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I was reminded today of why I love this ward. A white* gentleman gave a talk today. He has grown children, has survived cancer, has served a mission with his wife on a ranch down in Utah somewhere. He gave no title to his talk, no subject, no doctrinal topic designated. He just told a story on himself. I saw it as his application of the teaching that Jesus Loves ALL of us just the same. He said that he had been stuck in an airport for several hours with no hope of leaving anytime soon. He sat down and started people watching. He saw a few men full of piercings and tattoos and thought to himself that they were sure in need of help and that he was sure glad he “didnt have any kids like that!” Then he watched a black* man clean a garbage can and noted that it took the man 20 minutes to clean the can. He thought to himself, “Boy, that guy is lazy, he sure is milking his job for all it’s worth and not putting out what is expected of him.” He said that this kind of thinking went on for a while and he grew more and more agitated. Then this little thought came that said, “Jesus loves each one of those people as much as he loves you.” “Wo, that is a thought,” he thought. Then he began noticing other people and becoming present to the love that Jesus has for each of them. He came to notice that he is “nothing.” As he got that, he became overwhelmed with love and had a marvelous spiritual experience. He concluded by stating that there had been an older black woman standing there for which he felt great love an felt like he wanted to go and give her a hug. (he says that he didn’t do it for fear of being arrested. grin)
That was the best story I have heard in a long time. The people around here are famous for telling on themselves and sharing what they got out of the hope they have in becoming like Christ. I wrote in my journal today that this story makes up for many many meetings where no truly Christlike behavior is discussed and no beautiful changing of the heart is experienced. This kind of sharing is what makes life worth living for me. The living of the definition of the word repentence right out of the LDS Bible Dictionary; “a change of mind, i.e., a fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world”
I hope this comes across in print somewhat as marvelous as it really was when communicated over the pulpit.
What a wonderful talk. Thanks for sharing it. It sure did come across nice. Thanks! Thanks for sharing this! I love to hang on to these types of messages. That is a good story. Thanks for sharing it. Our SM meeting had a similar uplifting message for me. A young man told about his conversion from a destructive lifestyle to gaining a positive direction and lovely family. To me this meant – the church might have caused some serious guilt issues for me, but it worked a miracle in the life of this young man. And that is a good thing.
I absolutely love it, too. wow, jolt of goodness. The question for us is this: can we have that same kind of experience at church? We are all so very aware of what we do and do not gel with at church. Can we forget all that and just start to love people?
Like I’ve said before, sometimes leaving the church is the right thing for someone. But people who leave rashly deny themselves this chance.
I think part of the reason the church exists is to give us the chance to learn to love strangers.
I read my husband Jordan’s reply and he said, “That is a great opening for that statement.” He was pointing at a quote that i have had hanging on my wall for a long time. It is from a book titled “A Return to Religion” by Henry C. Link copyright 1937. Here it is. My reason for attending church again is that I have recommended it to so many others.I go because I would rather lie in bed late on Sunday mornings, the only chance for a good sleep I have during the week.I go because I would rather read the Sunday papers.I go because I know it will please my old father, when he learns of it, and my parents-in-law whom I shall undoubtedly see there.I go because I shall meet and have to shake hands with people, many of whom do not interest me in the least;because, if I dont go, my children consider that they have a good reason for not going to Sunday School;because I might be asked to do something I don’t want to do;because I may disagree with what the minister has to say.I go because some of my best friends, who know the details of my life, consider me a hypocrite.I go because I do not believe in all the doctrines of this church, or any other church.I go in short, because I hate to go and because I know that it will do me good.page 19 I on my wall. I blew this up and have each reason highlighted in a different color on my wall. This guy was not LDS at all and never mentioned LDS anywhere in the book. I truly want to live up to that paragraph. Selfless and intentional.
I so get that I need to LOVE everyone, EVEN those at church.
This story & the posts attached, got my attention today. It reminds me that the best sermons spontaneous flow. Either as a talk or as an observation in life. I love the parables in the scriptures & the lessons they teach. And, we attempt to apply in our own lives.
I recently realized that parables come into my life on a regular basis if I’m ready to receive & accept them.
For example, a few years ago my granddaughter was playing in a softball game & my son’s family & I went to see it.
I was in charge of watching my grandson who was about 5 yrs old at the time. The game ended & we were walking back to the car.
My grandson realized that he was missing a Star Wars figure. He & I went back to where we were sitting to try & find it.
We couldn’t find it & he just lost it. He cried all the way home. Just before he went to bed, we had a little talk.
He was still sad about losing his toy. I said that we may lose things during our lifetime. Some of our belongings may have great
value & others may not be valuable at all. Many of our belongings can be replaced. The important thing is how we react to our
lose & how we treat other people. As he was fighting back tears, he said:
“I know grandpa & I’m trying really hard.” In that moment I realized that I’m in the same situation as my grandson sometimes. I’m just a
few years older. The important thing is how I treat other people & keep trying to do better by applying the teaching of Jesus Christ.
For me, these small moments in life speak more than best sermons in Sacrament Meeting, Fast & Testimony or in General Conference.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
I loved re-reading the talk from SM and also the experience with your grandson. We attended my dad’s funeral last week and I’m still processing. I feel like your grandson. Quote:The important thing is how we react to our lose & how we treat other people. As he was fighting back tears, he said:
“I know grandpa & I’m trying really hard.”
There is wisdom here.
So sorry to hear about your Dad Roy. My condolences. Thank you! I think I’ll write about it sometime. The bishop and the LDS church members of the ward were really great to work with. Some of our LDS family were not very tactful but I don’t want that to overshadow the support received from the ward.
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