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| (Photo courtesy of familysearch.org) |
To understand why you are where you are, and to have the conviction to keep going, it can be incredibly helpful to reflect on your past. It is peculiar to realize that you understand yourself better when you understand your family history. Such was the case for me when I learned of the story of the first Elder Standing, my great-great-grandfather's brother. He served as a missionary in what was then the Southern States mission. After serving a mission in Tennessee, he served another in Georgia. In 1879 near Varnell's Station, he was martyred. He was assaulted by a mob and killed, for preaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. An account of what happened is given here. I was able to read his plaque in the Joseph A. Standing building at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah before I came out here to serve in the Southern states myself. It was profound to me that I wear that same name on my name tag, that I have come to this same place, to share the same gospel that he shared. I asked myself "What are you willing to give up for this work?" It was then that I realized that if it came to it I too would be willing to die in the service of God. I am grateful for that legacy I bear, and I hope that one day I can visit the memorial of him in Chattanooga. These things helped me to understand one of the
reasons of why I have been called here, and also they have given me
the conviction to keep going. Now I ask you, how has your past (or
your family's) helped you to enlarge your perspective, expand your
understanding, or deepen your appreciation in life? Also, what are you
willing to give to He that created you? I am impressed by the words of
Lamoni's father: "...Behold, said he, I will give up all that I
possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great
joy." "...and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make
thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know
thee..." Alma 22:15,18. Would you do that? If that mentality was half
as contagious as complaining, the world would be a sacred place. Is your greatest desire to return to that God who gave you life? Does your life show that as your highest priority? Then fear no mortal consequences. Well enough of me preaching, tell me what you think. Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and stay tuned for more content to come!
