Today in Sacrament meeting we finally were able to sing the hymns. I was so excited, as I have terribly missed singing in church. The opening song was Redeemer of Israel. (one of my favorite) We got to the third verse where is says, “our foes have rejoiced, when our sorrows they’ve seen” and it just hit me like a ton of bricks. We see these foes every day on the news, radio and internet. There are such foes who rejoice in our difficulties. Even causing more difficulties to their benefit, but the next line was of great comfort to me: “but Israel will shortly be free”.
We will be free, but during the time we live in bondage can be very difficult. Sometimes if feels that there is no end in sight, but we continue to pray, move forward in life and be thankful for what we have. We can all receive our personal messages from God to comfort us as some call it: personal revelation. This personal revelation helps us to make good choices when those difficult times are around us. (It even helps when there are no difficult times.)
These messages can come in many different forms such as an email, a phone call from a loved one, at work or talking to a neighbor. Part of this particular message came from Lin Wood, the famous attorney from Georgia. I edited it to fit my needs.
What can we do to help ourselves to not worry so much during this difficult time?
1. 1. Pray, Pray, Pray.
2. 2. Protect ourselves, our families and our friends whether it’s in the neighborhood, at school or at family gatherings.
3. 3. Write members of the military and tell them you love the fact that they will never dishonor their oath to defend the Constitution, freedom and the People
4. 4. Turn off your television. Do NOT watch any mainstream media, movies, comedies, game shows or other meaningful mind junk. (We have stopped watching the news. It’s just too depressing.)
5. 5. Read books that are inspiring and helps to uplift us as human beings. (Including the Bible, Book of Mormon or any other uplifting scripture.)
6. 6. Organize your communities and neighborhoods for safety. Talk to leaders of your congregations at church, synagogues or mosques.
7. 7. And above all: Love all and forgive all, but always demand justice and righteousness.
8. Yes, Israel will be free and we will eventually live peaceably, but this Sunday afternoon, I have to keep the thoughts from above in my heart and move forward on in life.
