Today has been a really good day of rest for me though I really haven’t rested much. I was able to attend Sacrament Meeting and Relief Society in the Welby 1st Ward, my ward. I had time to study scriptures this morning. I was able to attend Ward Choir practice and sing with some ward friends beautifully written music. I am always in awe of those who write song lyrics and melodies! Then was able to listen in on a Zoom connection to a meeting of the Utah Afghan Youth Collective. So many people willing to volunteer and organize in order to aid recently arrived Afghan youth as they transition to life in Utah/America.
Samantha helped me in the kitchen this afternoon. We made banana nut bread, apple crisp, pasta e fagioli, green chicken chili, and scones. We took dinner over to my in-laws and had Navajo Tacos using the scones. My kitchen is an absolute mess now but I don’t need to cook tomorrow.
I studied this morning from Learn of Me Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide: An Annotated Study Workbook by Stephanie Dibb Sorensen. I was reading in Matthew about the Savior giving the Sermon on the Mount. Using the BYU Scripture Citation Index I found a talk given by then Elder Russell M. Nelson in October 2002 General Conference “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
I was so struck by this talk and its content and context. Elder Nelson gave this talk just a year after September 11, 2001. He basically gives the blueprint for addressing racism, racial disparity, war, conflict, and even the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Some quotes from his talk:
Peace can prevail only when that natural inclination to fight is superseded by self-determination to live on a loftier level.
He taught the Golden Rule: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”15 This principle is found in nearly every major religion. Others such as Confucius and Aristotle have also taught it.16 After all, the gospel did not begin with the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. It is everlasting. It was proclaimed in the beginning to Adam and Eve. Portions of the gospel have been preserved in many cultures. Even heathen mythologies have been enriched by fragments of truth from earlier dispensations.
Wherever it is found and however it is expressed, the Golden Rule encompasses the moral code of the kingdom of God. It forbids interference by one with the rights of another. It is equally binding upon nations, associations, and individuals. With compassion and forbearance, it replaces the retaliatory reactions of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”17 If we were to stay on that old and unproductive path, we would be but blind and toothless.18
This concept of treating others as one would like to be treated is easy to understand. And it acknowledges the precious nature of each of God’s sons and daughters.19
Because of the long history of hostility upon the earth, many feel that peace is beyond hope. I disagree. Peace is possible. We can learn to love our fellow human beings throughout the world. Whether they be Jewish, Islamic, or fellow Christians, whether Hindu, Buddhist, or other, we can live together with mutual admiration and respect, without forsaking our religious convictions. Things we have in common are greater than are our differences. Peace is a prime priority that pleads for our pursuit. Old Testament prophets held out hope and so should we. The Psalmist said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”28 “He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth.”29
Father Abraham was uniquely called a “Friend of God.”30 Peace was one of Abraham’s highest priorities. He sought to be a “prince of peace.”31 His influence could loom large in our present pursuit of peace. His sons, Ishmael and Isaac, though born of different mothers, overcame their differences when engaged in a common cause. After their father died, they worked together to bury the mortal remains of their exalted father.32 Their descendants could well follow that pattern.
So descendants of Abraham—entrusted with great promises of infinite influence—are in a pivotal position to emerge as peacemakers. Chosen by the Almighty, they can direct their powerful potential toward peace.
I am a descendant of Abraham. Today I chose to follow the path of peace. I am getting involved in helping Afghan refugees just arriving in Utah. I am still not entirely sure exactly how I can help but, I know I can help. I am also going to work to help others who desire to serve, find ways to serve and lift.
Elder Nelson ends his talk:
Now, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what does the Lord expect of us? As a Church, we must “renounce war and proclaim peace.”37 As individuals, we should “follow after the things which make for peace.”38 We should be personal peacemakers. We should live peacefully—as couples, families, and neighbors. We should live by the Golden Rule. We have writings of the descendants of Judah as now merged with writings of the descendants of Ephraim.39 We should employ them and expand our circle of love to embrace the whole human family. We should bring divine love and revealed doctrines of restored religion to our neighbors and friends. We should serve them according to our abilities and opportunities. We should keep our principles on a high level and stand for the right. We should continue to gather scattered Israel from the four corners of the earth and offer the ordinances and covenants that seal families together forever. These blessings we are to bring to people of all nations.
By so living, our Master will bless us. He provided this promise: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”40
Ours is His supernal cause. Ours is the cause of eternal glory for all humankind.
Jolene and Dennis Mackay spoke in Sacrament Meeting today. Wonderful and thoughtful talks that greatly inspired me. Sis. Mackay quoted from Alvin F. Meredith III, of the Seventy, Look Down the Road. The quote that hit me like a ton of bricks was from the story of Peter Walking on Water: While he (Peter) focused on the Savior, he could do the impossible, even walk on water.
All the things that I want to, have to, need to get done/accomplished are only possible if I focus on the Savior.