Standing Ground
I am sorry that I missed yesterday's update. My schedule is kind of wacky this week. I hope to fall into a more regular routine soon.
Anyway, Sunday was a wonderful day. I truly enjoyed our fast and testimony meeting. Those of you who were in attendance were able to witness the same things that I witnessed, but maybe did not receive the same impressions. I would like to share what has lasted with me.
As a member of the high council, I enjoy taking my rotation of sitting on the stand once or twice a month. I took that opportunity this week. As the second counselor in the bishopric opened the meeting to the congregation there was a small pause before a few of our regulars got up to share their witness.
One particular family has taught their children to be bold in sharing their testimonies. Sometimes it is not always a testimony, but a witness of what they are learning in their home. Their small children stand and recite a scriptural verse they have memorized or an article of faith. I have always enjoyed this.
Well, this week the oldest and third siblings raced up to the stand to share. As they approached the podium there was a sudden pause for discussion. The older child felt that the younger should just recite an article of faith since his plan was to recite a scriptural verse. However, the younger sibling did not have a desire to recite from memory. She wanted to share her testimony. As I watched the two banter for a moment I was suddenly impressed with how strong the younger sibling was in expressing her wishes. Wow, what a lesson for me.
It has been obvious in our ward that this family tries to help their children build a firm foundation of gospel principles. I don't know that this younger child truly has full grasp on that foundation, but she does have a grasp. She did not want to recite, she wanted to testify and she was willing to fight for it. She stood her ground even though the older sibling was trying to force his will upon her.
Shouldn't we be the same way? Have we built that foundation? What are we doing to fortify it? When challenged by the world, do we stand our ground or do we try to hide behind the fortified walls. Do we guard our testimonies in such a way that no one really knows for sure where we stand and how firmly?
As the meeting continued, I could not shake the impression. The boldness of these young children inspired many more. We heard from many of our youth through out the meeting.
The older sibling did stand and recite his verse. He did it quickly and quietly. It was almost hard for us to hear him and I was sitting right behind him. He ended with "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." As he walked away from the pulpit in a rush.
Later, his mother commented on the interaction of the two as she shared her testimony. She observed that her oldest child was getting shy in his old age. Again, I was taught by the spirit. Do we become progressively shy as we grow older, start mingling outside the comforts of our home fortresses, and hide our testimonies? Are we afraid to be mocked by the "Great and Spacious Building"? Do we seek ways to avoid the confrontation that might arise as we stand our ground?
I have been inspired to start standing more. I challenge each of you to do the same. And when we do stand, listen to the whisperings of the still small voice.
Anyway, Sunday was a wonderful day. I truly enjoyed our fast and testimony meeting. Those of you who were in attendance were able to witness the same things that I witnessed, but maybe did not receive the same impressions. I would like to share what has lasted with me.
As a member of the high council, I enjoy taking my rotation of sitting on the stand once or twice a month. I took that opportunity this week. As the second counselor in the bishopric opened the meeting to the congregation there was a small pause before a few of our regulars got up to share their witness.
One particular family has taught their children to be bold in sharing their testimonies. Sometimes it is not always a testimony, but a witness of what they are learning in their home. Their small children stand and recite a scriptural verse they have memorized or an article of faith. I have always enjoyed this.
Well, this week the oldest and third siblings raced up to the stand to share. As they approached the podium there was a sudden pause for discussion. The older child felt that the younger should just recite an article of faith since his plan was to recite a scriptural verse. However, the younger sibling did not have a desire to recite from memory. She wanted to share her testimony. As I watched the two banter for a moment I was suddenly impressed with how strong the younger sibling was in expressing her wishes. Wow, what a lesson for me.
It has been obvious in our ward that this family tries to help their children build a firm foundation of gospel principles. I don't know that this younger child truly has full grasp on that foundation, but she does have a grasp. She did not want to recite, she wanted to testify and she was willing to fight for it. She stood her ground even though the older sibling was trying to force his will upon her.
Shouldn't we be the same way? Have we built that foundation? What are we doing to fortify it? When challenged by the world, do we stand our ground or do we try to hide behind the fortified walls. Do we guard our testimonies in such a way that no one really knows for sure where we stand and how firmly?
As the meeting continued, I could not shake the impression. The boldness of these young children inspired many more. We heard from many of our youth through out the meeting.
The older sibling did stand and recite his verse. He did it quickly and quietly. It was almost hard for us to hear him and I was sitting right behind him. He ended with "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." As he walked away from the pulpit in a rush.
Later, his mother commented on the interaction of the two as she shared her testimony. She observed that her oldest child was getting shy in his old age. Again, I was taught by the spirit. Do we become progressively shy as we grow older, start mingling outside the comforts of our home fortresses, and hide our testimonies? Are we afraid to be mocked by the "Great and Spacious Building"? Do we seek ways to avoid the confrontation that might arise as we stand our ground?
I have been inspired to start standing more. I challenge each of you to do the same. And when we do stand, listen to the whisperings of the still small voice.
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