I have been stuck on one chapter in the scriptures for the last month or so trying to more fully understand charity. I have had some pretty hard lessons to learn about myself as far as envy, selfishness, kindness, and becoming the master of my thoughts go. I'll be honest, it all seems pretty impossible sometimes when you look at charity as a whole. That's why I have found it helpful to break it down and study one of the principles for at least a couple days.
I want to share one of the principles that hit me pretty hard. I've been studying "beareth all things" and it reminded me of the wonderful men and women in my life. To bear something means to hold up, support or remain firm under a load. I think of the loads each of you bear and the words "remain firm" just fit so well. It's not that we accept tough situations as victims, we remain firm in our faith no matter what challenges come along.
The imagery that kept coming to mind is from Helaman 5:12. It talks of the strong storms and whirlwinds of the devil beating upon us. By the way, "beating" is a very strong descriptive word. It's not that life will simply make us uncomfortable or be challenging, but we will take a beating at times. What are the storms? A crisis of faith, rejection, misunderstandings/disagreements with loved ones, envy, sickness, injury, pride that blinds making us feel lost and alone, difficult children, financial burdens, etc. And when those times comes there are two options for us. Either we remain firm upon the rock of our Redeemer, or the devil drags us down to the gulf of misery and endless wo.
I have come to the point in my life on several occasions when I have wanted to give up "bearing" all things because I felt that it was too much, that it wasn't fair, or because I blamed someone else for my suffering. But inevitably I found that when I refuse to remain firm out of some rebellion towards God or anger towards someone else I am simply giving the devil permission to drag me down to misery. So in reality, as I abandoned God I was abandoning my joy, my safety, myself. Then, in that gulf of misery, it is easy for the devil to convince us it is God who abandoned us.
I am so grateful that each one of us has managed to climb out of that pit in the past at some point. I am grateful for the full confidence I have in each of you to climb out again in the future or avoid the pit all together. I believe that is the biggest difference between those who make it to the celestial kingdom and those who fall short. It is whether or not we are willing to bear all things. To remain firm in our faith when the "hail and mighty storm shall beat upon (us)."
It may seem impossible sometimes but we can remain firm "because of the rock upon which (we) are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men (and women) build they cannot fall."
Wow, Em. Wow. Well said. Your faith is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI just read that scripture last week and had some similar thoughts, although not as eloquently formed. I too know that so long as we stand firm on that foundation, there will not be a storm that can drag us down. I also find it interesting that Helaman chose to describe the Lord as a Rock that provides a sure foundation, instead of a rock that we can hide under. His strength and power are supportive in nature and do not shelter us from the crap that life has to offer (probably not the best word choice, now I am envisioning flying fecal matter). But basically we are all guaranteed to have somewhat of a messy life, but so long as we remain firm with Him as our foundation, we will find happiness and come out conquerors of the adversary. Love your thoughts Em! And I have been wanting to ask you about the book you read on envy...you mentioned it a few months back and I've been meaning to ask you about it.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU. I am sitting at work, trying not to cry, because I feel like this post was written for me. We met with our immigration lawyer on Friday and I have been pretty shaken up since. Life storms are like hail pounding on my soul. It's a little different this time, though. I'm not angry or mad at Cesar any more, but I am deeply saddened by the consequences we are facing now and for the rest of our lives. He will never be a citizen, so we will go through this process every ten years, and in the mean time we may not be able to travel outside the country depending on the political climate. At this point I want to leave the country just so I can feel like I can go where ever I want whenever I want! FREEDOM is a word with more meaning than I ever realized before. I don't know what the future holds, and I don't know how long this storm will last, but I do know I can not stand and bear it with out my savior bearing me up. In fact, I may just lay down on this rock for a while and allow him to hold me until I can stand again...
ReplyDeleteOh Sar, thanks for your words of faith in the face of such challenges. I'm so proud of you for overcoming your anger. Just remember the amazing blessings your family has seen recently in spite of the crap storm that occasionally drizzles. And in the meantime, I'll come lay by you on that rock :)
DeleteLove you Sar! Thanks for sharing your challenges. You are so good at opening up your heart and inspiring others with the true stories of your courage. Remember one of the blessings of clinging to that rock during a storm is the chance to feel, through the spirit, that everything is going to turn out ok. If you give yourself to Him, as you have, all your experiences will be for the eternal benefit of your family. Trust that He sees the end from the beginning. Trust Him. Love you!!
DeleteThank you so much, sisters. I read what I wrote now, and it seems so doomsday, so I apologize. I will try to be more positive!!! :) Thank you for reminding me that I have so much to celebrate, and so much to look forward to in the future, knowing my Heavenly Father is in the details. I AM SO EXCITED TO COME SEE LIZZY AND HER BABIES AND JUST BE WITH MY SISTERS!!!
Delete