As I was reading in Mosiah last night about how Alma and his followers make it back to Zarahemla. Mosiah shared with the people the records that Alma had kept from the time he left Zarahemla until the time he returned (this record included many hardships, including being in bondage to the Lamanites and then miraculously escaping from the Lamanites). As Mosiah read these records to the people, this was their response:
"And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his peole were struck with wonder and amazement. For they knew not what to think... when they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God." Mosiah 25: 7-10
Keeping those records and sharing them at an appropriate time increased everyone's faith and testimony. It is important to remember that those records weren't perfect and Alma did not only share positive experiences, but especially negative ones. Those hardships provided faith-building experiences that Alma couldn't have received otherwise.
What does this tell us about our own lives and experiences? We have been asked many times to keep journals in one form or another. Journaling doesn't necessarily mean for us to detail our entire day or to share only positive experiences. It means that we share faith-building experiences that may lift up ourselves as well as others.
Elder Eyring shared a talk about finding ways to remember God's kindness in our lives in the October 2007 general conference. He said that he writes in a journal everyday. A few years ago, he gave copies of that book to his children. It has helped them to come closer to the Lord and to know of Elder Eyrings testimony. May we also be able to do this for ourselves and our posterity. I know that as we recognize the Lord's hand in our lives, we will be more grateful and will be more positive. Others will see and benefit from this positive action in our lives.
1 comment:
I was just thinking about this subject and that exact talk by Elder Eyring yesterday! My testimony has really grown on this subject since I've been in Austria. I am beginning to realize how priceless the knowledge to read and write is.For me, it has become an outlet for all my jumbled thoughts. I can sort out my feelings and someday, maybe I'll be able to influence someone for the better.
Thanks Sarah. This was very well put.
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