now that particular temple is undergoing extensive renovation that will not only earthquake proof it, but allow it to stand through His second coming and Millennial reign. Missionaries have been called home during the virus, but like the soon to be repaired trumpet, they too will return to their missions with the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a message of hope to a world that is literally dying physically and will be temporarily separated from loved ones.
And so I raise my voice in prayer and fasting-raise it up with the great hope for healing for myself, my family, and the whole world. That we may be Son-bathers, like Venus and the Moon-bathed in light. I love the promise in Malachi 4:2, "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-book-of-mormon-2020/14?lang=eng
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-nelson-fast-pray-relief-covid-19
I gladly accept the invitation and join with those of all faiths to raise my voice to God, the Master Healer and seek continued inspiration to #HearHim and do his will. It's something I can do to exercise some level of control in a situation where I don't have any. It's socially responsible like social distancing, hand washing, staying home etc.
I don't get to follow the mandate to stay home since both of my jobs are considered essential: public transportation and health care worker. In some ways it's a privilege and great responsibility. In other ways, it puts me on the front line. It doesn't feel like such a personal sacrifice right now because the virus hasn't hit Provo in a significant way..yet. We all know it's coming. It's something I can't see right now, but there is ample evidence from the latest news and eye-witness accounts of those who have seen and experienced this assured coming of the effects of the virus. I see the crazy as fiction from the books and movies I've read, come to life... It''s real.
How would I feel if the virus had a 100% kill rate? How would I feel if I knew I was going to die? From reports, some Italians over age 60 have been sent home from hospitals to die in isolation-die alone. How would I feel during this great vulnerable state, if other forces combine to bring the world to its' knees-literally-throw in some social unrest, continued wars, economic ruin, terrorist attacks, forest fires and other natural disasters. If we are are on our knees-we pray.
Our Utah earthquake sent Moroni's trumpet from the SLC Temple crashing down to the ground. It got my attention-a great mic drop on the world stage. Perhaps some people wondered what that gold angel on every temple stood for. What is the message heralded through the skies? Who is our trusted source we can listen to for the most important, accurate "real" news? In a time where things on the ground aren't looking too hot for the entire world, it's nice to look up-look up to the skies.
Last night, while taking out the trash, I looked at the bright object in the sky next to the moon. I'm not super observant, but it looked brighter than usual. I googled it, and think it was the planet, Venus. According to the description I read, though stars emit their own light-the moon and Venus reflect the light of the sun-they are literally bathed in light. They are sunbathers! My heart beat a little faster when I saw this object in the sky since the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is certainly on my mind and I continue to joke around about it with family and co-workers. Yet I know this promised coming of Jesus Christ is something I should take seriously, prepare and be ready. Repent continually. He's coming soon...why not now?
I remember the excitement around the topic when discussing it in seminary class as a teenager. I believed it was a realistic possibility I could be alive when He came back to the earth. I know it will be more dramatic, and conditions on earth will be more severe than this current pandemic but still...like the virus, I know he is coming. I see evidence from the eye witness accounts from the scriptures in both the Old and New Testament, Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Though I can not see Him right now, the effects of His presence are apparent in the lives of those around me and in my heart. I look for ways to increase my faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is real.
Like the sleepy towns where the virus doesn't seem as real as it is in New York, I go about my business as normally as I can. But if I knew I was going to die, would I live differently? I am assured destruction the minute I stepped into mortality as a babe. The seeds of destruction are already in my genes- I have a "virus" that will result in my eventual death..The clock is always ticking. I might die any day from a variety of causes including the virus.
Even though I might die from the virus in isolation without any family around me, I have the promise of being sealed to loved ones through the ordinances performed in holy temples. This is part of the fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy from the Old Testament, "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." (Malachi 4:6)
This is one of the most important messages of the restoration about forever families heralded by that angel posted on spires of temples around the world. He doesn't have a microphone to loudly broadcast the message, but instead holds a trumpet. If that doesn't get our attention-what will?
Yes, the trump broke off in SLC but right now that particular temple is undergoing extensive renovation that will not only earthquake proof it, but allow it to stand through His second coming and Millennial reign. Missionaries have been called home during the virus, but like the soon to be repaired trumpet, they too will return to their missions with the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a message of hope to a world that is literally dying physically and will be temporarily separated from loved ones.
And so I raise my voice in prayer and fasting-raise it up with the great hope for healing for myself, my family, and the whole world. That we may be Son-bathers, like Venus and the Moon-bathed in light. I love the promise in Malachi 4:2, "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-book-of-mormon-2020/14?lang=eng
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