Wednesday Night

Much is said about what spirituality is, or what religion is. There are so many different opinions, explanations, and counter-arguments. What would I say about this subject? I am no deep theologian, but I would simply say that I know God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is our brother and Savior. To some this may be trite or cliche, but it is true. I think often about the deep emotional and physical pain and abuse I've endured in my life, and how I managed to be where I am at now. It is not by me alone, but by God's watchful care and Jesus' tender mercies. The spirit has reached through the hardened and decayed walls of my wooden heart, to witness to me, the truth of these things. God knows me and I can turn to Him in complete fidelity and trust. He is always there and never mocking. After all I can do, He is there to make the difference. Call it cliche, but how else can I explain how I feel? This is my truth that I have earned the right to call my own.

Sincere Prayer: Lessons from The Movies

Recently, I watched a classic movie, "The Wrong Man," starring Henry Fonda, in the true story of a man convicted of a series of robberies. Directed by Hitchcock in 1956, it was an interesting turn into the world of so-called justice not only as a study in time, but with modern- day applications.

One of the interesting yet small themes in the movie was the concept of prayer. Fonda, as Manny Balestrero, was a religious man. The movie didn't indicate how devoted or faithful he was. Perhaps he was like many of us, mindful of the duties and responsibilities, but maybe just going through the motions. As his story unfolds, his prayers for relief, for deliverance aren't seemingly met. When everything seems to be going wrong against him, like a '50s Job, his mother asks him if he is praying, and reminds him to turn to sincere prayer. The next scene shows Balestero (Fonda) fixed on a picture of Jesus and he begins to really pray, beyond the perfunctory "please give me" prayer, but a deep and meaningful conversation with God. Without detailing anything that happens after or giving away any spoilers, just suffice it to say, that things take an interesting turn after his true and honest prayer. What made this time any different than the long, drawn-out pain and agony Balestero and his family had suffered up to this point? Two things, in my opinion, can be learned from this. First, we don't always understand the reason and timing of the Lord's plan for us. Secondly, we need to develop a true relationship with God, conversing our true feelings and thoughts. It is scary to be vulnerable, but with sincere prayer and honest faith, miracles are possible. Nothing is impossible for the Lord and we will be amazed at what He can do for us when we turn to Him.

Psalms 6:9
The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

Alma 34:27
...Let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.

Weak Things to Become Strong

Through my life, I have had many trials, as most anyone sojourning through this life does. Many times, we curse God and throw our hands up into the air, exclaiming "Why has God forgotten me?", or "Why even bother trying? Why not just give up and forget this heartbreak and suffering that comes from disappointments?" It is easy to feel not good enough. We hear the luring calls of the Adversary saying "you'll never get what you want, you'll never be good enough, so just stop it and join me."

However, in scriptures, we learn the purpose of trials. In the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, Ether, a prophet records what the Lord has said: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

When we turn ourselves to God, through the power of Christ, our weaknesses become parts of our firm foundation of righteousness. Furthermore, we learn that Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, wrote:

"Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

How can this be true? How could anyone rejoice in their weakness? How could being weak make someone strong? Paul understood the true nature of the weaknesses, because when he turned to the Lord and to Jesus Christ, he recognized that he needed divine help, and through that humility, he was strengthened to endure the trials that he would have never been able to overcome as well on his own.

In a recent episode of a popular tv show, "Ugly Betty," the main character Betty wishes she had her braces off. In a dream sequence, she does and sees how different she, her family, her co-workers, and others around her are. When she asked the "fairy godmother" about why she was so mean to others, the woman replied to the effect that the braces taught her compassion for others and when she didn't have the braces, she didn't learn to care about others.

Do we rejoice in our infirmities? Have we turned to God and asked what we should learn? When trials come our way from spilling our orange juice down our white shirt, to losing a loved one suddenly, do we curse God or pray to God for help? Do we rest upon the arm of the Lord or do we try to figure answers out on our own? When we feel inadequate and unworthy, do we turn to the Lord for support or do we shrug our shoulders and wallow in our sorrow?

I testify that in my life, now especially in hindsight, I can see that the weaknesses and sour situations that have come to me, sometimes of my own doing, some not, have made me strong. I have developed spiritually and emotionally and am filled with a calm reassurance, that no matter what happens, even if the true desires of my heart are not fully realized in this mortal plane, that I will be blessed beyond measure and can take comfort in the arms of the Savior.

Cast Your Burdens on the Lord

The past few days have been extremely challenging for me. I felt like I had reached the point that I could no longer handle the trials I had been handed. Per advice from a good friend, I fervently prayed the past two days to the Lord, expressing how much pain I was in, and that I could no longer handle it anymore, that I needed His help to overcome these new challenges. After spending some time in worship, meditation and prayer, I can say that my burdens were lifted, and the empty hollow of pain was filled with a quiet peace and comfort and I feel light and renewed with spirit. I am grateful to the Lord and for His Son, Jesus Christ for removing my burdens and filling my heart with comfort.

Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.