What are the reasons I carry and have carried small children? Usually it is because they have not yet learned to walk on their own, they are too tired or for some reason temporarily unable to walk on their own, or just to show love and affection (when an older child wants to be carried to bed, for example). It really is similar to some of the sweet experiences we have as we take someone by the hand and lead them to the gospel. I remember teaching a Chinese woman on my mission to pray. She was not comfortable with the language of prayer or with English, so I knelt by her side and whispered the words of the prayer which she then repeated as a child would. It was sweet and so sacred to be in that role of carrying her toward her Father in Heaven as she learned to connect with Him for the first time in that way. What a humbling and beautiful responsibility it is.
What stood out to me is the importance of missionary work. Sharing the gospel with people I know has not been easy for me. I let fear get in the way and don't say anything. I feel like through technology we are having more opportunities to share the gospel. I have loved reading the comments and the testiomies you have shared. I have already learned so much from everyone. I need to be more committed and confident to share the gospel to help this work move forward.
I am the same way. I liked reading his talk through this time better than I remember hearing it. Felt like he was almost shouting during conference. But as I was just thinking about it, he probably shares the gospel more than me because he is more passionate than me. We talked in church yesterday about missionary work. I remember thinking how I felt when I see a funny video or a good movie, I naturally want to talk to people I know about it and share it the same way. If I can truly feel joy in the gospel I will want to share that to others I know also. So I guess I will try and focus on this more so that it feels natural to talk to others about the gospel without being pushy or overbearing. I think sometimes I have to go knock on people's doors to share, but it is simply saying yeah, I went to church yesterday and if people are interested talk about it. I get worried I have to be a pushy salesman about it, but I'm realizing if I can care about it, it can be a naturally flowing subject just like a fun movie I liked.
It's no surprise Mormon included this specific commentary of Nephi to his brothers about their seed being scattered by a great and mighty nation of the Gentiles. Nephi was able to make perfect sense of the writings of Isaiah on the brass plates. I doubt Nephi knew though that his journal would one day fulfill Isaiah's prophecy and become an important part of the Marvelous Work.
I love the imagery, the gentiles tenderly carrying the scattered seed of Israel. Maybe another reason to carry a child in your arms is to protect them, or just help take them back to safer ground where they were before they wandered off.
I have been on family search trying to find family names to take to the temple this weekend. Those who have died are truly dependent upon us, as a child to a parent, to help "...unto the making known of the covenants of the Father." (Verse 9) It is a privilege and a responsibility to be among the Gentiles who "will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder."
I feel like when we share the gospel with others we can spiritually lift them. We can lighten their burdens when they learn of the Atonement and of repentance. Their loads do not feel as heavy when they learn there is a loving Heavenly Father they can pray to who hears and answers their prayers.
What are the reasons I carry and have carried small children? Usually it is because they have not yet learned to walk on their own, they are too tired or for some reason temporarily unable to walk on their own, or just to show love and affection (when an older child wants to be carried to bed, for example). It really is similar to some of the sweet experiences we have as we take someone by the hand and lead them to the gospel. I remember teaching a Chinese woman on my mission to pray. She was not comfortable with the language of prayer or with English, so I knelt by her side and whispered the words of the prayer which she then repeated as a child would. It was sweet and so sacred to be in that role of carrying her toward her Father in Heaven as she learned to connect with Him for the first time in that way. What a humbling and beautiful responsibility it is.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful analogy of carrying children. Thank you for sharing. :-)
DeleteGreat story. Love this. Thanks.
DeleteI hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteWhat stood out to me is the importance of missionary work. Sharing the gospel with people I know has not been easy for me. I let fear get in the way and don't say anything. I feel like through technology we are having more opportunities to share the gospel. I have loved reading the comments and the testiomies you have shared. I have already learned so much from everyone. I need to be more committed and confident to share the gospel to help this work move forward.
ReplyDeleteI am the same way. I liked reading his talk through this time better than I remember hearing it. Felt like he was almost shouting during conference. But as I was just thinking about it, he probably shares the gospel more than me because he is more passionate than me. We talked in church yesterday about missionary work. I remember thinking how I felt when I see a funny video or a good movie, I naturally want to talk to people I know about it and share it the same way. If I can truly feel joy in the gospel I will want to share that to others I know also. So I guess I will try and focus on this more so that it feels natural to talk to others about the gospel without being pushy or overbearing. I think sometimes I have to go knock on people's doors to share, but it is simply saying yeah, I went to church yesterday and if people are interested talk about it. I get worried I have to be a pushy salesman about it, but I'm realizing if I can care about it, it can be a naturally flowing subject just like a fun movie I liked.
DeleteIt's no surprise Mormon included this specific commentary of Nephi to his brothers about their seed being scattered by a great and mighty nation of the Gentiles. Nephi was able to make perfect sense of the writings of Isaiah on the brass plates. I doubt Nephi knew though that his journal would one day fulfill Isaiah's prophecy and become an important part of the Marvelous Work.
ReplyDeleteI love the imagery, the gentiles tenderly carrying the scattered seed of Israel. Maybe another reason to carry a child in your arms is to protect them, or just help take them back to safer ground where they were before they wandered off.
I have been on family search trying to find family names to take to the temple this weekend. Those who have died are truly dependent upon us, as a child to a parent, to help "...unto the making known of the covenants of the Father." (Verse 9) It is a privilege and a responsibility to be among the Gentiles who "will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder."
ReplyDelete✔️
ReplyDeleteI feel like when we share the gospel with others we can spiritually lift them. We can lighten their burdens when they learn of the Atonement and of repentance. Their loads do not feel as heavy when they learn there is a loving Heavenly Father they can pray to who hears and answers their prayers.
ReplyDelete