It's been a while...been busy with moving, but in moving I have learned once again the small miracles manifest in the Church.
I injured my arm (minor injury, but put my work as a sign language interpreter in jeopardy) last week and I hesitated to unpack boxes and move stuff around worried that I would exacerbate it. I happened to mention this to a friend at church and he offered to help with our unpacking. I told him I would call him. The next evening I received a call from another member of our Ward (local concregation) offering to organize members of the Elder's Quorum (a group of men designed to serve other members) and come over and help move boxes, and whatever else I needed.
Last night, six of them showed up and I was able to get some help doing things that would have had to wait another month until this little injury completely healed.
Two of them gave me a Priesthood blessing and today, the pain is noticeably less than expected.
"...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." Alma 37:6
I am sure I will have the chance to return the favor.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Imperfect People Led by Imperfect People Who are Led by God
One of my most difficult hurdles to overcome in building my knowledge of the Gospel is the fact that imperfect people (such as myself) are led by imperfect people. That fact is obvious to adults, but growing up in the church, I had these ideas that the full-time missionaries and leaders were perfect and could do no wrong. Of course that fairy tale came to an end when I left for my mission, because I knew that I was not perfect and soon realized that missionaries are people too. I had to work through this thought piece by piece, person by person.
I realized at the time that the leaders of the Church were not perfect, both local and General Authorities (the prophet and officers of the church). That was difficult to swallow. Please do not think that the church in any way teaches that they are perfect. This was an idea I had put into my own head and had to rewrite my mental scripts.
Armed with this idea, I delved into the scriptures and saw amazing things. Before this change in perception, I did not think a miracle performed by a prophet was such a big deal because he was perfect, but viewed through this new lens of imperfection, I see the miracles of Moses and Elijah as just that - Miracles. Imperfect men doing the works of God! Then came the clincher...could I do these things? Could I do the works of God? Miracles?
This thought was flattering, but who was I to hope for such power. I knew that I was a child of a loving Heavenly Father, but did that fact alone give me that power? What made the difference between an imperfect person who could not do miracles and an imperfect person who could (or rather who the Lord worked through to accomplish his work). I often thought at that time in my life that the perfomring of a miracle was the measure of a servant of God. I know, it sounds like the Cathoilic definition of a Saint, but I believed that I was a saint in training of sorts and performing a miracle would the proof that I had arrived. I soon learned that becoming a saint was not something I arrived at - It was something I decided to do on a daily basis.
I began to do small acts of service. A smile, for instance, to every on who looked at me. I would visit the poor and the well to do and speak of God and His Son. These and others I would do with the thought that is what a Latter-day Saint would do; that is what Jesus would do if he were here, so I invited Him with me everywhere.
During a particular high point at the beginning of my full-time mission (1993-95), my companion and I met a family who invited us in to teach them. They lived in government housing, but this single mother of 3 kept that place as clean as though she lived in a palace. After a few visits, she mentioned to us that her youngest son had suffered a set back with his sickle cell condition. He had been complaining of stiff arms and legs that were painful to move. We then taught her about how the power of the Priesthood has blessed the lives of many people and asked if she would like us to give her son a blessing. She said her son needs all the help he needs and to please go right ahead. We placed our hands on his head and I offered the words of the blessing. No sooner had I began speaking that I felt my whole body fill with this burning sensation and knew that I could not say anything to this little boy except to command his illness to leave his body. I did so and said a few other words of encouragement and the prayer was done.
My companion and I left right after that to return about 3 days later. When we arrived, I knocked on the door, and the mother, who had seen us from the window, was crying when she opened the door. My feeble brain immediately thought that her son had died or something terrible like that, but she gave me this big hug and told us that not even an hour after we left that last time - after the blessing - her son came to her and told her that he did not hurt anymore and has been pain free from that time.
I am not a doctor, but that sounded like a miracle to me, and yet I felt that my journey was just beginning. I do not know what happend in the lives of that family, but I like to remember that I had a small part to play in their life and hope the freedom from pain was permanent.
So here I am, an imperfect man sharing a perfect power. What do I think of these imperfect leaders now. I know this much- that imperfect leaders are placed in those positions to do as the Lord would have them do. I believe that for the prophet, his actions are always in line with what the Lord has in mind for the Church. As for the local leaders, I have seen very imperfect people doing extraordinary work and I can only give credit to the Lord for that.
Sometimes I wonder due to mistakes made by these leaders. My mom tells me that some leaders are called to teach and some are called to test. The key for me is to learn as much as I can from the former and have an abundance of patience with the latter. Who knows, maybe I will be called to lead someday and be the one who tests everyone else.
I realized at the time that the leaders of the Church were not perfect, both local and General Authorities (the prophet and officers of the church). That was difficult to swallow. Please do not think that the church in any way teaches that they are perfect. This was an idea I had put into my own head and had to rewrite my mental scripts.
Armed with this idea, I delved into the scriptures and saw amazing things. Before this change in perception, I did not think a miracle performed by a prophet was such a big deal because he was perfect, but viewed through this new lens of imperfection, I see the miracles of Moses and Elijah as just that - Miracles. Imperfect men doing the works of God! Then came the clincher...could I do these things? Could I do the works of God? Miracles?
This thought was flattering, but who was I to hope for such power. I knew that I was a child of a loving Heavenly Father, but did that fact alone give me that power? What made the difference between an imperfect person who could not do miracles and an imperfect person who could (or rather who the Lord worked through to accomplish his work). I often thought at that time in my life that the perfomring of a miracle was the measure of a servant of God. I know, it sounds like the Cathoilic definition of a Saint, but I believed that I was a saint in training of sorts and performing a miracle would the proof that I had arrived. I soon learned that becoming a saint was not something I arrived at - It was something I decided to do on a daily basis.
I began to do small acts of service. A smile, for instance, to every on who looked at me. I would visit the poor and the well to do and speak of God and His Son. These and others I would do with the thought that is what a Latter-day Saint would do; that is what Jesus would do if he were here, so I invited Him with me everywhere.
During a particular high point at the beginning of my full-time mission (1993-95), my companion and I met a family who invited us in to teach them. They lived in government housing, but this single mother of 3 kept that place as clean as though she lived in a palace. After a few visits, she mentioned to us that her youngest son had suffered a set back with his sickle cell condition. He had been complaining of stiff arms and legs that were painful to move. We then taught her about how the power of the Priesthood has blessed the lives of many people and asked if she would like us to give her son a blessing. She said her son needs all the help he needs and to please go right ahead. We placed our hands on his head and I offered the words of the blessing. No sooner had I began speaking that I felt my whole body fill with this burning sensation and knew that I could not say anything to this little boy except to command his illness to leave his body. I did so and said a few other words of encouragement and the prayer was done.
My companion and I left right after that to return about 3 days later. When we arrived, I knocked on the door, and the mother, who had seen us from the window, was crying when she opened the door. My feeble brain immediately thought that her son had died or something terrible like that, but she gave me this big hug and told us that not even an hour after we left that last time - after the blessing - her son came to her and told her that he did not hurt anymore and has been pain free from that time.
I am not a doctor, but that sounded like a miracle to me, and yet I felt that my journey was just beginning. I do not know what happend in the lives of that family, but I like to remember that I had a small part to play in their life and hope the freedom from pain was permanent.
So here I am, an imperfect man sharing a perfect power. What do I think of these imperfect leaders now. I know this much- that imperfect leaders are placed in those positions to do as the Lord would have them do. I believe that for the prophet, his actions are always in line with what the Lord has in mind for the Church. As for the local leaders, I have seen very imperfect people doing extraordinary work and I can only give credit to the Lord for that.
Sometimes I wonder due to mistakes made by these leaders. My mom tells me that some leaders are called to teach and some are called to test. The key for me is to learn as much as I can from the former and have an abundance of patience with the latter. Who knows, maybe I will be called to lead someday and be the one who tests everyone else.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Who is My Neighbor?
Who is my neighbor? My answer to that question has changed over time as I learned more about myself and my relationship with my Father in Heaven and His Son. I have met many people who I would consider my neighbor and, in the past, many I had not considered my neighbor. I know that was not in keeping with The Savior's response to that question. I have made progress in learning how to see everyone as my neighbor. My progress is in my understanding of what the Lord meant by "Neighbor".
His question, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" slipped past me in reading his response. The definition of "neighbor" is not determined by the other persons behavior, but mine. Instead of asking, "Who is my neighbor?" the right question is "Have I been a neighbor?"
The Lord makes reference to "sheaves" in other parables in relation to the harvest. I think that "neighbor" and "sheaves" are synonomous with each other in the context of being a neighbor. What better way to make a neighbor than to be a neighbor. In this light, my neighbor is anyone I choose to be my neighbor.
Who is my neighbor? I hope to someday be able to say everyone. The next question I need to ask myself is, how can I be a neighbor to everyone? Even those who oppose me?
The Lord said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
How do I show love to everyone? To say it is not enough. I believe that "Love" is not just a word, it's a behavior. How do I show love to my neighbors?
First of all, my neighbor is myself. If that seems selfish, look at the Lord's command to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." How can I love my neighbor if I do not love myself. We love Him because He loved us first, and I can love myself because He loves me.
Second, my family. Again...selfish? No! Absolutely not! There are too many fathers in the world who treat their families like trash and often the result is crime and another generation of selfishness. So, my family is my neighbor, and teaching them to be neighbor to others is one of the ways I can contribute to the world.
Third, everyone else. Service to others is paramount to happiness. I find I am happiest when I am serving others. In contrast, I find my deepest regret in lost opportunities to serve. How am I neighbor to everyone. Simple, find the need and try to fulfil that need. There is a similar idea in capitalism, but the stark contrast here is I am not expecting payment for fulfilling that need! That is service. The best kind of service is anonymous service to others, but sometimes that is impossible. Besides, it is nice to get a thank you now and then, and when I do, I get to pass that thanks onto the One who it belongs to (even though I am sure He is aware, it is always good to say it anyway).
Here is a recent conversation I had with Sandi Johnson, a friend of mine who is an Associate Minister for the First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, CO:
I love my Savior. He is indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
His question, "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" slipped past me in reading his response. The definition of "neighbor" is not determined by the other persons behavior, but mine. Instead of asking, "Who is my neighbor?" the right question is "Have I been a neighbor?"
The Lord makes reference to "sheaves" in other parables in relation to the harvest. I think that "neighbor" and "sheaves" are synonomous with each other in the context of being a neighbor. What better way to make a neighbor than to be a neighbor. In this light, my neighbor is anyone I choose to be my neighbor.
Who is my neighbor? I hope to someday be able to say everyone. The next question I need to ask myself is, how can I be a neighbor to everyone? Even those who oppose me?
The Lord said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
How do I show love to everyone? To say it is not enough. I believe that "Love" is not just a word, it's a behavior. How do I show love to my neighbors?
First of all, my neighbor is myself. If that seems selfish, look at the Lord's command to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." How can I love my neighbor if I do not love myself. We love Him because He loved us first, and I can love myself because He loves me.
Second, my family. Again...selfish? No! Absolutely not! There are too many fathers in the world who treat their families like trash and often the result is crime and another generation of selfishness. So, my family is my neighbor, and teaching them to be neighbor to others is one of the ways I can contribute to the world.
Third, everyone else. Service to others is paramount to happiness. I find I am happiest when I am serving others. In contrast, I find my deepest regret in lost opportunities to serve. How am I neighbor to everyone. Simple, find the need and try to fulfil that need. There is a similar idea in capitalism, but the stark contrast here is I am not expecting payment for fulfilling that need! That is service. The best kind of service is anonymous service to others, but sometimes that is impossible. Besides, it is nice to get a thank you now and then, and when I do, I get to pass that thanks onto the One who it belongs to (even though I am sure He is aware, it is always good to say it anyway).
Here is a recent conversation I had with Sandi Johnson, a friend of mine who is an Associate Minister for the First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, CO:
Colby: What are some of your thoughts about the question to the Savior, "Who is my neighbor?"It has been my blessed opportunity to work with Sandi in the Sign Language interpreting field. It is always a treat when I see people like her giving of themselves for the betterment of others and truly exemplifying our Saviors charge to Love on another!
Sandi: In the context Jesus is telling his disciples and all people that we are all to take care of each other. We are not called to be in the seat of judgement of who is good or bad. That is God's role...We are called to be in relationship with those in need no matter their standing in the community or background.
Colby: What does that relationship look like to you? What does it mean to take care of each other?
Sandi: I guess it varies. It depends on the need of the other person. It could be a friend in need, a hand up or a walk along side. We are to serve each other, should that be to assist the elderly, street person, and even those in jail.
Colby: Can you give me an example in your life on how you are a neighbor to others?
Sandi: My life is in service to others. From homeless families living with us to serving a church full time... to mission trips around the country and world bringing money and teaching folks how to make a living….and who do you say your neighbor is??
Colby: Everyone!
Sandi: Good…we’re on the same page.
I love my Savior. He is indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Self Discovery
The world of the internet is fascinating. Pre-internet, I lived in a little bubble that no one penetrated very easily. Now, a good portion of my life is spent in front of my computer reading and researching. I use an internet version of holy writ due to the speed at which I can reach answers to questions I might have about passages, or, in some cases, all I find are more questions. Some of those questions I find perplexing, even after an exhaustive study of the scriptures.
I have found that there are many people out there on the net that oppose my beliefs who are ready and willing to provide me with answers to my questions. I admit that they can be convincing the way they mingle their own philosophies with the written Word. For a short time, I began to wonder about my own beliefs due to these influences and then I found a tremendously helpful resource - www.fairlds.org. Everything I had wondered about, and more, was answered through my research on that site.
This is the main thing that I learned as I combined the information from the opposition (for there must be in all things), the information from the resources on LDS.Org and from the great defenders at FairLDS.com- it is this: When the opposition thinks they are learned (educated), they think they are wise and their pride distorts all their ability to think critically about the basis for their arguments. I was about to say that their rhetoric is borderline absurd, but I have to put it on the side of the absurd, their ramblings are not borderline.
To those who oppose, I have only one observation from my 34 years as a Latter-day Saint: I have never in all those years been offered a class at Sunday School, Seminary, or Institute that discusses ways in which a particular church organization is wrong or misled. Why would those who teach the truth need to criticize others? This type of behavior is not dissimilar to my 5-year-old tattling on my 3-year-old in an attempt to get the 3-year-old in trouble when in fact it was my 5-year-old who required the punishment because she was in the wrong.
It puzzles me how so many "Christians" are focused on attempting to prove that the LDS Church is such when I believe their lives would be better spent feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and lifting the hands which hang down. Stop trying to prove your faith with your words; only works prove faith. What will you who oppose say to Him who knows when He asks what you did with your life? That you spent your time ranting about 13 million of His children when you could have been serving them? Get out and serve, we do! http://www.lds.org/humanitarianservices/0,19749,6208,00.html
I have found that there are many people out there on the net that oppose my beliefs who are ready and willing to provide me with answers to my questions. I admit that they can be convincing the way they mingle their own philosophies with the written Word. For a short time, I began to wonder about my own beliefs due to these influences and then I found a tremendously helpful resource - www.fairlds.org. Everything I had wondered about, and more, was answered through my research on that site.
This is the main thing that I learned as I combined the information from the opposition (for there must be in all things), the information from the resources on LDS.Org and from the great defenders at FairLDS.com- it is this: When the opposition thinks they are learned (educated), they think they are wise and their pride distorts all their ability to think critically about the basis for their arguments. I was about to say that their rhetoric is borderline absurd, but I have to put it on the side of the absurd, their ramblings are not borderline.
To those who oppose, I have only one observation from my 34 years as a Latter-day Saint: I have never in all those years been offered a class at Sunday School, Seminary, or Institute that discusses ways in which a particular church organization is wrong or misled. Why would those who teach the truth need to criticize others? This type of behavior is not dissimilar to my 5-year-old tattling on my 3-year-old in an attempt to get the 3-year-old in trouble when in fact it was my 5-year-old who required the punishment because she was in the wrong.
It puzzles me how so many "Christians" are focused on attempting to prove that the LDS Church is such when I believe their lives would be better spent feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and lifting the hands which hang down. Stop trying to prove your faith with your words; only works prove faith. What will you who oppose say to Him who knows when He asks what you did with your life? That you spent your time ranting about 13 million of His children when you could have been serving them? Get out and serve, we do! http://www.lds.org/humanitarianservices/0,19749,6208,00.html
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