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Old-Timer wrote:
In our HP Group lesson today, we talked quite a bit about our baptismal covenants – and the longest discussion was about “bearing one another’s burdens”.
Someone made the point that we can’t bear burdens about which we don’t know – and that those whose burdens are the heaviest generally are those who are shunned the most by people. Relative to the Church, he mentioned explicitly those who are single / divorced in a family-oriented church, have serious problems with alcohol and tobacco, don’t live the Law of Chastity and “those with AIDS”. He mentioned that
one of the most powerful aspects of Jesus’ ministry was that he was willing to “touch the lepers” – and asked us to consider how willing we are to actually associate with those whom we tend to classify as the lepers of our own modern society. The above thought by Ray from an older post made me think of Narayanan Krishnan, who was named as CNN’s hero of 2010. He is definitely a Christ among us. This short YouTube about his “life purpose” is a must see. He is an absolutely beautiful man who truly exemplifies the love of God.
I blogged along these lines today for Christmas. (The Gospel of Christ) Check it out all if you have a minute. Yep, already did. Saw the link on NOM. It was very good – I appreciate the plain beauty of it all. Why do we (LDS) always seem to make the gospel so complicated? Oh btw, in case you missed it, you have an assignment in SD’s Virtual ward. Lesson 11 IIRC? http://www.staylds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2069http://www.staylds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2069” class=”bbcode_url”> What a beautiful story Flower!!! And your blog post is so honest and oh so true. I noted on your facebook status that those lines from O Holy Night jumped out at me today and I find it so interesting that you did a blog post on those same lines. Serendipitous to be sure. I’ve often wondered why we claim Christ as our Savior but tend to forget his words. His law is love and his gospel is peace. Thanks for validating my thoughts today.
cwald wrote:Oh btw, in case you missed it, you have an assignment in SD’s Virtual ward. Lesson 11 IIRC?
http://www.staylds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2069http://www.staylds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2069” class=”bbcode_url”> Sweet!
Wonderful post, fd. Those lines also are my favorite in that song. It’s interesting how some of the most profound things ever written are almost “hidden” within other things – accompanying things that get quoted more often but have less meaning overall. My only note would be that the lack of emphasis on Christ you mentioned isn’t an issue at “The Church” level; it’s an issue in individual wards and branches, since the Branch Presidents and Bishops are the one who choose the topics for Sacrament Meeting. Too many of them still don’t understand fully what it means to have a meeting set aside as a worship service – and too many of them still assign topics for Sacrament Meeting that should be reserved for the third hour in Priesthood and Relief Society meetings, but when they catch that vision and “get it” with regard to Sacrament Meeting, it’s wonderful. I’ve lived in wards where that happened, and I’ve visited wards and branches where that happens, and there is a marked difference in those congregations that spills over into other areas, as well.
I have the good fortune of being in a position from which I can mention that to local leaders and be taken seriously, and I have done so and will continue to do so. It sounds simplistic, but I believe making Sacrament Meeting a true worship service (a “revelatory experience” – as Elder Bednar said in the recent CHI training) can do more for a ward than just about anything else – and it certainly is the simplest and purest of the options.
Old-Timer wrote:My only note would be that the lack of emphasis on Christ you mentioned isn’t an issue at “The Church” level; it’s an issue in individual wards and branches, since the Branch Presidents and Bishops are the one who choose the topics for Sacrament Meeting.
agreed… But I also feel that Christ doesn’t seem to be the emphasis of our General Conferences these days either. He’s more of a side note. (IMO)
anyhow, I started that blog to I could express (and vent just a little) my deep thoughts. None of my friends or family know of its existence. I am hoping it will be therapeutic, but I want to have my words be meaningful and touching to any potential readers at the same time.
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