THE DIVINE ATTRIBUTE OF FORGIVENESS

by: Norberto Betita

In the wee hours of midnight I and my wife were still awake figuring about our daughter’s marital dilemma with her husband. We have been trying to comfort both of them and made the best advice that we could possibly give as parents for them to hold on to each other and to be true to their temple covenants. But their trouble appeared to have gone deep that they seemed not to listen to our advises. It looks as if they were spending their days fostering offenses and preparing reprisals. They live far away from us so we could not really provide the best expressions of love and concern for them. We thought that if only they are right beside us our loving hugs and tender pats on the back will probably provide a much better message of forgiveness for each other. We had been praying for them each day with greater faith that they will be reconciled soon. 

While in the midst of our silent dialogue, my wife asked, “Had there been any mistakes or misdeeds on my part as a wife that hurt or injured your feelings during the almost 40 years of our marriage?” The stillness of the night, the silence of midnight as time shifts to the chilly breeze of early dawn, broken by occasional lightning and thunderstorm common during the rainy season seemed to echo in rhythmic succession the question not once asked in 39 years by a loving and most faithful wife of my own. I hold tight her cheeks and her beauty seemed to glow as light flashed from the lightning on the glass jalousies of our window. I told her with reassuring faithfulness, “Never once did I see or hear any faults of you for I am blinded and hearing-impaired by your love, beauty and faithfulness. Should there had been any misdeed not one ever remains in my memory for they are all erased and forgotten.” She laughed as if taking my words as a common humor. Yet I assured her those were words from the heart. 

I know I have many faults in my life as a husband and father. I should have asked her the same  question. But already I have always heard my dear Letty telling my children in words figurative that, “Through the years your fathers faults would have filled more than a bag of a 50-kilo rice. But the  bag’s bottom is open and so all were spilled and not one remained. Your father is my choice of a husband and father of you my children and I have to stand by and love that choice.” I felt such forgiveness always through those long years of our married life.

Sherrie Johnson once declared, “Forgiving those close to us for faults in our relationships is possibly the most difficult kind of forgiveness. But it is an important key to a happy life and is absolutely essential to eternal progression.”

Without forgiveness marital relationships could not possibly endure for as in the words of the Apostle Paul, “...all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). John the beloved also reminded us, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1: 8). And even emphasized that, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him (the Lord) a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1: 10). As we enter the doors of marriage we need to be consciously alert and prepare our hearts of these unquestionable facts. We need to accept that there are going to be faults that are to surely enter into the bond and each should be ready to forgive and forget. Otherwise we will find no room for peace in our personal and family life. It is the spirit of forgiveness and its accompanying principle repentance that provides the needed peace---the internal peace. The peace that was radiated by the ultimate giver of peace who himself said: “blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9). 

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”(Matthew 6:14-15).

Forgiveness is an attribute of divinity. It is the fundamental nature and spirit of the Gospel. It is best expressed and exemplified by the Lord Himself who while hanging on the cross at Calvary pleaded in agony for those who humiliated, abused, spat upon, ridiculed and mocked Him, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

Ought we not therefore to be more forgiving of those of our loved ones or anyone in our relationships who might have simply wronged us? Instead of drumming up the tiny mole hills of misunderstanding into mountains of disagreements and disdain, would it not be wonderful to forgive and forget unto repentance for the spirit of peace to dwell in our relationships? 

In these the latter days the Lord repeated most clearly His admonition to forgive: “My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.

“Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

“And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.” (D & C 64: 8-11).

Than for us to bear the never ending animosity and anguish of soul, for which the attendant guilt is much “harder to bear than physical pain” (Boyd K. Packer), what we need most is to willingly sit down and silently talk together in a quiet confine and encircling bond of love and peace we once entered into by a covenant, forward to the sweetest blessing of all. The doors of our hearts and homes should therefore be closed against the vile spirit of fault finding, criticizing, pride, jealousy and enmity. 

Let our hearts be turned to Christ and His redeeming love. “The pure love of Christ is a unifying force that seeks to assist, whereas unrighteous judgment and criticism do the opposite. Many of us, unfortunately, have been both the victims and the perpetrators of unrighteous judgment ourselves, and we know what it does to relationships.” (Arthur R. Bassett). However, the Lord can heal whatever wounds the guilt from sin may have inflicted.

This healing was described by Alma after he has repented of his sins. Declared he, “My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvellous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.” (Mosiah 27:29).

Dallin H. Oaks ones said, “One of the most Godlike expressions of the human soul is the act of forgiveness...Forgiveness is mortality’s mirror image of the mercy of God.” After having been forgiven, Alma cried out, “...oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!” (Alma 36:17-20).

The challenges of relationships are never ending. Individual mistakes and faults are constantly a part of the circle. To retract an inch is a sad demonstration of weakness and frequently results to an eventual failure and disappointment. But to bravely advance and face every challenge, walking past all mistakes and faults in the sweet spirit of forgiveness and repentance, brings joy and gladness and invite the superior Light that provides greater tranquility, harmony and peace.

YOUTH’S TOUGH CHALLENGE ---DEFYING NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE

by: Norberto Betita

Years ago I read a story in a back issue of a New Era Magazine of September 1987 in the Church Library where a Seminary Teacher, Jack S. Marshall, wrote an article entitled, “Calling a Square a Square.” He told of an experiment which he did to his seminary students to show how powerful peer pressure can be. On the chalk board he drew a star, a circle, an oval and a square. He told his students that for the next fifty minutes the objects on the board were to be identified as a star, a circle, an oval, and a triangle, although the square was obviously a square. It was to be called as triangle and nothing else. They need to convince an unsuspecting visitor that the square was actually a triangle. Six seats were set in front of the classroom and five of the stars of the senior class were allowed to sit leaving one of the seats vacant. A freshman student was then invited into the classroom, which recognized himself then as among the elite of the high school. He felt some pride that he was among the who’s who of the school. He was told that his role was just to identify the objects drawn on the chalkboard.

Then the experiment commenced. One of the stars was called to identify the objects, and right away said, “Star, circle, oval and triangle.” The freshman laughed in surprise. Then the remaining four elites were called and everybody identified the square as a triangle.

The responsibility now fell on the freshman to identify the objects. While indentifying each drawing his voice grew weaker, shakier and less confident; “Star...circle...oval...” then silence. He looked at the audience. Then quietly he spoke, “triangle.” The experiment of the Seminary teacher worked.

Many years after as a Seminary teacher myself I tried to use the same kind of experiment on my students. But this time I reversed the idea and objective. Instead of proving the persuasive power of negative peer pressure on the youth, I desired to prove that the youth has the power to defy or confront any kind of negative peer pressures.  

I applied the same experiment procedure by drawing a star, a circle, an oval and a square. I told my students that during the whole time of the class the objects are to be identified as a star, a circle, an oval and a triangle. As expected some objected that the last was a square and not a triangle. But I reminded them that only for that particular day and class time that it should be called a triangle even if it is obviously a square. Our class is a combination of first year to fourth year high school students. For such purpose I choose five from various high school levels, those who are weaker and not so active students to sit in front of the class.

I purposely gave an assignment to one of the top students in our seminary class for her to be late in class as to take the role of the unsuspecting visitor. This young woman is a consistent honor student, a junior in high school, a very diligent seminary student, a very active member of the young women organization, and a consistent recipient of certificates for young women Personal Progress. Her widowed mother remarried and worked in an island, but still very supportive of her.

While waiting for the unsuspecting visitor we proceeded with the discussion of our seminary lessons until she came and gave me what I have for her as an errand. I have her sat in front together with the five others and apprised that her role was just to identify the objects drawn on the chalkboard.

To conceal my experimentation from her I proceeded with the discussions. After a while I started calling each one of the five to identify the objects. First was of a lower level and said, “Star, circle, oval...” and perhaps forgetting the instruction scratch his head then said “triangle.” The second was a fourth year student and with confidence identified the objects, “star, circle, oval, and triangle.” The young woman seemed not to be surprised at the responses of the two. We continued until all the remaining three had identified the objects as star, circle, oval and triangle.

When it was her turn to identify the objects she straightway said, “Star, circle, oval, square.”

In chorus the students shouted, “You’re wrong. Our teacher told us that during the class time the square should be called a triangle and you called it a square.”

Then with kind of a slight reproof or rebuke she told her classmates, “Even if I was late and no matter what the instruction, and how each of you identify the object it doesn’t change its form. It is a square, a square, a square.”

I pacified the class and disclosed to them about the experiment restating the original story of “Calling a Square a Square.” I expressed gratitude having proven to them that no matter how strong the pressure of our friends and classmates we each have the capacity and power to resist and oppose the same if we so desire.

Many years had passed since and the young woman who played the role of the unsuspecting visitor who called a “Square a Square” had later graduated with honors from high school, received her young womanhood medallion, and graduated Cum Laude from college. She married in the Temple with a returned missionary, and has a respectable employment. The rest of my students also served missions, but others became gullible victims of peer pressures and are nowhere to be found.  

Peer pressures come in many forms. It is very strong in vices such as cigarette smoking and wine; sexual perversion and promiscuity; pornography of many forms; gambling and internet gaming; drug addiction and many other appearances of evil common in the modern world. And it is very sad to note that many of the rising generation who are to be the future of the world, the expected participants in the constant renewal of leadership had become vulnerable to these alluring deadly vices of moral caricature.  If our youth are not on guard they will become easy prey to the glamorous deception of Satan.

However, I found that regular applications of Church programs---Seminary and Institute, weekly family home evening, daily family scripture study, daily family prayer, education and continued family support and motivation are in reality the best antidote against moral degeneracy.  All negative peer pressures can be melted away by the defying and wrestling power of truth and righteousness, as in the case of that young woman in our Seminary class who stood with courage to call a “Square a Square.”

When my son was in high school most of his classmates and close friends had already started smoking and drinking wine, but he chose not to. During semestral vacations in college he would be invited by his friends for lunch or dinner, but he never bond with the group unless one should promise not to drink liquor. He instead became an exemplar of sobriety and solemnity among his peers.  He was respected more by his colleagues. While his friends and classmates were trailing the road to academic achievements, he tracked the better way by serving a two-year full time mission in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When his friends and classmates were already enjoying the fruits of their academic achievements, he married in the Temple, raised a family of his own, worked, served God and His people, and go back to college. Like all other youths of his time he became vulnerable and subject to the top and heightened challenges of youthful life. Yet with courage strong and values high he fought and wrestled and eventually defied the negative peer pressures of his young life and grew into a productive and righteous manhood. 

THE GIFT OF LEARNING AND JOY OF ACHIEVING

by: Norberto Betita

She’s a “Mormon”---born in the covenant. She was conceived when her mother was between 40 and 41, an age when most women are no longer capable of child bearing. She was given birth by cesarean section after her mother suffered a stroke and survived two succeeding operations.  In early childhood she climbed and surmounted the mountain of impediments blocking her way to academic excellence. While her contemporaries enjoyed the joys and thrills of youthful vigor, she rummaged every opportunity for intellectual and spiritual growth simultaneously graduating from a 4-year Seminary Program of the Church and earning a high school diploma. Central to her childhood and youthful life was a solemn and firm determination to excel and achieve. The highest honors available for every level from elementary to high school became her most humble achievements. The results of her college admission test both from the department of education and private educational measurement institutions were marked excellent. With very limited resources available she qualified herself to study in a premiere university. Prior to college graduation she was measured with an IQ competency of 155. She was found deserving of a university gold medal for graduating with honors, while at the same time receiving a Diploma for a 4-year Institute of Religion Course of the Church. While others proudly publish their academic achievements in large tarpaulin exhibits, she hides from the accolade and recognition she deserves most from teachers and friends.

College graduation should have positioned her to a comfortable course and easy pathway to every desired success and further temporal growth of a young adult. But she chose to bear the unfailing burdens of her ageing poor parents.

Her life is reminiscent of the words of the Emperor of China in the movie Mulan, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” Inherent of her every humble desire in life is to be one best wife and to perform the divine role of motherhood as admirably expressed in her arts. All her four elder siblings are already married and sealed in the temple, and she is learning from them. Her life is a mark of respect and honor for the family. As parents we are so proud of her. She is an exemplar to her nephews and nieces.

In this her 23^rd birthday celebration we pay tribute, by this post, of all she has done for us and so express our deepest love and heartfelt appreciation with best wishes for added blessings.

November 23, 2013

Dear Soi,

Each year, month, and day seemed to be getting shorter, and time appears to be flying faster than each tick of our old clock or even of a most modern digital timepiece. Even the signs of the times are also hastening and getting worse in the same vein that God’s work of salvation is hastening on. Each time I sit in front of the computer and figure out what I would have to write, I always find that the day is always in a hurry as to find the page of the computer blank. But today, I am sure, I will be running faster than time for I am filled with excitement that my beloved last born is now celebrating her 23^rd birthday, an age when we can start a countdown for a possible sprout of a new branch of the family tree.

FROM THE DEEPEST CHAMBERS OF OUR HEARTS WE SEND OUR GREETINGS FOR A JOYFUL AND CHEERFUL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS DESPITE YOUR DISTANCE FROM THE FAMILY WITH BEST WISHES FOR MORE DOORS OF OPPORTUNITIES AND GROWTH AHEAD! ALONG WITH OUR SINCERE PRAYERS FOR YOU EMERGE THE REFLECTION OF OUR LAST AND FINAL WISH TO WITNESS THE DAY WHEN YOU WILL ONE DAY STAND BETWEEN THE MIRRORS OF ETERNITY.

You are now at an age when the thought of creating a family of your own may start to be a part of your life’s plans. This will also be the time when we as parents are of continued anxiety on how you might eventually deal with our dreams for your eventual eternal marriage. Yet like what we say to you as always, you have to follow your dreams and make good your daily get-up-and-go mappings and preparations forward to your best potentials.

Many of our friends and even your classmates asked us if we are amenable or do we ever have any objections for our children marrying at an early age. And, most of them are really surprised to hear that for as long as our children are of the right mind and age we give them the moral agency to decide for themselves. We sure have our best wishes for them, but we do not impose upon them our parental requirements. We give them the freedom to “choose their love and love their choice.“

Actually there is no exact age when to settle in marriage. Some writers say it would be best during mid 20’s. Others say it is best in the later 20’s when one should have been able to finish college, find better jobs and accumulate resources necessary for raising and rearing a family. However, the way I look at it, as in my own experience those things are unessential in starting a marriage. It is just like the story told by Elder Robert D. Hales of a newlywed: “I remember a young couple just out of college. One parent gave them a home; the other parent gave them furnishings and a new car. They had everything in the world given to them. Within three years they were divorced. They hadn’t worked and sacrificed. They had leaned on each other and on their parents as a crutch, had crippled themselves, and hadn’t grown. They hadn’t learned the hard part. They hadn’t worried about making their marriage work.”(A Little Heaven on Earth, Liahona, September 2011, p. 23).

Marrying in the 20’s had many advantages of course. A Deseret news article reported “that women who were married in their 20’s are more likely to call themselves “very happy” in marriage. Waiting brings risks, including a smaller dating pool from which to select a partner. Besides that, young adults who marry in their 20s are more likely to have children in wedlock, which creates a more stable family footing. Couples are more likely to keep ties to and share the same faith (we like this statement). And they are more apt to avoid what the researchers call “relational cynicism.” Fertility also peaks around age 28.”

And here’s one good thing we found from the same report. It says, “If you’re in a good relationship AND your friends and family are enthusiastic about the character of your beloved, it’s time to discern if you’re called to marriage---even if you’re in your 20s.”

That is why I wanted to write your boyfriend about you so that he will know (in as much as you would not like him to know) about your personality and character which may be a deciding force for him, in the same manner that you need to know more about himself and pass it on to us to add to our excitement and enthusiasm about him. Of course we are not interested to know about his resources and wealth that he might possess or lack.  All we desire to know is about his personal character and manners, and perhaps about his dreams, for these are fundamental in building a family.

The challenges of marriage are vast and varied. But we found that they can be resolved one at a time, and while in the process of battling with hard times, we become even stronger in overcoming the rest. However, as it is, difficulties are crucial to our marital happiness.

Anyway, do not mistake that we are driving you fast the lane to marital suicide. We are just telling you to make a three-year plan or it can be a two-year graph of a marital map to be able to safely launch into the blissful shore of family happiness.  The future is yours to make or mar. Early planning generates superior advantages.

Celebrating birthdays is not about counting the age; it is more about counting your blessings. It is not about the many physical gifts laid before the table of the birthday feast ; it is more about remembering the many spiritual gifts which our Father in Heaven so bounteously bestowed. You may not have a bounteous feast and we fear that we could not even have a modest birthday meal in this your birthday, but we know that you are among those whom God has given the gift of the “ten talents.”

We could not ask for more than to wish you the best of health and continued wisdom to know the difference between right and wrong; to be in harmony and at peace with all whom you might have the opportunity to associate; to make better every opportunity for growth and progress; to give your best efforts to contribute to the vision and mission of your company; and most of all to find time to attend church and to help your boyfriend find the path that leads to the Temple doors and with you together stand between the mirrors of eternity someday (that’s if you have no other options. hehehe).

We want you to know that you are always remembered and loved. May the best that God has stored and reserved for you be abundantly poured out as the dews from Heaven in this your birthday and in the coming days.

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH! HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Ever so sincerely,

Papa, Mama and family

BEING A HUSBAND, FATHER AND PRIESTHOOD LEADER

by: Norberto Betita

A paralyzed Branch President in Ghana

He went on a leave of absence from his daily waged job with the government depriving his family of a day’s income of PHP175.00 if only to be able to help save his flock---members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, from the threats of violent flooding. He called those who might be able to assist him in his efforts of assisting the evacuees but denied for reason that the family of the one appointed to help him in his ecclesiastical responsibility was in a hospital. But he did without anyway.

On one occasion he was instructed by those in authority to call on the personnel of the Church purposely employed to assist ecclesiastical leaders for instruction on how to deal with a large cluster of evacuees--members and non-members who took shelter at a Church meetinghouse. He obeyed only to be insulted and branded as mistrust. But in patience he did what was necessary, with so little expression of dismay. He was a Branch President. 

A sister suffering from cancer and her husband approached their appointed leader for counsel on how to deal with their problem. They confront their crisis in accord with the inspired instruction of their leader. They went to the best doctor, but sensed that the cost is not affordable and the healing promise not absolute and conclusive. The sister decided she would rather wait for her final appointment with God. However, her husband could not afford to just look at her in pain and suffering without the benefit of hospital care. Hence, he decided to convey her ailing body for hospital confinement. Their substantial savings from retirement and his share from the sale of a family property were drained. He requested the appointed leader if there is anything he could help. The leader requested for a fast offering assistance, but denied. I saw his tears as he read the text message of disapproval. He should have every reason to bring the matter to higher authorities. He refused for reason that his emotions might destroy his ability to receive inspirations that would be best for the suffering family. He perhaps was reminded of the words of Elder Boyd K. Packer, “The spiritual part of us and the emotional part of us are so closely linked that it is possible to mistake an emotional impulse for something spiritual. We occasionally find people who receive what they assume to be spiritual promptings from God, when those promptings are either centered in the emotions or are from the adversary.”

The following day he visited with the husband and told him in words most compassionate and kindly that the request had been disapproved. As I have the opportunity to witness, I felt the weight as I saw the loving and concerned husband with hands hung down. Late in the afternoon the husband came requesting his leader to visit his wife upon her request. The leader went and visited the suffering sister and conversed with her. But her tongue could no longer form a word to utter, she responded in signs that she wanted her leader to sing a hymn. Her words were no longer comprehensible as she desired to express the hymn she wanted to hear. Her leader tried a few but only to receive signs of denial, until he finally was inspired to sing, “How Great Thou Art”. The dear sister nodded in affirmation, and while the leader sung an emotional solo rendition in a hospital room, the sister slept in peace to her final rest. The leader was his Branch President. 

Sometimes I feel impatient each time I text message our District President and he would not even respond. Oftentimes I would receive his reply only late at night, or early morning the following day, or no reply at all. Then I came to realize that during his work hours he has to put off his cellphone because the ring tone sometimes become a shocker while he is up the climb of electrical posts as an electrician---cable TV lineman. 

He works eight hours-six days a week. He presides over six smaller units called branches of the church. Each Sunday he schedules a visit to one unit. When there are meetings with higher authorities which are scheduled generally during Saturdays and also during conferences, he has to go on a leave of absence. Usually he is not allowed to go on leave by his employer, yet by his earnest desire to serve and be taught by those in authority above himself, he usually go with unapproved leave of absence, and report back to work fabricating reasons of untruth. 

Such are some of the unheralded experiences, circumstances and sacrifices of the front line leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, particularly in the countryside. These sad and lonely experiences in the field are not always known by those who preside over them. They are kept in the hearts. There are so many of them in voluntary service. They vary in circumstances, experiences, levels of educations, professions, but they have one common objective---to serve the Lord and His people. They are educators, farmers, fishermen, carpenters, tricycle drivers, IT professionals, etc.. 

Unlike those ecclesiastical leaders in the Metropolitan areas they do not sport luxury cars. They go by second hand motorcycles, and many of them walked their way in ministering to their members. In the metropolis most members are gainfully employed, and so leaders take pride of high percentages of attendance. In the countryside these humble servants serve members who are unschooled and unemployed, and generally underemployed which make leadership callings more complex. Most members are going to the metropolitan areas where employments are easily available and Church employment centers are established to assist them and so leave the branches devoid of Priesthood leadership. 

These men do not wear the kind of expensive white shirts and ties that others are sporting. What many of them have remind me of an experience of Elder Boyd K. Packer when, “he was embarrassed as a new General Authority to go with one of the senior Brethren to a meeting of Church leaders because he did not have an adequate white shirt to wear.” (Quentin L. Cook). But they move with dignity and honor without regard for what the world around them would say.

Not one of them applied for such leadership positions in the Church. They are called by inspiration, “and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority” (Articles of Faith 5) over them. They are neither asked about their resume nor their qualifications. They are only asked fundamental questions of worthiness. They often openly express their inadequacies, but are eventually motivated by the knowledge that, “It is the Lord’s work, and when” they “are in the Lord’s errand,” they “are entitled to the Lord’s help.” They are promised, “Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.” (Thomas S. Monson). So, as duty calls they are always in the front line. They serve in different capacities---Branch President, District President, Elders’ Quorum President, Branch Mission Leader, and several others. 

On top of this mantle of Priesthood authority they are endowed and bestowed with divine responsibility of being husbands and fathers. These make their way of life very much different from the professional clergy. Their “Mormon” way of life becomes even more complicated and strenuous. 

As a husband he is bound by the pattern of marital intimacy which the Lord so specifically commanded, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.” (Ephesians 5:25, 28-29). As such his relationship as well as his duty towards his wife becomes preeminent. 

Being a father he is called upon to “provoke not” his “children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4). His greatest “work is within the walls of his own home.” (Harold B. Lee). This paternal call requires that the family should be of paramount importance and should take precedence over all other activities and ambitions for “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” (David O. McKay). This responsibility carries with it the duty to provide, which therefore make him subject to his employer for the resources that he has to bring into the family. And there is what President Ezra Taft Benson described as, “One of the most difficult tests of all…when you have to choose between pleasing God or pleasing someone you love or respect---particularly a family member. The Lord said, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37). 

This common dilemma among Priesthood leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or “Mormons” are like a compilation of their life’s drama in trilogy---being a husband, a father, and a Priesthood leader with one definite ending, “To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39). 

Thomas S. Monson promised, “The Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon them,” And so they continue in faith to bear with patience and perseverance the triple responsibility of trust which are divinely bequeathed upon them.

GOD’S ENCIRCLING HANDS OF MERCY---THE TYPHOON YOLANDA TRAGEDY

by: Norberto Betita

Since day one when electricity was restored in our place I had been watching news both from television and the internet and those shared in the social media. The terrible and most tragic images of the ruins and rubble, and video footage of the catastrophic and heart breaking scenes of the remains and the victims filled my heart with sadness and remit tears into my eyes for compassion. The panoramic images of the destruction are one of desolation. My first thoughtful assessment caused me to believe that with almost all buildings in ruins only few survived.  I did not even believe the original estimates of the United Nations of a possible 10,000 deaths. I thought there must have been more.  And I was even surprised that until now there were only 3,633 actual count of the death toll, to think that Tacloban City has a population of 221,174; Ormoc City has 92,345; and Palo Leyte has 62,727. These communities were the hardest hit of the devastating storm surge.

   

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I was not only worried about the Filipino people who were affected by the typhoon, but I am also concerned about the welfare of the members of the Church and especially the young missionaries serving in the Philippines Tacloban Mission which covers the whole of the extremely ravaged areas.  My heart breaks as some of the parents of these youthful missionaries were on international television expressing worries about their children who were assigned in the Philippines whom they could not contact. The grim pictures of the destruction might have even magnified their worries, and I was also moved with compassion as a parent.

The scriptural warnings-

Since Old Testament times until the advent of modern revelations, the Lord through His prophets had continually voiced His warnings about the calamitous events that will take place. He usually declared these things to help the people to prepare.

The prophet Isaiah foretold of a visit “of the Lord of hosts with thunders, and with earthquakes, and great noises, with storm and tempest, and the flames of devouring fire.” (Isaiah 29:6).

Jesus Himself foretold of the calamities that precedes His Second coming. He warned us of “wars and rumours of wars” with assurance that “these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” He said, “There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” which “are” to be “the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:6-8).

As I look back to those disasters that happened in Sumatra, Indonesia earthquake and tsunami; the Japan earthquake and tsunami and this recent typhoon Yolanda tragedy which costs thousands of lives and great destruction to properties and infrastructures I am clearly reminded of the strongest statement of warning which the Lord Himself uttered, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”  Then He made it clear that, “except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22). In such statements we are made to understand that if these calamities should have continued for a number of days before it subside, no one will be spared. And His promise is clear that for the sake of the righteous, he made these calamities only for a short time, reminding us that he is in control.  

In the Book of Mormon we read of inconceivable destruction which happened immediately following the death of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. It was described as “a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land...it did shake the whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder...there were exceeding sharp lightnings...the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned...the earth carried up...that in the place of the city there became a great mountain...the face of the land was changed...the highways were broken....roads were spoiled...many great and notable places were sunk...many were burned...buildings...had fallen to the earth...the inhabitants...were slain...and the places were left desolate.” (3 Nephi 8:5-10, 12-14).

In modern day revelations the Lord revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith the calamities that are to happen after the many testimonies of the truth shall have been declared. He said, “wrath and indignation” shall come “upon the people”...then “cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings...and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand...and cometh...the voice of thunderings, and the voice of lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds...all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon the people.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:88-91).

These prophesied terrible disasters had never been felt in short succession than now. As I think of the storm surge or the tsunami that befell Tacloban City, I found such a fitting description as “the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:90).

God’s  encircling hands of mercy -

I had been following daily the Mormon Newsroom if only to know the conditions of both the members and the missionaries, while I follow daily the regular television news series for the fate of all the Filipino people in the affected areas. Tonight, November 17, 2013, as I lead a prayer for our food, I have to stop three times to hold back my shivering voice as my thoughts carried me to those who have nothing to eat. I explained to my grandchildren that I cried because while we have a very humble meal laid properly on the dining table, I am reminded of those victims of typhoon Yolanda who may not have enough food to eat and are taking their scanty meal on unkempt and still messy shelters. The aftermath of the cataclysm and the continued posts on Face book of the panoramic comparison of the affected communities before and after the monstrous disaster haunts me each day.  Until I saw on ABC news one missionary, a sister Rebekka Guy, interviewed by a news caster while on their way with other missionaries to take the U.S. C-130 plane en-route to Manila.  I was delighted to see the smiling faces of the rest of the missionaries as they lined towards the waiting airplane. Later I was totally relieved as I read the official news that all the 204 missionaries of the Philippines Tacloban Mission were spared. Then in my readings I found these words from Elder James E. Faust:

 “Missionaries are literally in the hands of the Lord. We wish that all of them could be kept totally out of harm’s way all of the time, but that is not realistic. Missionaries, their families, and leaders trust fully in the Lord’s watch care, and when a rare tragedy strikes, they are sustained by the Spirit of Him whom they serve.”

I learned later that there were ten sister missionaries evacuating in an apartment. The account reported by the Deseret News reads:

“The sister missionaries worked together. Sister Schaap punched a hole through an opening in a flimsy wall, and the group of 10 swam through the murky water that would soon carry their journals and clothes and pots and pans out to sea. Those who couldn’t swim clung tightly to their companions.

“The sisters used the rope to reach a nearby roof. Sister Smith stood on the rain gutter, the other nine sister missionaries shivering beside her, the rain still coming down in sheets. Hours had passed since the beginning of the storm, and yet the sky above Tacloban was still gray, shrouded by fog.

“Sister Smith said thoughts of dying left her mind. But some of the sisters appeared pale and their bodies were shaking. The water was still rising and they feared it would engulf them.

“One of the sisters suggested they pray. They huddled close together, bowed their heads, and with the rain dripping down their chins, asked God to make the water stop. And then, in what Sister Smith could only describe as the greatest miracle of her life, the sea stopped rising.”

Perhaps should the water did not stop rising in a day or two all will be engulfed and “there should no flesh be saved.”  Such a miraculous manifestation was but a fulfillment of God’s promise that “for the elect’s sake” the calamities “shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:21-22).

While all the missionaries were already accounted for and gathered in, there now comes the problem of transporting them back to Manila for rest and reassignment. Elder Ardern, a counselor in the Area Presidency in the Philippines had already flown to the devastated area immediately on the fourth day after the super typhoon left unspeakable ruins.

The Deseret News wrote, “As they walked, elder Ardern tried to arrange a flight out. He had booked flights in Manila, but thousands of other survivors had mobbed the Tacloban airport. The ticket agent told him if he wanted a flight out, he’d have to pay more to get his 205 missionaries to safety.

“As Elder Ardern tried other options, the missionaries milled about what was left of the airport terminal, its walls blasted out by the gale force winds of the storm. And then, a final miracle.

“An Army sergeant with a C-130 airplane, assigned by the U.S. government to fly Americans out of the disaster area, said he had a feeling he should walk through the terminal one more time. As he did, he saw out of the corner of his eye what looked like the nametag of a Mormon missionary. The sergeant, a Mormon himself, asked if the missionary was American. When he said he was, the sergeant told him he could arrange flights out for all the American and foreigners in his C-130.

“Before the day had ended, many of the missionaries Elder Ardern had come for were flying out of Tacloban. By week’s end, all of the missionaries in the area would be evacuated to Manila, where they would await a new assignment in other missions in the Philippines.”

The catastrophic warning-

Many thought that this tragedy brought about by typhoon Yolanda and other disasters that befell the whole earth for that matter are punishments from God. I believe it otherwise. These catastrophes are perhaps merely the way by which God sends us messages of warning to wake us up before His final wrath and indignation will fall upon us. We are told, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth...” (Hebrews 12:6). As prophesied these are but preludes to the greatest calamities and tragedies that are yet to come before His eventual Second Coming that we may be better prepared. Both the righteous and the wicked will have to face the challenges and adversities. To those who are affected by this experience they will find added strength and faith.  

For those of our loved ones who die the Lord has promised: “those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them; and they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:46-47). Yet it is still the Righteous Judge of all who shall give our dead their proper places in the life hereafter.

To the survivors he declared, “it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.” (Doctrine & Covenants 42:48). All our sufferings and our difficulties will eventually help us to rise above the refiner’s fire and endure the fiery darts of life. The Lord promised, “I...will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, it is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.” (Zechariah 13:9)

In the midst of the same difficulties and trials we suffered, Ezra Taft Benzon’s words to the Filipinos in 1975 are reminiscent, “Every reversal can be turned to our benefit and blessing and can make us stronger, more courageous, more godlike (Ezra Taft Benzon, Philippine area Conference, 1975).

As these catastrophic warnings continually threaten our land and people, perhaps it is best to remember these lines and sing:

When the earth begins to tremble,

Bid our fearful thoughts be still;

When thy judgments spread destruction,

Keep us safe on Zion’s hill.

(Quoted by Gordon B. Hinckley).

No matter how deep the valleys of grief we now face, no matter how insurmountable the mountains of tragedies we are to climb, know that the extended hands of mercy of Jesus Christ is always right at our elbow.

BUILDING AND BREAKING OUR SPIRITUAL COCOON

by: Norberto Betita

In one of our family home evenings, my son Robert Sherwin started his lessons about a story of two caterpillars strolling around. One of them observed a tower where many other insects were struggling to climb as though there is something very significant over the top. The other caterpillar was somewhat intrigued by the enthusiasm of the many insects and asked those who had returned what was on top of the tower. But no one ever told their experience. The Caterpillar was all the more enthused and become very desirous to go up. He invited his friend to go with him, but such instead discouraged him vehemently. The caterpillar was so engrossed with his desire to know of the things on top of the tower that he left his friend and slowly climb the tower. It was a long and weary ascent only to find nothing of importance to him. While he was going down from the tower, he noticed a beautiful yellow butterfly. He was so attracted at the beauty of the butterfly that he wished he would have been one.  He was impressed at the beauty of his wings and his ability to fly as if dancing with the wind over the horizon.

Suddenly the butterfly flew near the caterpillar and landed in front of him, and to his surprise told him that he was his friend.  He was informed that while he was climbing the tower, he started to build a cocoon. It was very hard and immensely difficult work, but all the efforts are worth for he now could fly.

I have read and heard several versions of stories about caterpillars and butterflies, but I love this version because it points to some familiar and realistic accounts relative to the actual events of worldly demeanor and patterns of life.

In the never ending march of humanity into the long road of earthly journey many eyes are focused on the tempting and alluring sights all around them. The thoughts and desires for expensive homes, modern luxury cars, branded clothes, and intricately designed personal accessories---rings, necklaces and bracelets, extends tempting invitation to every wandering soul as depicted by the caterpillar and other insects in the story. Their ways points to greater speculations for worldly riches and affluence rather than in discovering their eternal potentials.  They take the comfortable and broad way of the journey and unsuspectingly enter the wide gate that leads to their own destruction.

However, like the caterpillar turned butterfly, others take the narrow and difficult passage into the race of mortality. They trudge the tough and most challenging course and bend their backs while carrying the burdens of life’s contest.  They endure every required effort to win the race. And by obedience to their eternal coach, they were trained to stretch their wings and learn to fly closer to their eternal journey to partake of the sweetest prize of eternal life.

The same circumstances was also portrayed and described in Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life:

“And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

“And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

”And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.”

“ And he also saw other multitude feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.

“And it came to pass that may were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.

“And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.  (1 Nephi 8:26-28, 31-33)

In contrast, Lehi “saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron until they came forth and feel down and partook of the fruit of the tree.” (1 Nephi 8:30).

The description of those multitude mocking and pointing fingers to those who intends to come to partake of the fruit of the tree and scoffing those who already have partaken of the fruit that they were led astray and fell into forbidden paths is now an extreme reality.

I witness these sad realities daily common even in the social media. When there is a negative post about somebody, hundreds or even thousands will join in negative comments. When popularity is in publication, likes and shares are in number almost innumerable confirming partnership in worldly camaraderie.

But others on the other hand refuse to give heed to the fingers of scorn and instead press forward and hold fast to the rod of iron or the word of God and eventually joyfully partook of the fruit of the tree of life. Such was the attitude of the caterpillar turned butterfly.

Pressing forward and holding fast to the word of God was never an easy task, especially as we consider the underlying and magnifying temptations and glamorous demands of worldly lusts and pleasures. The valleys of adversities and rivers flowing with filthiness all around the bridge to eternal finish line require so much spiritual strength to endure. The current of materialism; the lures of pornography; the torrents of infidelity; and such other worldly allurements, become a continued threat to every faithful soul. However, as these things are bravely mustered and successfully endured they become our spiritual cocoon.

Joseph B. Wirthlin explained, “Wrapped tightly in its cocoon, the developing chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break its confinement. The butterfly might think, Why must I suffer so? Why cannot I simply, in the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?

“Such thoughts would be contrary to the Creator’s design. The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly. Without that adversity, the butterfly would never have the strength to achieve its destiny. It would never develop the strength to become something extraordinary.

“Adversity can strengthen and refine us. As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people. Even when we are called to sail through troubled waters, we need to know the place of adversity in shaping our divine potential.”

“The testing processes of mortality are for all men, saints and sinners alike. Sometimes the tests and trials of those who have received the gospel far exceed any imposed upon worldly people. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his only son. Lehi and his family left their lands and wealth to live in a wilderness. Saints in all ages have been commanded to lay all that they have upon the altar, sometimes even their very lives.” (Bruce R. McConkie).

My long years of struggles and battles against adversities and the refining tests of mortality of various nature and intensity levels had continually formed and built into a silk envelope or confinement of my personal spiritual cocoon, which as with the butterfly I need to break and endure in order to enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the promised eternity.

BETWEEN DEATH AND RESURRECTION

by: Norberto Betita

The sad and tragic view of increasing number of dead bodies lined and laid on the debris-filled streets and on storm-ravaged buildings in Tacloban and other Cities of Leyte as a result of the terrifying and ferocious fury of the reported strongest typhoon in world history is truly reaching the point of intense suffering particularly to the family and relatives of the victims. As we daily witness and see the seemingly unbearable pain of losing loved ones in the aftermath of a devastating calamity and painful tragedy, we are moved with genuine compassion and deepest sympathy to the bereaved families, especially as they stood beside the lifeless bodies of a loving husband and a devoted wife; a dear son or a beloved daughter; a tender hearted father and an affectionate mother; and dearly beloved grandparents forlornly wrapped in windswept rugs. In faces infused with sadness and melancholy, we seemed to hear the secret undertones of heartfelt petition, “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the [sufferings] of thy people..., and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?” (D & C 121:1-4.) Yet nothing else could be done as our loved ones had finally entered the tranquil doors of death and quietly gone to their final rest. We can’t help but feel sorrow and pain, and so fill our eyes with tears for the loss of them that die.

Birth and death are two of the most important events in life. Our entrance in this mortal probation which we call birth is a journey from eternity to eternity. The poet William Woodsworth understood this truth as he expressed and penned these lines:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting

The soul that rises with us, our life star

Hath had elsewhere its setting

And cometh from afar

Not in entire forgetfulness

And not in utter nakedness

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God who is our home

Heaven lies about us in our infancy.

And, what a thrilling thing it is to sit on and fly with “the trailing clouds of glory” to come to earth and be born of goodly parents and live in a loving family relationship. Yet to die acceptably is even of paramount importance.

To many of us death is a very unpleasant subject of conversation; as such we do not want it to be a part of our regular dialogues. Not many writers would even attempt to pen articles concerning death and dying. We generally hear messages of death in eulogies as lifeless bodies are laid during funerals and finally marched and unhurriedly pushed into their silent graveyard. We failed to comprehend the importance of dying for we do not understand the meaning of infinite life.

As I think of the estimated 10,000 dead bodies---victims of typhoon Yolanda with plans to bury their remains in a common graveyard, my heart is pained as I realized the annihilating consequence of nature’s wrath. The tragic event deprived the dead of a respectable and appropriate funeral which their loved ones even in poverty should have been so willingly and fittingly provided their departed under normal circumstances. However, it is my hope that the victims should understand that this is not a punishment from a loving God. These dreadful occurrences are fulfillment of prophecies long foretold by prophets and apostles, reminding and warning us to prepare for the glorious Second Coming of the Lord. Perhaps, instead of worrying so much about the destruction and the urgent need to satisfy physical destitution, we might as well try to find time to meditate and imagine what would happen to these our loved ones which are laid to their final rest.

Perhaps we might ask what of mortal death, the natural death, the death of the body and of the state of these souls of men whose final consummation are imposed and heretofore laid in view?

Sterling W. Sill once related the story of the old Grecian tragedy written around the fall of Athens. A Roman general had captured an Athenian philosopher and had told him that he meant to put him to death. The Athenian didn’t seem very disturbed and so the Roman thought that probably he didn’t understand. And so he said to the Athenian that maybe he didn’t know what it meant to die. The Athenian said that he thought he understood it better than the Roman did. And then he said to the Roman, ”Thou dost not know what it means to die, for thou dost not know what it means to live. To die is to begin to live. It is to end all stale and weary work to begin a nobler and a better. It is to leave deceitful knaves for the society of gods and goodness.”

The Apostle Paul declared, we die “and, behold, we live” (2 Cor. 6:9) for, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22.)

I was prompted to reread the account of the prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon as he taught his sinful son Corianton about “a space between the time of death and the resurrection” which he “inquired diligently of the Lord to know.”

“Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection---Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

“And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care and sorrow.

‘And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil---for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house---and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.

“Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.” (Alma 40:9-14.)

We do not judge those who die for we do not know what are the thoughts and intents of their hearts during their painful encounter with the refining test of their lives. But we can be assured that they will stand before the judgment bar of the Lord to be judged rightly according to their works.

We mourn for those we loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with the divine commandment, “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die...” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:45.)

For us who have survived, the tragic events should be a constant reminder both for the righteous and the unrighteous that we have to make right our choices, mend our characters and repent of our sinful ways. Each of us is given the choice of what we wanted to do in life. “God granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, he alloteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.” (Alma 29:4.) And because of His love, he also liberally warned us of the consequences of our choices that we may know better which way to follow. While we are free to choose we are not privileged to select the consequence of our choice.

John the beloved Apostle and revelator clearly explained the state of our spirits during and after the resurrection as he wrote, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelations 20:6) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelations 21:4, 7.)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelations 21:8) And with the devil that deceived them, “shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10.)

These are very clear and unmistakable warnings and assurances that God has given through His prophets and apostles to help each one of us to have a better picture of what will be our condition after this life, and therefore make the best choice. In fact God who “sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto” John, “Write for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelations 21:5.)

We are told, “For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform the labors. (Alma 34:32) Hence, we do not need to pray for the dead, because whatever they have done in this life will become the basis of their reward in the life hereafter. We pray for the living for they still have the chance to change their course and mend their ways and repent of their sins for it is written, “And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.” (Alma 34:33-34.)

Whatever our choice the Lord has given us the ultimate option to repent as He said, “For behold, I God, have suffered these things for all that they might not suffer if they would repent. But if they would not repent, they would suffer even as I. Which suffering caused myself even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bled at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit, and would that I might not drink and bitter cup and shrink.” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-18.)

Someone said that, “Mortality is only a slice of eternity.” But in an even most inspired comparison, Dieter F. Uchtdorf declared, “In eternal perspective, mortality does not even amount to a blink of an eye.”

“All that we can know about those loved and lost, is that they would wish us to remember them with a more intensified realization of their reality...The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” (Thornton Wilder.)

The heartbreaking and awful memories of the tragedies will long remain part of the unwritten pages of history in the library of our hearts. Yet slowly the sadness and gloom of this memorable day will one day obliterate and be replaced with joy and gladness as we come to a change of heart and point our direction on the road to eternal life with our God.