Cast off that Cloud of Darkness

 
One of the most beloved hymns among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet. Although it starts as expressing gratitude for having a living prophet today, the focus of the hymn is an expression of gratitude for many blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ that we might all enjoy today. The second verse of this hymn is one of hope, expressing faith in the Lord even in times of great peril or tumult:

Dark Clouds of Trouble

When dark clouds of trouble hang o’er us

And threaten our peace to destroy,

There is hope smiling brightly before us,

And we know that deliv’rance is nigh.

We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness.

We’ve proved him in days that are past.

The wicked who fight against Zion

Will surely be smitten at last.1

 All of us experience times of darkness in our lives. That darkness threatens to hide the light of Jesus Christ. It threatens to prevent us from seeing that light. I think about the Lamanites who witnessed Nephi and Lehi shining in the darkness. They wanted to have the "cloud of darkness . . . removed from overshadowing" them. At this time, Aminadad taught them to "repent, and cry unto [God], even until [they received] faith in Christ."2 He promised that the cloud of darkness would be removed from them. We can also have that same promise in our lives.

I have thought about this experience a few times in my life. These people were instructed to pray until they received faith in Christ. Often, we think that faith precedes prayer. We can strengthen our faith by turning to God in prayer, though. I am certainly grateful for this blessing that I have experienced in my life.

Jesu! the very thought is sweet!

In that dear Name all heart-joys meet;

But more than honey sweeter far

The glimpses of His presence are.

No word is sung more sweet than this:

No name is heard more full of bliss;

No thought brings sweeter comfort nigh,

Than Jesus, Son of God most high.

Jesu! the hope of souls forlorn!

How good to them for sin that mourn!

To them that seek Thee, O how kind!

But what art Thou to them that find?

Jesu, Thou sweetness, pure and blest,

Life's Fountain, Light of souls distressed,

Surpassing all that heart requires,

Exceeding all that soul desires!

No tongue of mortal can express,

No letters write His blessedness,

Alone who hath Thee in his heart

Knows, love of Jesus! what Thou art.

Alone who hath Thee in his heart

Knows, love of Jesus! what Thou art.3

The eternal nature of our testimony is one of the few possessions we can take with us when we leave this mortal life. We must remain valiant in our testimony. We don't have to do this on our own, however. We can rely on our Savior to strengthen and uphold us during those times of trouble and turmoil.

We have three steps we can follow to achieve this:

• Continuously learn of Him.

• Place our trust in him and not become discouraged.

• Ensure we meet our earthly trials well, place our faith in Him.

References

1. Fowler, William, and Caroline Sheridan Norton. “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” HYMNS, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Salt Lake City, UT, 1985, No. 19.
2. “Helaman 5.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/5?lang=eng.
3. Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint. “Jesus, the Very Thought Is Sweet.” Translated by J. M. Neale, Hymnary.org, https://hymnary.org/text/jesus_the_very_thought_is_sweet. 

 

 

Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them

Fear and Faith

In chapter 5 of first Nephi in the Book of Mormon, Nephi and his brothers return to their parents after traveling to Jerusalem. Sariah, Nephi's mother, was worried that during their time in Jerusalem, they had died and they would never come back. Conversely, Lehi, Nephi's father, knew that the boys would be able to do what they had gone to do. He also knew they would come back safely to them.

This is an example of what it is like to have an eternal perspective and understanding of the Lord's plan. Although Sariah probably had faith, she let her fears interfere with her vision of what would happen.

Faith guides us through turmoil

Our lives are full of ups and downs. When we are riding high on the good life, it is easy to keep a level head. However, when we are struggling through turmoil, it is easy to forget the Lord and worry about what may happen to us.

President Nelson recounted an experience he had on a plane and the different perspective faith brings to certain situations.

Although our life is going to have troubles, it is important to keep an eternal perspective and an understanding the Lord loves and cares deeply about each of us. Eternal perspectives are important at all times in our lives. We need to remember the Lord in the good times as well.

Prime Directive - Help Others

Sometimes those who go fishing,
come home empty handed

 We are all children of the same God. That is what I believe. As a nation, Americans are very individualistic. That is a great attribute in many ways; however, one problem that arises out of the individualism is that we tend to forget about our brother who might need our help. In fact, one of the issues some of my closest friends and family have with me is my desire to help those in need. They have suggested that the 'give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime' attitude should be strictly put in place. There is a problem with this approach. Sometimes, those who go fishing come home empty handed.

So, does the man starve because his labors bore no fruit? The Lord blesses us individually and disparately. I would not assume to understand why some have it easier than others. Some seem to waltz through life without a care while others work hard for mere scraps or less. My thoughts on this are that it is up to us, God's children to make sure that we all have things in common. My brother half-jokingly suggests that I am a pinko-commie. Of course, that doesn't reveal much about his understanding about the differences between communism and socialism.

Did Jesus break the bread and fishes and give only to those who would do with it as He expected? I mean, when he fed the thousands, he didn't pass over anyone that was there. It is my belief that if I am blessed with greater abundance than one of my brothers, it is my responsibility to associate those blessings as a responsibility to also care for my brother who is in need.

Be of Good Cheer

 To His disciples, Jesus explained that they would experience hardship and suffering. They would be persecuted and ridiculed. However, he also told them, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

At Christmastime each year, there is a lot of focus on the commercial. Every retailer is advertising something they would sell and offering their best deals in hopes that the consumer will spend their money on that perfect gift. This is not a good foundation for peace. It just adds to a world that is already full of anxiety. It is easy to see how one could feel nothing of peace during the season.

With politics and life in general, our need for this reassurance is no less than any other generation. Paul later expressed to the Corinthians, “We are troubled on every side.” He goes on to explain, “we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but nor forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). We also can use some of this comfort in our time.

We can be cheerful. We can see the purpose of the Christmas season as being more than just the shiny trinkets and dazzling commercials. Jesus promises this: that we can be of good cheer. We, though, have to seek Him. We will find that hope and peace if we look for Him rather than look for it in the world.

And Then Shall Many be Offended

 In chapter 24 of Matthew, Jesus' disciples ask Him about the signs that will tell of His coming. One of these signs is that “many [will] be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Unfortunately, so much evidence of this exists in our world today. In fact, the political landscape we see in the United States with an incredible divisiveness is pretty consistent in many other countries throughout the world. It wasn't very long ago that politicians would work together to get the right things done. Today, it hardly matters how good something is, if it wasn't introduced by the right party it cannot be supported.

Offense. It is so easy to allow ourselves the convenience of being offended. We can use that to justify going against principles we might already know to be true. Elder David A. Bednar suggested that “to be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else” (Bednar). Although I am not suggesting the choice to offend does not exist, I do believe we should think hard when we allow another's actions or words to make up the primary reason or catalyst that drives our action or inaction. We should not justify ourselves of things we know are wrong just because someone else said or did something.

Almost immediately after stating that many will be offended, the Savior goes on to explain that those who remain “steadfast and [are] not overcome, the same shall be saved.” We must understand that if we choose NOT to be offended and remain strong in our convictions, we will be blessed for doing so. It is also important to understand that those blessings will pour out on us, our loved ones, and many others with whom we have contact.

Works Cited

Bednar, D. A. (2006). And nothing shall offend them. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved November 20, 2021, from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/and-nothing-shall-offend-them?lang=eng.

The Reward is the Same

 A good man, he lived a life devoted to serving others; however, he did not accept the gospel of Jesus Christ until he was into his 60s. When he did get baptized, he embraced the gospel with all his might. He lived the principles as near he could and he continued to serve his fellow man as much as he could. 

I lived in a household where I was taught the gospel from a young age and I decided to embrace those teachings and apply them to my life. I was baptized as a child and continued to learn about the gospel from that day. Although I haven't always been successful, I have tried my best to live according to those teachings and hold true to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Richard lived only a few more years after his baptism before he passed away. His departure from this life is difficult to those who love him. It isn't because we are worried about his salvation. We miss him dearly. Richard and I had talked many times about how late in his life he accepted the gospel. He worried that he may have acted too late. He felt he had a lot of catching up to do. 

During our discussions, we would invariably turn to the parable Jesus told of a householder who hired laborers at various times through the day (Matthew 20:1-16). To those he hired first, he agreed to pay the usual wage of a penny, sending them into the vineyard. Later, he hired others agreeing to pay them “whatsoever is right”. The householder continued throughout the day to hire more laborers with the same promise to pay a fare wage.

After the day was done, the householder payed the laborers starting with those who came last. He paid them a penny for their labors. Those who worked from the start of the day assumed they would be paid more than the agreed upon penny because they had worked longer than these. When the householder paid them their penny, they complained that he had “made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.”

The householder's response to their query was simple, “friend, I do thee no wrong … is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?”

It is important to understand that whether we are called to the vineyard early in the day or not until the eleventh hour, our reward will be the same. Richard, who wasn't called to labor until very late in his life, will receive the same reward for his labors as those who received their call early in the first hour. The Father promises that all who labor in His vineyard will be made “equal in power, and in might, and in dominion” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:95).

I am grateful that the Lord will surely pay “whatsoever is right.”

Having Put Your Hand to the Plow...

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

A Real Path to Comfort

Stresses Affect Us All

Is anyone really living a life complete void of stress? I mean seriously. There is conflict almost constantly streaming from the devices we choose to use as entertainment. Nothing makes the news stream unless it invokes a certain level of stress. There are few feel-good stories on any medium. In fact, to find those we have to actively search them out. No, we cannot control many of the stressors in our lives. We can, however, make choices that help relieve those stresses. 

In Matthew 11:28 - 30, Jesus proclaims that His burden is light and yoke easy. What does this mean? Is there a magic pill that will remove the pressures the world places on our shoulders? There is more than one kind of peace, though. I mean, there is the peace that is the absence of conflict - no contention - no wars. Then there is the kind of peace that is a lot more personal - an inner peace - a sense of calm. It is this kind of peace one can find through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that although the world's conditions may be dismal and we might be confronted by real personal challenges, peace can be a reality for each of us. That harmony within is dependent on our relationship with our Savior and Redeemer. Do we have a willingness to emulate His life, to live according the principles he has taught?

Jesus explained that “these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)

We can attain that inner peace through our Savior Jesus Christ. It is worth the effort to find our way to Him and embrace His teachings.

References

Wirthlin, J. B. (1990, April). Peace within. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1991/04/peace-within?lang=eng.

Urgent Nature of Salvation - Repentance

The situation is dire. There is precious little time to act. Every moment that passes without certain and decisive measures toward that most important goal leaves an abyssal hole in what could be. The anxiety surrounding what could become reality pervades every nerve. Since nothing is yet etched in stone, we can act now to subvert potential catastrophe.

In a season when the common theme is change, few are focused on that most important change of all. The very personal change, a change of heart. The Savior’s call for repentance expressed certain urgency and others throughout the scriptures echo the Savior’s call.

John the Baptist, the forerunner to the Savior's earthly ministry exclaimed the urgency. In his proclamation he reminded us that the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He was trying to help those who would listen understand the urgency.

While on a mission with Alma to the Zoramites, Amulek taught we should not “procrastinate the day of [our] repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.”

The Bible Dictionary suggests the term from which repentance was translated is Greek describing the process as a change of mind or a fresh view about God, oneself and the world. This is a change from the carnal to an adoption of a higher state, suggesting repentance to be a positive experience from the very beginning of the process. Interestingly, searching the internet for definitions of repentance returns a stark contrast to this, in most cases describing repentance as almost synonymous with guilt. Although the foundation of change for some, these references suggest guilt or sorrow are an integral part of repentance. Does the Savior’s call for repentance require a sense of guilt? Although a motivator for some, is guilt compulsory for everyone to truly repent? Is it an integral part of the process?

It is important to understand the differences that a sense of guilt is compared to that most important aspect of true repentance, turning our heart to God. As we turn our heart to God, we are turning our lives over to God and moving on that journey that will bring us back to our Heavenly Father.

Wife, Mama, Me: Disneyland with Baby

Here's a nice little insight into a day at Disneyland with a baby...



Wife, Mama, Me: Disneyland with Baby: When I first found out I was pregnant, my parents were in the process of planning a big family trip to California including a day at Disney...

Good and Evil: Constructs of Control

“NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition!” exclaims Cardinal Ximinez as he barges into the room. “Amongst our weaponry,” he continues, “are such diverse elements as: fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope, and nice red uniforms…” (Spanish Inquisition Sketch). That’s how Monty Python’s Flying Circus portrayed the Spanish Inquisition; however, the monarchy of Spain utilized the Spanish Inquisition to maintain control of its subjects and seize title and property from those convicted of heresy. This example of men creating and using good and evil constructs to control others is only one of many cases.

Whenever anyone exerts authority over others, such strategies exist. In Rome, the emperor and regional leaders targeted Christians as scapegoats during times of crisis. In Nazi Germany, the government blamed the Jewish community for their ills. During the terrible years of the Khmer Rouge, the Cambodian regime killed over three million of its own citizens. Sadly, this continues today. Through defining and classifying behaviors and activities as good or evil, those in power or those who seek authority use the consensus of the majority to force conformation. When people fail to conform, the controlling forces brand them as outlaws, sinners, and heretics, demonizing and dehumanizing individuals or groups. As we employ critical analysis of political claims, we limit the ability of those who attempt to wrest power through creating good and evil constructs based on the propagation of ignorance, skewed analyses, and hate.

Because hate is a forceful emotion, it is susceptible to exploitation. This manipulation can be subtle and nearly imperceptible. Those vying for power capitalize on emotion to establish control or to sway general opinion to their advantage. The minister for propaganda and public education for the Nazi Germany government, Joseph Goebbels exclaimed, “Bolshevism is the declaration of war by Jewish-led international subhumans against culture itself” as he warned the Nazi party members of an alleged Jewish conspiracy (Historical Film Footage). Such propaganda pitted the German populace against the Jewish people by dehumanizing an entire race. Goebbels built on historical mistrust and hate as he led the efforts to eradicate Jewish and other “non-German” associations.

Those who manipulate hate will often reduce the target to something less than human, disassociating any empathy the population may feel. The Khmer Rouge expressed their dogma of devaluing humanity through the slogan, “To spare you is no profit, to destroy you is no loss” (Cambodian Genocide). Hate and indifference are close cousins, pushing people to accept utterly vile atrocities as common.

Although many Americans support President Donald J. Trump, he has also employed these tactics. His advocates argue he is only “telling it like it is”; however, Mr. Trump’s controversial statements have continued from the onset of his candidacy and throughout the first years of his presidency. The president’s proponents suggest he is not dealing in hate and that he is just being honest despite his use of terms that demonize whole populations. When leaders use speech to devalue a group of people, they are setting up a construct of good versus evil as a tool to manipulate the governed. They are establishing an environment where people embrace actions they normally would not.

Despite similar conclusions held by many, the facts do not support the President’s statements that Mexican immigrants are “criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc.” (Walker).  Mr. Trump also claimed, “Every day, sanctuary cities release illegal immigrants, drug dealers, traffickers, gang members back into our communities. They’re safe havens for just some terrible people.” According to a 2017 Gallup Poll, almost half of Americans also believe immigrants make crime worse (Flagg). Certainly, if immigrants are the cause of such atrocities, we must make every attempt to intervene; however, critical analysis does not justify the president’s assertions. The immigrant population has increased almost two fold since 1980, while the crime rate dropped by more than fifty percent through the same period.

Although many believe the president is being tough on crime, his claims suggesting MS-13 gang members take advantage of weak immigration law to swarm American cities are exaggerations. Hannah Dreier, with ProPublica, reports that MS-13 members have not made any attempts to circumvent immigration laws. In fact, most MS-13 members in the United States were recruited after arriving in the country. Additionally, contrary to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ claims that MS-13 is a brutal, drug-trafficking, multinational gang, Ms. Dreier further explains gang members meet at night because they have to support themselves through working menial jobs during the day. Some attend their high school classes since few members of the gang are adults (Dreier). Although the gang is an issue for local police departments, it is not what the Trump administration claims.

The continued propagation of skewed analyses greatly affects people’s perspectives. In this manner, the Trump administration has worked to fulfill an agenda of isolationism, aggressive authoritarianism, and intolerance. Using a marketing trick, Donald Trump continues reiterating his claims until people believe them to be true. Once the majority accepts his allegations, the charges have staying power. The journal Intelligence recently published a study suggesting “some people may have an especially difficult time rejecting misinformation” (Hambrick). Regardless of the facts, the president has successfully increased support for much of his controversial agenda including a wall along the southern border of the United States, restrictive travel bans, and punitive trade policies.

Through controlling the definition of good and evil, the powerful manipulate what others do and believe. Leaders often resort to manipulating hate and fear to change how the governed perceive good and evil. By propagating ignorance, they control how others act. Through misrepresenting or limiting access to the truth, leaders shape opinion. We must combat manipulation through critical analysis and establish appropriate responses to the issues we face.

References

Cambodian Genocide « World Without Genocide -. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://worldwithoutgenocide.org/genocides-and-conflicts/cambodian-genocide

Dreier, H. (n.d.). I've Been Reporting on MS-13 for a Year. Here Are the 5 Things Trump Gets Most Wrong. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://www.propublica.org/article/ms-13-immigration-facts-what-trump-administration-gets-wrong

Hambrick, D. Z. (2018, February 06). Cognitive Ability and Vulnerability to Fake News. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cognitive-ability-and-vulnerability-to-fake-news/

Historical Film Footage. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2018, from https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/media_fi.php?ModuleId=0&MediaId=192

The Spanish Inquisition Sketch. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://www.montypython.net/scripts/spanish.php

Walker, H. (2015, July 06). Donald Trump just released an epic statement raging against Mexican immigrants and 'disease'. Retrieved June 27, 2018, from http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trumps-epic-statement-on-mexico-2015-7

Facing and Overcoming Fear

    “You came in second” my brother yelled. After a pause and a laugh, he finished his declaration with, “to last!” My heart felt like it was trying to beat its way out of my chest as I sat thinking about my first competitive race. The loud crack of the starting pistol startled me; I dove in. As the shock of the cold water nearly overwhelmed my ability to remember what I was doing, muscle memory from long afternoons of swim practice took over. The 50-meter length of the pool seemed to extend for miles. I couldn’t breathe; the seconds crawled as I followed the black line painted on the bottom of the pool. I swallowed my little oxygen reserves with a loud gulping sound. At the end of the pool, I turned around. I had made it halfway but I still could not breathe. Gulp! The gulping echoed in my ears. My hands sliced through the water, and the gulping kept pace with each stroke. I kicked madly as my heart throbbed in my chest. Gulp. Finally, I could see the base of the starting blocks – the end of the race. I reached madly for the edge of the pool, pulled my face from the water and sucked in cool, sweet oxygen. I didn’t drown, and I didn’t finish last.

Years earlier, I walked with my father down the sand toward the crashing surf. The loud roar of the waves was overwhelming to this four-year-old. It seemed we had to yell to hear each other. My dad picked me up a few steps into the cold ocean water as he waded through the waves that were barely above his knees. We continued to move deeper into the ocean. My father held me close to his chest as he leapt through the waves that crashed against my back leaving my hair and face dripping. He pushed farther into the surf. Finally, we emerged from the breaking waves to enjoy the relative calm of the ocean swells. It was a peaceful, serene moment. We waved to mom who was watching nervously from the hard wet sand. When it was time to return to shore, my dad had to work his way through the crashing tide again. Suddenly, a large wave broke over my father’s shoulders tearing me from his arms. Time seemed to slow down as I tumbled in the surf and rolled with the wave driven sand. The silt suspended in the water sparkled gold and yellow hues as it reflected the sunlight. I could not breathe; the seconds seemed to stretch for hours. I gulped for air. Briny sea water burned as it filled my sinuses. I struggled to breathe. Gulp! My heart pounded deep in my chest as I thrashed against the tide. Suddenly, my dad’s hand gripped my arm, and he yanked me out of the water. I inhaled and coughed, breathing deep relief as oxygen again filled my lungs, but the fear of drowning consumed me.

About a year after the trip to the beach, I found myself standing at the side of an Olympic sized pool.

The high-school aged swim instructor yelled, “Can you swim?”

Although I was nearly overwhelmed with anxiety, I also suffered from youthful arrogance. “Yeah, I can swim!” I replied defiantly.

“Show me.”

I jumped in the pool and began to crawl my way through the water but with each stroke the guy seemed to be farther away. I can’t breathe! Was I moving in slow motion? I swallowed hard against the overwhelming need to inhale. My gosh, I’m going to drown! The chlorine burned my eyes and tickled my nose. My chest heaved frantically. I pulled myself toward the retreating adolescent, as the gulping sound echoed in my ears, and my lungs fought against my will not to suck in the water. Gulp! Finally, the swim teacher pulled me up out of the water and I took a long, deep breath of air. Although I had outperformed my actual ability to swim, my fears had only temporarily taken a backseat to my arrogance. He placed me in the advanced class.

Those overcast June mornings were spent clinging desperately to the pool’s edge while being instructed on swimming form. No one knew I didn’t know how to take a breath while I was swimming. No one could see my fear every time I ventured from the poolside. I was too vain. I couldn’t let anyone know about either. Ignorance and fear embraced each other vehemently.

A few years after that first swim lesson, my closest friends joined a swim team. While they were at practice, I struggled to find ways to occupy my time. Reluctantly, I also joined the team.

After a couple weeks of daily swim practice, it was time for my first swim meet. Our coach only scheduled me for a couple heats, so I spent most of the event cheering for my teammates. When it was my turn to race, I didn’t drown, and I didn’t come in last place. After the meet was over, the coach told us he was proud of our efforts. He dismissed most of the team with a reminder that we had a lot to work on at practice the following week.

Taking me aside, the coach told me he noticed I never took a breath while swimming. I admitted I didn’t know how. Although my ability to hold my breath for 100 meters was impressive, he said I would probably do better if I learned how to breathe while in the water. During the ensuing weeks, the coaching staff helped me learn how to breathe. As I began using oxygen properly, my abilities improved, and my fear of the water decreased. There were even times when the coaches would have me demonstrate proper swimming form to the rest of the team. My confidence continued to grow.

After a while, I had become a strong swimmer, proficient at each of the swimming styles. As we continued to compete, I showed improvement. My coach gradually scheduled me for more races; however, my primary focus was the 400-hundred-meter individual medley relay – this meant I swam four different strokes for 100 meters each. As I raced through the water, my focus changed from worrying about filling my lungs with water and drowning to maintaining proper form and breath. Hearing the muffled sounds of the spectators through the rush of water streaming past my ears thrilled me. I relished the subtle sting and smell of chlorine. I progressed from finishing second to last to placing third and second. Eventually, I improved enough to win almost every race my coach had me swim, and I regularly beat my previous finishing times.

Although I took home ribbons and trophies, my greatest success was overcoming my fear of drowning. We all have fears. Childhood’s fears seem petty when compared to those we face as adults. Notwithstanding the magnitude, fears are real and can impede our ability to do those things we want to do. Through my experiences with swimming, I learned we can overcome our fears if we face them and accept help from those who can guide and teach us. We do not have to surrender to our fear.

A Case for Resettling Refugees

Unstable governments, drug-trade financed gang violence, and religious fanaticism are only a few reasons humans have found to go to war. The combatants are not the only people who are affected since others live in the troubled areas as well. These innocent people often find themselves in untenable circumstances having few good alternatives. As they flee their home to gain safety elsewhere, they become refugees. Those who have the resources to help refugees do not offer aid due to security fears and worries about economic pressures, ignoring their ethical responsibilities to help those in need. It is unethical to refuse to help refugees from war-torn countries because assisting refugees strengthens national security, these displaced people help improve local economies, and, most importantly, it is a humanitarian responsibility.

Groups fighting against resettling refugees primarily argue that the exiles are a security threat; however, when the United States accepts refugees from war-torn countries, the world is a safer place. As the United States provides assistance, stress on resources in other nations is reduced. This helps to ensure ongoing support for the displaced people by multiple nations. Additionally, getting into the United States as a refugee is arduous. Each refugee is selected through intense screening by the Department of Homeland Security. It is an exhaustive process that lasts up to three years. If there is any doubt, a person will not be admitted into the country. As the United States admits good people from war-torn countries, national security is improved because stress in other countries is reduced and only good people are admitted into the nation.

Beside security concerns, detractors also suggest the economy could not withstand the added stress caused by helping refugees; however, since only good, well-vetted people are given refuge in the United States, they are an educated, talented, and industrious community. As entrepreneurs, consumers and taxpayers, refugees contribute to economic growth and create jobs. The International Rescue committee reports that refugees are nearly 50 percent more entrepreneurial than people who are born in the U.S. (Why should America take in more refugees?). Additionally, the refugee system is set up to help them quickly become independent. These factors help support a community that creates jobs with higher pay than would exist, otherwise. Refugees help improve the economies where they resettle because they become self-sufficient quickly, and they contribute to their communities.

Although national security and economic fears remain the primary arguments against aiding refugees, many believe others will help if they ignore the troubles in distant lands. Nonetheless, helping refugees is a humanitarian responsibility everyone shares. In 1951, the United Nations refugee convention established protections for refugees from being returned to countries where they risk being persecuted. Since life preservation and basic human dignity is easily assured when good people are allowed to live in a secure atmosphere and provided the opportunity to work toward self-reliance, fulfilling this responsibility is easy. As refugees escape the dangers of living in war-ravaged, life-threatening environments, those who help them meet the responsibility to minister to the needs of the afflicted. What is better than saving another’s life? What greater responsibility is there than to help preserve humanity? Through helping resettle refugees, humanitarian responsibility is fulfilled like a modern-day good Samaritan. Humanitarian responsibility is the greatest reason to support the displaced and needy who are fleeing danger.

As humanitarian responsibility is fulfilled, economic growth is improved, and national security is preserved, people become the top priority, and countries accept the ethical obligation to help refugees. When this undertaking is shared by many nations, national and world security is improved. As refugees settle in new communities, they help strengthen and grow the economy. Each person holds a basic responsibility to minister to his neighbor’s needs, and as the needs of the refugee are met, this responsibility is fulfilled. Helping refugees from war-torn countries is the ethical responsibility of citizens of all nations.

(Republished from an essay written for ENG 106-1079 at BYU-I)

Go, Ponder On These Things

“Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.” (3 Nephi 17:3)

The things we read or study in the scriptures aren’t going to just sink into our souls by accident. We must ponder on these treasures and pray about them, seeking for the blessing of personal revelation to teach us that we will fully understand what it is that our Heavenly Father wants for us.

Years ago, I knew a man who had given up every comfort in his life so he could devote his time to reading the bible. He sold his house and left his family and friends. He packed everything he felt he needed to survive his chosen lifestyle into a van and moved into a campground by a river. He spent every spare moment of his life reading the bible. He, however, never uttered a single word in prayer. He knew the bible both the old and new testament like no one else I have ever met. However, it was a knowledge devoid of spirituality or even understanding. I often asked him if he had found what he was looking for. Invariably, his answer would be, “not yet”.

I have wondered about him from time to time since then. I have also considered how much more there is to the words found in holy scripture or those delivered to us by modern servants of God than what we may gain through our own efforts and power. Even in a classroom setting, we will never find such great promise if we but rely only on the power and knowledge of man. The fullness of the gospel can only be obtained through the power of God. Only by seeking after it will we “be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of [our] sins.” (3 Nephi 12:2)

I do not want to be like this man who lived in a van down by the river.

Humility - the foundation of spiritual strength

“And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?” (Alma 32:14)

Since humility is the only foundation of spiritual strength, we are blessed when we successfully humble ourselves and prepare to receive the blessings of faith from our Heavenly Father.

I have lived through times when my pride or fear have interfered with my ability to embrace some aspects of the gospel. Conversely, I have experienced significant growth when I have been able to humble myself and submit to the will of our Heavenly Father. Although I have struggled too often, I do recognize the Lord’s guidance and blessings in my life when I successfully bend my will to His.

This morning, we experienced a weather event that first gave us freezing rain. The rain was then followed by snow. The combination of which proved incredibly slippery both on sidewalks and roads. As I drove to my office, I found myself driving down a slight decline toward an intersection. The slick environment overwhelmed the skills of many who would drive through. I watched as many cars slid into each other, some were spinning on the ice. I worked as best I could to drive slowly around the situation. Each time I touched my brakes or downshifted my tires would lose traction. It was difficult to maintain control. Just as I thought I was sure to get through the mess without personal incident, a small car sped up behind me. I panicked a little and touched my brakes trying to maneuver out of the way. Sliding, I was certain I would drift into the path of the speeding car. I am certain I was blessed as he slid past me without making contact with me nor did he bounce off the curb back at me. It seemed he was a hair’s width from making contact.

As this played out before me, a thought impressed itself on my consciousness - I was being blessed for paying my tithes and other offerings. How often do we really know why or when our blessings are bestowed on us? If I had not humbled myself and submitted to the Lord’s will, I would have been involved in an accident that would have surely caused major financial hardship and possibly bodily injury.

Does your God love you more?

As the year winds down and we're looking up the barrel of a new one, perhaps we could consider a new effort, a different chain of thought, a change in perspective. We've become so polarized, judgemental, stupidly blind to how others might feel. Let us, instead, be slow to pass judgement. We should allow increased brotherhood to brighten our lives and those with whom we cross paths.

When we encounter someone whose circumstances have left them in an undesirable place, perhaps we need to extend the helping hand, leaving our judgement behind.  For how does a critical thought or word lift anyone out of despair? 

Does your God love you more than your downtrodden brother? 

Politics seem to blind us to anything on which we might see eye to eye. This new year, perhaps we could change our focus. Rather than working to change our brother's foundational beliefs, let us work together on those efforts on which we already agree. Rather than holding so strongly to the 2% separating us, we could embrace the other ninety-eight.

Does your God love you more than your brother standing on the other side of the isle?

What separates you from your neighbor? What biases prevent you from accepting another human as your equal? What do you suppose puts you on a pedestal? Perhaps this year we could put those things aside and accept that we are all made of the same dirt. Our molecules are exactly the same. 

Whether you embrace an ancient God or modern technology and science, perhaps you should realize more fully that your God doesn't respect you or hold you in higher esteem than he does your brother. Perhaps we should take greater care to do the same.

Because I have been given much,
I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty Lord,
Each day I live;
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed
By thy good care;
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share;
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread,
my roof's safe shelter overhead
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by
thy great love dear Lord;
I’ll share thy love again
According to thy word;
I shall give love to those in need,
I’ll show that love by word and deed;
Thus shall my thanks be thanks in deed.

Lyrics by Grace Noll Crowell (1936)

Does your God love you more?

The Politics of Saturday Night

Do you live your life based on a weekend philosophy? You know what I mean, don't you? Every morning as you pull yourself out of bed the thought on your mind is "I wish it was Saturday". The struggle is real. Your focus is just to get through the week so you can enjoy the few precious hours the weekend promises. Weekends are great! Weekdays. Not so much. Weekends are PARTY! Weekdays are a grind, work, sludge. Of course, sometimes we can pull off a weeknight party here and there. Until you get old. Then, the pain is real and doing that hurts, making weekdays even more unbearable.

It's not a very good way to live, is it? I mean, if we focus our life's happiness on those two days a week we're missing out on over 70% of what is possible. It's no wonder every time a new year rolls around we're stuck wondering what happened to the time. Why did it go so fast!

In 1990, a movie called Air America was in the theaters. I enjoyed the movie. I've not seen it much since but a scene in the movie struck a cord with me.

Billy Covington: What the f*** are you doing here, man? Do you believe in this war?

Gene Ryack: I used to believe in all these wars.[laughs]

Gene Ryack: See, I had this theory once. I believed in the politics of Saturday night.

Billy Covington: And...?

Gene Ryack: I rated all governments and countries by how good or bad their Saturday nights were... and... I KNEW that Moscow and Peking had to be a stone DRAG at that time of the week. So I was flying for a cause. I was fighting to defend... chicken BBQs and weinee roasts, and Ray Charles songs and drinkin' Southern Comfort till you passed out behind the bar.

Billy Covington: Politics of Saturday Night. I can relate to that theory.

Gene Ryack: Yeah, it's not bad, is it? Just not particularly true, that's all. I hear they party pretty hard in Moscow.

Billy Covington: No need to give up a good theory just because it isn't true.

You know what. Perhaps, there's more to life than what happens between the time we get off work on Friday evening and have to get back to the grind on Monday morning. Perhaps, we could be more fulfilled and happier if our "happy time" isn't confined to 29% of our lives. Perhaps, the weekend should be just an extension of the time we spend pursuing our true ambitions and those things that really do make us happy. Just a thought.

A Train Ride to No Where

There was little about the day that was ordinary. Mom had spent the morning cleaning house. The kitchen floor stood empty, ready to be cleaned. The chairs, usually neatly placed around the kitchen table, were lined up in the hallway at the base of the stairs. The boy imagined them to be a long train traveling through the untamed west...

He didn't really know where he was going or why. Boarding the train was a distant memory obscured by the events since. It seemed as though he'd been traveling these tracks for a hundred years. Riding horses on the range and herding cattle to market had been traded for the steel tracks long ago. Still, he considered himself a cowboy – a gun-toting, boot-wearing, grit-encrusted cowboy. There were other terms to describe who he thought he was: brushpopper, buckaroo, and cowpunch just to name a few. Some even considered him something of a scoundrel at times.

The train was going through unfriendly territory. What had come to be known as The Nation was full of danger – unfamiliar animals, unshaven men who'd shoot you for noticing, and Indians. He was certain that if he encountered any Indians, he was in trouble. Indians were mortal enemies of cowboys and everyone knew that. Shoot first or be shot. That was the rule. The risk was doubled due to the poor quality of the rails along which the train slithered. If you find yourself in hell, you want to get out fast. To push the train faster, though, would ensure derailment. This was a dangerous ride through treacherous territory. 

The train had been moving at a turtle's pace for hours. He knew it was only a matter of time before they'd encounter a group of indians looking for trouble. It seemed the only upside was the terrain didn't provide much cover for ambush. Cactus and Joshua Trees as far as the eye could see, hidden by little else. He was getting jumpy and the Joshua Trees could look uncannily like a man who needed a shave. 

Just about the time his vigilance was to give in to the unnatural quiet, he heard the wisp of a speeding arrow fly past his head. He'd gotten lucky again. The whole reason he was here had just let loose with a war howl sending his heart into his throat beating like a drum. His job now was to keep the uninvited guests from boarding the train. Flanked on both sides, he had to keep his focus moving. The grip of his gun was worn to fit his hand. It was comfortable and felt at home there. After shooting a few shots, the numbers of men trying to get on the train had started to diminish.

He was focused primarily on keeping the rest from getting on the train when he was startled by a soft, "hey . . .

"... buddy, it's time for lunch. How about a cheese sandwich?"

Mom and the boy had similar tastes. Grandma called it a "dry old cheese sandwich" but they knew it was the best there was.

In memory of our God, our religion, our freedom, and our peace, our wives and our children

Following the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, the country was in an uproar. It was an easy choice for many to send in the troops, invading Afghanistan. Here we are 11 years later. We’ve fought in Afghanistan. We’ve invaded another country, Iraq. We’re still fighting in Afghanistan. Of course, I say, ‘we’ like it means something more than those who are actually there. I do not believe WE are doing anything of the sort. In fact, when the United States military invaded Afghanistan, I was worried.

The Book of Mormon provides an account of a secret criminal organization and the toll their secret plans had on society. This group called themselves the Gadianton Robbers. Although they were a terrible group with designs that were contrary to the good of the civilization, efforts to eradicate them were nearly impossible. I considered al Qaeda and their friends in the Talaban to be something more akin to the Gadianton Robbers than an organized country we could bring into submission through military force.

Again, here we are 11 years later. The Talaban hasn’t been stomped out and al Qaeda isn’t gone either. We’ve wasted so much blood and money in pursuit of these and others. Now, I fear another problem - the status quo.

We, the American people, have turned our backs on our military. We placate ourselves with yellow ribbons and hallow words of support. Little comfort does this provide the families who’ve lost their sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. We have become so used to these great and selfless people fighting in a far away place, against and for a people with whom we haven’t any connection that we’ll hardly give it a second thought. Two months ago, the United States military casualties in the Afghanistan fight exceeded a milestone. More than 2000 soldiers have lost their lives. It was a footnote to an otherwise normal day for those of us living in the United States.

I am reminded again of another account from the Book of Mormon: “But behold, great has been the slaughter among our people; yea, thousands have fallen by the sword, while it might have otherwise been if ye had rendered unto our armies sufficient strength and succor for them. Yea, great has been your neglect towards us.” (Alma 60:3)

Are we not too complacent in the status quo? What have we gained from their sacrifice? How many friends and family have gone into the battle only to give up the most precious possession of all?

I am going to have a hard time sitting in relative comfort Thursday afternoon without remembering all we’ve lost in our pursuit of revenge for the most atrocious foreign attack on United States soil. I worry we’ve grown far too complacent in our lives and we do little more than lip service to support the military. I am grateful for our military, our soldiers and their families. I am grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made for my family, my friends, my country and me. We need to do something more than just talk about how great these young people are. I worry that my gratitude is far too little, it's not enough.

Caring Glances

Sometimes words do not carry as much meaning as we would like them to. We want to convey our feelings, our desires, and maybe a little wisdom. However, the tools we are left to use – words – just cannot seem to fill that gap between what we want to share and what we can impart. It is interesting that sometimes a few moments of silent interaction between two humans can convey more than a thousand words and leave a deeper, longer lasting impression.

When a toddler is learning to take those first steps, seldom is eye contact with the parent lost. During these moments of excitement, a great boost is offered in the confident smiles of a loving mom or dad. Still, it is more than a mere smile; surely, the whole countenance is one of caring concern mixed parental pride. This is just one of many occasions when a child will look to the parent for an approving look.

A few years ago, the greatest man I ever knew looked at me with an approving smile and love in his eyes. I will never forget that day for as long as I live. Although it was one instant of many, it is most important because it was the last.

I am grateful for the loving care with which my parents raised me and for the moments like this one that helped me to know they did have pride in the person I had become.