A lot of you know that I have taken up the challenge with a few friends to read the Book of Mormon this summer. I have also been reading 1776 at the same time and I have been so inspired by the thought that if it is God's will it shall be done. As I read a few chapters each day I see such similarities, in that, the numbers and experience do not always have to be on your side to accomplish amazing feats. I found as I read Alma 56, I knew the history behind those young boys who became known as the 2000 strippling warriors, and I became so engrossed in their story as they headed off to battle. Helaman their leader, knowing that their enemy was waiting, asked these young boys if their were ready to go to battle. Helaman wrote an epistle to Moroni stating that never has he seen so great courage. These young warriors stated that "...behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall." Helaman continues that "...they did think more upon their liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them." He states in the end that "to my great joy, there had not one soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength of God;"
In reading these two books I doubt my faith will be tested in a battle with swords and shields; but more likely the battle of the adversary trying to penetrate my home and all I hold dear. May my faith be strengthened to fight with such persistence and such courage that I can teach my children the skills that they need to be "in the world" but not "off the world"
2 comments:
Beautifully said, Jacque. And ditto to all of it. I am reading the same chapters and I love seeing the faith those young men demonstrated, as well as the faith of their leaders. Isn't Moroni amazing?
I also love studying the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. There are so many miracles and evidence of God's hand in both. It builds my faith to see how God preserved this country as He promised.
My favorite part was the last line...."off the world" I think that might even be better than "of!" The world is a bit "Off" of my standards too. Hopefully, now that my kids are gone, have learned what I tried to teach them. So far I am so pleased with each of their choices!! You're kids are great too, but that's because of a great mom too!
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