Suffering: Job

The book of Job poses the hard question: What is the purpose of suffering?

Job was a good guy, strong active member, great family, did everything right, very blessed and extremely generous and kind. The change in his circumstance was so dramatic it caused his friends and family to question his righteousness and his worth. For Job his integrity was resolute, but as his suffering continued and deepened he too started to question. These questions changed his life!

No matter who you are, at some point you think you have it figured out. Life seems to make sense and be working in your favor. Like calm spring days these moments can seem endless. Then everything changes, a storm comes and the world is turned on its head. The home you grew up in implodes; your health takes a tumble, someone dear to you dies, your finances change, your relationship crumbles, and all you are left with is questions.

It is hard to have answers unless you first have questions, and unless you really want to know, you will not appreciate the answers enough to truly let them change you.

Job’s suffering and subsequent questions lead him to some very special understandings: he exclaims “For I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God”(Job 19:25-26).  

But more important; his questions and the answers they brought lead him to great personal change. He remarked “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5-6)

Maybe suffering (as Job puts it) is the mechanism God uses to refine our poor theory into rich experience. May we not be afraid of it!

An unoxthodox life: Esther

Esther is a lovely story of courage and inspiration, and highlights an important gospel principle – that each of us has a work to do. Esther finds herself in a precarious position of being crowned queen, but responsible for the safety of the Jewish people in Persia. Her adoptive father Mordecai reminds her of her great worth and place ‘who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this’

Esther’s life was not the planned pattern for a Jewish woman. She left her home, hid her heritage, married out of the faith, and was unable to practice her religion. She had to compromise some of her covenants, walk a line away from her people, give up her lineage and sacrifice her birthright.

None of these choices would have seemed appropriate or understandable to her orthodox peers, but yet we have this wonderful story and heroic life.

Esther is a story about the contradictory, the unorthodox and the unplanned in all of us. While we aim for the ‘ideal’ we will likely have something quite different happen in our lives. It may be grand, inconvenient, ostracizing, challenging, or even heartbreaking – yet in the midst we might realize our great worth and be called upon to accomplish God's miraculous purpose.

Esther becomes Queen

Those that be for you: 2 Kings 6:8-18

The King of Syria sent an army to capture Elisha. When Elisha’s servant awoke the city was surrounded and there was no escape, he petitioned his master ‘how shall we do?’ Elisha answered ‘Fear not: for they that be with us are more that they that be with them’. Then Elisha prayed that his servant could see what he saw – and a vision of horses and chariots of fire surrounding the prophet was revealed.

Elisha’s opening the eyes of his servant is the quintessential concept of the gospel. That there is much more going on than we can see with our eyes. To be a faithful follower is an understanding that there is lots going on that we can’t see, and much going on behind the scenes in our behalf.

At the heart of this experience is the idea of a spiritual veil separating us from this heavenly perspective.  As Latter Day Saints we recognize a veil between us and those that have died and also a veil of forgetfulness that masks our past pre-birth existence and godly beginnings.  Our royal lineage is hidden from us by this veil of amnesia and our eternal potential also obscured from our view. In this valley of mediocrity we wallow aware that there is something else but not quite able to put our finger on it.

Having this gospel narrative gives us a hope that while we struggle with our mortality that there is something much greater that we are accomplishing. By being aware of the eternal possibilities we can use our time more productively and with much more purpose.

If we exercise faith and pray for greater understanding, the veil can be pulled back a little or become very thin and we too can see at least a portion of what is really going on.

A new perpective!

Elijah: 1 Kings 17,19

Elijah is one of Israel’s most dramatic prophets. Saving the Widow with an endless supply of flour & oil, raising her son from the dead and calling down fire from heaven on his pursuers, it reads like a Hollywood screen play.

Amongst the almost theatrical are heart felt stories of the dichotomies of lifes challenges. The widow is thankful for the miraculous salvation but then is gripped with fear when her son suddenly dies. The same hand that had dealt her great favor was now the hand that was bent on her destruction. Was it a test of her faith? Was it an opportunity for Elijah to learn? Or was it a greater lesson that all the Lord does for us - is for our good, even when to looks to us like a tragedy?

As a young prophet Elijah was fearless in confronting the wicked King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. But later on in his life despite numerous miracles and spectacular preservation by the Lord, Elijah found himself alone and afraid. In a cave in Horeb hiding from his pursuers, the Lord came to find him and teach him an important lesson. The wind came, the earthquakes came, and the fires came but the Lord was not in them. Then the still small voice came, and Elijah heard it, got comfort and was prepared to do what the Lord wanted him to do.

Sometimes we can be so sure in our beliefs that we are willing to do anything for them. In fact it can seem that our faith is unshakeable. But things start to change, we age our health decines, tragedy strikes, we find ourselves alone, we lose our jobs, our confidence is undermined, we become worried about the future, and what we once thought as sure suddenly feels very distant.  In these moments it can feel like the Lord has abandoned us that he is done with blessing us, we have been cast aside and passed over for the rising generation, not much use anymore. Winds, earthquakes and fires may also come and in these big events we still can’t feel the Lord. Yet in the still small voice we can be renewed, in His small presence we can be revisited, restored to ourselves once more and even elevated to greater faith and dedication.

It is these moments, gethsemane moments, that we grow the most, transform from caterpillar to butterfly, and become all that we are destined to become.

Elijah hides in a cave on Mt Horeb

Judgment: 1 Kings 3:16-28

We all have to make judgment calls several times every single day. Improving your choices improves your life.

Solomon was known for his great wisdom. His petition to the Lord for an understanding heart, was answered with a great blessing. And his discernment in dealing with the two Harlots cemented his ability before the people.

Why was this judgment so defining? It was simple, it didn’t over complicate the issue. It got the parties involved to reveal themselves, showing that the motives of the parties were imperative to addressing the real problem. It didn’t even matter who was the biological mother, the one who cared about the child would be the right mother. Also the fact that they were Harlots was irrelevant; Solomon treated them both with respect and compassion.  After this call, all Israel could take heart that, no matter their position they could get access to justice.

I have pondered judgment a lot. What makes a good decision? How can I make better ones?

While I am constantly surprised how often I can get it wrong, some principles have helped me be better in this area.

Be careful how you judge. Your judgment is only as good as your information and when your information changes so too might your judgment.

Along with this thought it is handy to give yourself a way out if it happens that you have got it wrong. Always give yourself and others the opportunity to change (humor is good for this).

When emotions are high – reason is low

Decisions charged with lots of emotion are not likely to be well thought out. Delay an important decision if you can, till you can distance yourself from any strong feelings. Recognize that when others are highly emotional they are likely to also react rather than act.

HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)

Since emotions play such a large part in decision making. Realize your ability can be impaired by how you feel.  If you are anxious, address a basic need like those of HALT to bring you back to a place of balance.

Like Solomon we would do well to ask God for an understanding heart. If we can break down the fears of others and ourselves we will be in a much better position to address the real needs and truly bless all whom we come into contact with.

Solomon judges between two harlots

Don’t be a vigilante! 2 Samuel chapter 13

The most destructive behavior we can do is the stuff we can easily justify. When someone does something terrible to us or especially to someone we love, we can be guilty of some of the most heinous crimes and uncompassionate thoughts without even batting an eyelid. Sometimes these acts can even be applauded by those around us, further cementing the delusion that we are in the right.

When Tamar was abused, it was a horrific crime, one unfortunately that is all too common today. But Absalom killing her attacker was worse not just because it broke the 6^th commandment but because it was in retaliation. When revenge is the motive we blind ourselves to the crime. Cries of ‘He got want he deserved’ which echo around this story, make us feel like we are the hero when in reality we have just become the villain.

I am as guilty of this as the next person, I love movies involving revenge, and Hollywood has convinced me that it is imperative to our sense of right and wrong that the bad guy always gets 'it' in the end! Even in our compassionate gospel narrative we long for the justice part for everyone else – while anticipating the mercy part for ourselves.

Being a vigilante is often hard to see because we mask it in so much perceived justification.  We retell our story with such self righteousness that we convince ourselves that we are acting with the best intentions. In the process we make vigilantes of those around us, as others take up the cause on our behalf.

The most common form of vigilantism is gossip, - the deliberate telling of an event to highlight wrong, insight distrust or destroy confidence. We may unwittingly cause great harm as other trust our bias take on the situation.

One of the most public vigilante acts of our time is the assassination of Osama Bin Laden.  People danced in the streets, hugged loved ones, waved flags and proclaimed ‘He got what he deserved’. Only a small voice said – ‘where is the trial? Where is the jury? – this was public sanctioned murder, we have let our fear take over our reason yet again’.

So how do we stop? First we need to catch ourselves…. If we say or think ‘(s)he’ll get what (s)he deserves’ we are already on the way to being a vigilante. Second ask the question ‘what am I afraid of’, fear that justice will not be met is the basis for revenge. Third pray for better understanding and courage to act with love. Fourth trust the rest to the Lord.

Tamar is assalted by her half brother and then thrown out.

Who is the Villain? 2 Samuel chapter 12

The Old Testament is often a roller coaster of drama. One moment the people are up next they are down, the lines between Hero and Villain get very blurred. David appeared to be Israel’s savior and yet he ended up being part of their problem. When Nathan the prophet challenged  his perspective David understood himself as the villain.

David is not alone, whether it is presidents, sporting fixtures, celebrities, community leaders, teachers, or our own family - we have plenty of examples of fallen stars.

While we respond to the ideas of Hero’s and Villain’s in our just and ordered world, it is never quite that simple. This ‘us and them’ mentality is not reality. We are all children of God, we are all here to learn and we all get things wrong. We have a tendency to minimize our mistakes and maximize others, to write our story as just and theirs as unjust, in the process justifying our behavior no matter how terrible or unfair.

But finding out you are the villain is often the best thing that can happen to you, especially if you realize it before you do something really dumb. Understanding the fact that you are the villain can free you to really love, and work in partnership with the Lord. It will make way for mercy to overcome the demands of justice, rescue you from yourself, and ironically make you the conquering hero after all.

While David’s sin was almost the worse it could be, he spent the rest of his life striped of pride, begging for forgiveness, and doing all he could to rectify his mistake and the ramifications of his actions. He would need the Lord – so do we all.

Nathan helps David realize his need for repentance.

Vulnerability: 2 Samuel 11

The tale of David and Bathsheba has many modern day parallels and lessons: - Make sure that you are in the right place doing the right things; avoid pornographic or salacious material, one bad choice links onto another one, and many others, maybe this one also.

David was unparalleled on the battlefield. Where Saul was afraid, David was invincible. But on the home front David had some weaknesses. What underpinned his great transgression was his fear at home. David decided to stay away from the battle, take a holiday spend time with his large and possibly demanding family. He was used to feeling important and in charge, but at home he was just another part of the process and perhaps even a burden. He excelled so much at his work that his home life paled in comparison. Despite his great family blessings – he didn’t feel very grateful. So he went up on the rooftop….

We all have this same experience, times when we don’t feel particularly engaged in what we are doing, when we are tired, lost, alone, or disappointed in where we are at. It is at these moments we are the most vulnerable, prone to temptation, seeking a thrill or a feeling of entitlement. In our boredom or apathy we may indulge our fears with a temporary but instant gratification, which may have long lasting consequences and addictions.

Being aware of you vulnerability is key to mastering it. When we fear it we do dumb things trying to prove that we are tough, invincible, important, often at the expense of our best selves and the relationships around us. But when we embrace it, we rely on the Lord and find His strength and perspective to move forward, we find compassion because we are compassionate of others, and we find hope as we recognize in others and ourselves - love supplanting our doubt.

Have a look at this inspiring TED talk on Vulnerability

David sees Bathsheba

Understanding the Atonement: 1 Samuel 25

The Atonement of the Savior is what we base our belief around. Most of the time we talk about how the atonement helps us to repent, gives us the opportunity to make up in some way for what we have done wrong, and for Christ and his infinite sacrifice to envelope us in the arms of mercy, restoring us to our whole.

What we don’t talk about as much is the Atonements ability to help us to forgive those wrongs which have been done or perceived to be done against us.

David in exile asks for provisions of the wealthy farmer Nabal. David and his men had helped his servants and now asked for some assistance. Word came to David that Nabal had refused his petition. David was aggrieved and resolved with his men to come up and slay Nabal and all the men in his household. Nabal’s wife Abigail was told of the situation and quickly gathered provisions and went to intercept David before he reached the house.

When Abagail found David she fell at his feet and begged for his forgiveness,  not for Nabal her husband but for herself. Her fervent plea and her obvious innocence moved David, his heart was changed in an instant, he realized he was about to do something terrible, it was him that needed forgiveness. 

Likewise the Savior comes to us in our moments of hurt and begs us to forgive him. The absurdity of forgiving the perfect Christ hopefully can move us to the kind of humility necessary to allow us to let it go. In which case we see our own need for forgiveness and not require the repentance of others for our own healing to happen.

In this way we can be free.

Abigail begs David to forgive her.

Fear: 1 Samuel 9-24

We make bad decisions when we are afraid. We try to take control of things that we are not meant to control, we justify choices that are not great, we lay blame and we treat others as the problem rather than part of the reason for why we are doing things in the first place.

Saul was a ‘choice young man and among the children of Israel there was not a goodlier person’, conscious of his humble beginnings and the big responsibility before him. He was also a spiritual man, cared about others, prone to inspiration and prophesy, and conscious of his partnership with the Lord in leading Israel. So with that great beginning as a King, where did he go wrong? Same place we all do - Fear.

In the battle against the Philistines the people were running scared, hiding in caves, fleeing as fast as they could. King Saul was on the battlefront waiting for Samuel to come and offer the sacrifice that would sanction Israel in this new war. When Samuel was delayed, Saul began to be afraid, he justified making the sacrifice himself, he was after all the anointed one. As soon as he had done so Samuel turned up and reproved the new King, he had overstepped his authority and it would eventually end his continuing right to the kingdom.

It’s easily to judge Saul harshly but let’s look at it from Saul’s point of view. His people were under threat of death, crying to him in the harrowing of their souls, to make matters worse soldiers were dissenting all over the place. They were looking to him for answers, and as their king he felt particularly responsible. He knew he needed the Lord, but Samuel the prophet was nowhere to be found and the situation was getting worse by the hour. If the imminent battle came, they were very unprepared, because the sacrifice had not been made, the people would despair and the loss could be catastrophic, he could lose it all. He had to act.

Knowing what to do when you are afraid is challenging. Fear takes you out of your right mind, puts you into flight or fight mode. Some fear is ongoing, gnawing, like not feeling like you have enough, some fear is intense like being in danger. Fear will push you to the edge, and even beyond.

Once fear has you it is relentless. In David, Saul sought relief from his fear, David’s harp playing calmed him and his courage on the battlefield saved the Kingdom. But when the people revered David above Saul and whispered of his anointing under the hand of Samuel, and when his own son liked David more and his daughter Michal wanted to marry him. David went from Saul’s savior to his greatest enemy. To Saul, David was the personification of all he feared. By ridding himself of David maybe he could finally be free. So he sought to banish him and when that didn’t change anything he unsuccessfully tried to hunt him down to kill him. Sauls fear blinded him to the love that was on offer.

In contrast David sought every opportunity to be at peace with Saul. Even with Saul seeking his death, he respected that he was the Lords anointed and he would not lift his hand against him. David loved the Lord, and trusted that He was looking out for him.

This powerful relationship between the two kings gives an amazing insight into how fear distorts our perception of what is going on. How we can end up fighting against the very thing that will bless us the most. But most importantly despite the worse possible situations if we have faith and love the Lord can lead us through our challenges to great blessings.  As John in the New Testament wrote “ Perfect love casteth out fear”.

Saul mistakes David as his enemy.

Politics of Power: Samuel 8

As Samuel ages and his children take over judging Israel their corruption worries the people. They seek for a King to rule over them. Samuel under the direction of the Lord warns them against such a course. He rehearses the dangers, servitude, taxation, war to increase boundaries (not just defense) and with it the conscription of their young men, they would belong to the King and be subject to his will. But the people are not dissuaded. They feel that under a King Israel will be more united and able to defend itself against its neighbors.  It would put them on equal footing with the nations around them, and give them a figurehead for which they could turn to in their need. Their fear means they are willing to trade their very unique God given freedoms, for their perceived security.

To be fair their system of government in the Promised Land had been unpredictable. Sometimes they had great Judges who were the means of mighty and miraculous deliverance, but oft times they spent many long years in subjection to surrounding nations and abject poverty. There were civil wars among the tribes and great disparity of wealth. While the children of Israel were wandering and led by Moses, their freedom was limited but consistent. In this new land with the personal freedoms that went with it, greater responsibility also meant greater troubles, people chose other than the Lord and captivity ensued.  Maybe a king would be a better option?

Actually they were partly right. With the kings came some great victories over their enemies, Israel was established as an important region of power and respect. Wealth improved and quality of life increased. But as Israel increased its borders it also needed more of its young men to maintain its conquests. The kings revered and worshiped, required tribute from the people to support a higher lifestyle, and required servants to keep this preeminence. Their lives were at the whim and direction of a King who often became more self-absorbed and mentally unstable.  Samuel’s predictions all came true.

One cannot help but draw striking parallels between ancient Israel and modern America. A new nation set up in a Promised Land, under the hand of God, with defined personal rights and a system of government designed to minimize a concentration of power.  This nation of collected tribes (states), went through inter-tribe conflicts and civil war, then united under a common flag, enlarged its borders through wars and treaties, taxing its people, concentration power and worshiping its figureheads. 

It is an interesting question to ask: Where in Israel’s lifecycle is America right now? What’s next?

Samuel annoints Saul King

The process of Conversion within the Church: Samuel 3

Samuel who has spent some time in service in the temple and under the direction of Eli, is awoken by a voice calling his name. He rushes to Eli’s side to enquire what he wants, Eli replies that he did not call him and instructs Samuel to go back to bed. The voice calls again, and again Samuel runs to Eli, and is meet with the same response. When the voice calls for the third time, and again Samuel goes to Eli, Eli realizes that it is the Lord and instructs Samuel to reply to the voice of the Lord. When he does, the young man receives revelation and a calling to lead Israel.

Growing up in the church, conversion can often follow this same pattern. A young man or woman, under the direction of righteous parents and mentors, learns and grows in the gospel.  They attend service projects, serve in the priesthood and young women’s , achieve in YW in excellence and Duty to God, often feeling uplifted by firesides and camps, lessons and conferences, attending the temple and helping in the ward.  They have a feeling that what they are doing is good, and when the witness of the Spirit attends they look to leaders and parents for validation. It is a wise mentor that can direct that person to the source and help them anchor to the Lord.

The Lord desires to connect with us individually and directly. While the influences of parents and leaders are useful they must ultimately fade to the background. Once Samuel had been called and qualified he was in a position to take over from Eli and provide spiritual direction for Israel. Likewise the lifeblood of the church is the ongoing process of young men and women making their own connection to the Head.

If our lives are to be of greatest use to the Lord we must have Him as our source.

Samuel hears the Lord but in his inexperience thinks it is Eli

The pain of childlessness. Samuel 1

Hannah desperately wanted a child. It may have been her dream from her youth, or something she developed during her marriage but the pain of not being able to conceive was certainly accentuated by the children born to others around her, and a feeling that she had not lived up to her eternal mandate as a woman.

It seems this is such a common thread throughout the scriptures - every time I read it, I wonder if I am not missing some greater lesson.

Despite advances in technology this is still a very common occurrence. It seems that with every new opportunity to work around problems with infertility, a new source of trouble presents itself making the numbers who are challenged in this area ever greater.

I have watched my friends, and sister agonise over their childlessness. Quietly cry in the back room during baby showers, hide their disappointment at yet another proclamation of pregnancy from friends, and most of all avoid any public gathering the second Sunday of May.

I have seen people go to great lengths to secure their opportunity to have a child when it doesn't come as a matter of course. IVF, artificial insemination, specialists, gurus, adoption, foster care, international babies, prayer, fasting, and blessings. Sometimes even risking major health difficulties in the process.

Hannah for her part made a vow, that if she could have just the one, she would devote him to the Lord. (Better to have a child that she would not raise than none at all.) In return for her faith she went on to have many more children, and her son became a great prophet in Israel.

I know many Hannah's, everyones longing and everyone's path to this place is a little different. But I have seen miracle upon miracle, as a wanted children are literally pulled down to earth. Maybe they are reluctant to come, or as the examples in the scriptures like Samuel, destined for greatness. Maybe it is the plan to have them very wanted, and adored. ("You is kind, you is smart, you is important").

Or maybe it is to remind us, every one of us is really a miracle. We should always cherish life it is a gift.

Hannah dedicates Samuel to the Lord

When our lives are not ideal. Ruth 1-4

On return from Moab to her home town Bethlehem, Naomi laments that her old friends should now call her Mara (reference to Exodus 15:23) because her life was so bitter. She had left with a husband, two sons, and a world of possibilities, and returned as a widow, without children, means, and no prospects in her old age for the future. Her only asset - a daughter in law Ruth, who despite Naomi's pleadings refused to leave her side.

She knew not why she was so forsaken, underlying her challenging situation was a feeling of resignation. This was the way the Lord had chosen to deal with her, she would make the best of it. She was not angry, she had faith, but she was also a realist, her life was hard and would continue to be so.

When life is hard, it is tempting to draw comparisons and pronounce judgement, on ourselves as well as others. We want to make sense of the pain and distance ourselves from it. We have ideals and when our lives don't measure up despite our hard work we yearn for answers. As a church we have high standards and lofty expectations our non compliance is sometimes mistaken for unrighteousness. One of the apostles addressed this challenge. He said we talk about ideals, but we realise that very few people meet those ideals. Talking about ideals is not designed to make those not in those situations feel inadequate but to help provide a focal point to move forward in our lives. (paraphrasing.... I cant find the quote)

As time went on, Naomi recognised some glimmers of hope, the Lord had blessings for her and perhaps had a wonderful plan after all. Her late husbands relative took pity on her and gave Ruth great favor. This lead to a wonderful marriage and a special lineage. Ruth would be the great grandmother of a king and a special ancestor of the Saviour.

What had seemed to be an overwhelming personal tragedy for both women was in fact the pre-cursor to an amazing future!

Women of great faith supporting each other.

When our gifts can be our downfall. Judges 13 - 16

Samson was born with a great birthright, to be a hero and a deliverer of Israel. The predication of this blessing was his covenant to keep the word of wisdom and not cut his hair. Both an inward commitment and very outward sign that he was different.

Samson struggled with this difference. He seemed to not identify very well with the plight of his people. While accepting the constraints of his covenant his saw his talent not as an opportunity to bless the Israelites but as a means of opening doors for himself in the wealthy circles of the Philistines. It was his ticket out of poverty and subjugation.

Unfortunately the Philistines while revering his talent (perhaps regarding him as a freak), did not think him an equal. While he could make them fear him, he would never get their love nor respect. His own people too maybe felt his talent embarrassed them. He never quite found his place and seemed to be a little lost and very lonely.

In Delilah he thought he had finally found love. Someone with whom he could share the burden of his position and the missed opportunities of his life. It was bitter realisation that in choosing her, he would break his covenant and lose all that he had.

But in his humble slavery to the Philistines he came to know his God, and the great source of strength behind all covenants. He accepted his destiny, delivered his people and gave his own life in the process.

The story of Samson is a interesting metaphor of our own pride when we benefit from our obedience. We can be blessed with such great talent that we shine in a very dull world. We can be singled out for authorships and promotions, beauty pageants and sports scholarships, record deals and political office - the light of the gospel shining bright in our eyes, not yet hollow from addiction, not cast low by indulgence, not burdened by regret.

When the accolades and money flow who will we praise and who will we deliver?

Samson's death was the fulfillment of the promise at his birth.

Your new calling! Judges 6:15 - Judges 7

Gideons call to lead Israel came as quite a surprise to him. From a poor family and the least talented of his brethren he felt very inadequate. The Lord had a plan and knew his heart - it was possible. Yet
Gideon struggled with this new role and sought for multiple signs to give him confidence to move forward. The Lord on his part gave him plenty of help.

This event changed Gideons future life. He lead Israel to a miraculous victory over the Midianites, and more importantly reattached them to their God. They in gratitude wanted him for their King, he refused but still had the wealth and influence attached to it. He became the most powerful man in Israel.

In a Church lead by inspiration we are fortunate to have plenty of current examples of this, a new Bishop maybe a recent member with little or no experience, and feel very much like Gideon.

But like Jephthat's daughter some life changing callings are not done over the pulpit, they are not revered and are certainly not wanted.

It would be a very interesting sacrament meeting where a Bishop would invite a member to stand and announce 'Brother ........ has been called to have cancer, would you sustain him and help his family in this demanding endevour', 'Sister ........... has this week been called to be a widow, will you raise your hand in support'.

Are these any less callings? They are often unexpected, outside our comfort zone, a painful learning curve and a wonderful opportunity to work really close to the Lord. All the hallmarks of Gods hand. And if we looked at these challenging events as callings and acknowledged them as such would we dispel much of the fear we associated with them?

Losing a job, having an accident, dissolution of marriage, supporting an aged parent..... Could we see the hand of the Lord in all our life challenges? Would we have the faith to not 'bewail our circumstance' or at least as Gideon seek confirmation of His love and miraculous path forward toward physical, emotional and most importantly spiritual deliverance?

Could we then become national or local heros, leading others to compassion not otherwise in their path? Consider this woman Natalie Murphy. Average, unassuming, called on to endure something overwhelming, called on to be amazing! Here is her story its raw, its irreverent, its inspiring, its real. Lifes callings are just that!

Gideon leads his 300 men to victory.

Bewailing Virginity - Judges 11:30-40

This story is a really interesting one in the Old Testament. On the surface it seems inconsistent with righteous thinking and what we know about God. Mike Verdicchio offers some explanation which goes a long way to offer some consistency and comfort with this story.

But this story also gives us an interesting option to look at some very challenging parts of mortality that otherwise the scriptures are silent on.

Being Single

Jephthah's daughter is obviously a woman of great faith who trusts in her father (and her Heavenly Father). In ancient Israel as with most societies today, a large part of worth is ascribed to relationships and family. The vow her father has made with God which impacts on her life would have been a very difficult one to accept. She took some time to ‘bewail her virginity’, which in large part may have been a period of grieving and coming to terms with the idea that she would remain single and have no chance to have a family of her own. 

Jephthah's daughter is the kind of unsung hero that we probably all have examples of in our lives. She probably had some other options. She could reject her father’s vow and the commitments she had made, take a husband out of the covenant, raise a family. But she instead chose to gain a testimony of the Lords plan for her and a desire to serve and trust him even if it meant giving up  or delaying her dreams.

An unexpected tragedy that changes the course of your life
Another take on this story is the idea that your life and dreams can change in an instant, sometimes through someone Else's act. How do you deal with an event or series of events that completely change what you thought your life would be? How do you go about forgiving someone else or yourself for those changes? How do you move forward when you know your life’s dreams will now go unfulfilled?

Again Jephthah's daughter shows us how with faith, and a lot of prayer, it is possible to gain an eternal perspective and new hopes and dreams. 

Terminal Illness
Knowing that your life will end or change dramatically in a short period of time. What do you do with that time? How do you prepare yourself, family and friends? How do you make peace with your circumstance?

Being a Parent

How as a parent do you watch them go through challenges, having their hopes and dreams changed, knowing you are powerless or even contributed to their circumstance, worried about their future, or a future without them? What about giving up your dreams of being a grandparent, or the admiration of your friends? And as you age and face your own mortality the prospect of not having them to care for you or leaving them without the only family they have?

I know people in all these situations, and have been privy to their fears and heartbreak. I have also seen the hand of the Lord, letting them know they are not alone, that there is an eternal plan. From what I have seen I believe that with any challenge there is a compensation of great heavenly love, you just have to get past the fear.

The importance of Friends
In any trying circumstance particularly when you don't have family (but even if you do), friends can make all the difference. Jephthah's daughter had great friends who supported her in coming to terms with her lot, and returned each year to give her strength and purpose to continue.

We can be those kind of friends. Conscious of the challenges of others, soft in our judgement, willing to listen when it is tough, be propagators of faith, and be enduring with our support. After all it is precisely those kind of friends who have seen us through our rough patches.

painting by Edwin Longsden Long recounting the story of Jeptha’s daughter

Unusual Gems

The Old Testament is a great work of scripture. One of things I like best about the Old Testament is that it talks about issues not brought up in other standard works. We can find examples and metaphors for much of the complexity of life we face today.

I thought this blog might be a great forum to articulate what I discover as we discuss some of these unusual stories in the Old Testament.

Hope you enjoy and lend your perspective and knowledge.