We are all needed to finish the work that was begun by those pioneering Saints over 175 years ago and carried out through the subsequent decades by faithful Saints of every generation. We need to believe as they believed. We need to work as they worked. We need to serve as they served. And we need to overcome as they overcame. Of course, our challenges are different today, but they are no less demanding. Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, all kinds of filth, sleaze, greed, dishonesty, and spiritual apathy. Instead of families being uprooted and torn from their homes, we see the institution of the family, including the divine institution of marriage, under attack as groups and individuals seek to define away the prominent and divine role of the family in society.
This is not to suggest that our challenges today are more severe than the challenges faced by those who have gone before us. They are just different. The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart; He's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent; He's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn't asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He's asking us to give of our means and our time despite the pressures of modern living to continue to build temples and then to attend regularly the temples already built. He isn't asking us to die a martyr's death; He's asking us to live a disciple's life.
--M. Russell Ballard, "The Truth of God Shall Go Forth," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 83–84
**Thoughts??**
Comment Window Tidbit: I have cramps today and feel like I should be able to stay home to moan, but I get to do Sharing Time in primary today instead.
Edited to add: The combination of an Excedrin, some adrenaline and the Spirit got me through just fine and all was well!
14 comments:
That last sentence went straight to my heart--thank you for sharing.
Wow,this is the smack in the face I needed. This is absolutely so powerful to read and I am so grateful you posted it. I loved everything. I think I need to print it out to read it over and over again.
Hope you get to feeling better.
Profound.
That's a great quote! Sometimes I feel wimpy when I think about pioneers. It makes me grateful for my own challenges, though they are still challenges I know that I'm better suited for these times. I love that last sentence -- straight to the point!
I absolutely love this quote. It really puts it all into perspective for us, doesn't it?
this just made me cry... and cry, I am going to repost this quote on my blog, I was just writing about my own struggles..and well, this fits perfectly, thanks for sharing jill..
glad you are feeling better!
I love that quote. The part about walking across the street to meet our neighbors and attending the temple always gets to me--it truly is the little things that are the big things. It is sooo easy to let life get in the way.
I did sharing time today too and could have stayed home for the same reasons. Thanks for another wonderful Sunday post.
This is one of those times when you get to the end of the post and just inhale then slowly let it out...while shaking your head in agreement. Thanks for sharing!
I had the rare occasion to go to Church alone today and took notes. I look forward to the time when that will be a regular occurence. It certainly helped me to remember more and highlight the things that spoke especially to me. Thank you for always sharing yours with us Jill.
I'm glad to hear that all is well!
This is a beautiful quote. Thank you for sharing!
wow....WOW...I love this! Great quote!
I recently came across a binder of family history that my grandmother gave me before she passed away. It has been a humbling experience reading the courageous stories of my pioneer ancestors. You have answered my questions about what I could do to honor all they did for me. For that I thank you!
I love pioneer stories. When I was younger I didn't care for them at all, but as an adult I find them so strengthening. It's hard to wrap my mind around all that they sacrificed and endured.
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