I feel Alone.
I understand that I’m not alone, but there are times that I feel alone and completely
powerless. What can be done? Others have their agency and are free to act
for themselves and if I didn’t care about them or their welfare, there would be
no problem.
Fortunately, I do care.
But it does bring feelings of temporary hopelessness, powerlessness, and
isolation.
I think that is why this address by Elder Wong of the
Seventy has been so hard for me to digest.
It speaks to my heart’s desire, but is a painful reminder
that I currently don’t have the resources that he suggests as a solution.
I get that I do have powerful resources. The
most powerful resources – legions of angels and a loving Savior and Heavenly
Father who are rooting for my and their success. I have abundant desire and faith that the
rescue is possible. I have promises that
my prayers are heard and will be answered in my best interest. I have ample evidence and tender mercies that
the above power is working in my life. I
have a loving husband and family who support me in my desire and efforts. I have the power of fasting, personal prayer,
righteous living, and the temple’s prayer circle. I have HOPE. I know I am not alone.
But I don’t have a bishop, a missionary, a relief society
president, an elder’s quorum president, or an Aaronic priesthood youth who are
interacting in the lives of my distant friends. Becoming
friends, sharing their influence, and bringing goodness into their life. At least not to my knowledge. And so now I am wondering if my influence or
faith or desire. . . is enough. Elder
Wong said that Unity is essential in the rescuing effort.
I long for unity. Especially
since we live in a divided nation. As I
study the scriptures and see the need for unity in developing a Zion people, I
struggle with the disconnect in everyday living.
The
City of Enoch was so united that they were translated. The Nephites (without the -ites) were united
and experienced peace for over 200 years.
And with the knowledge that, that kind of unity is necessary in order to
live the celestial law, I can’t help but wonder how to bring it about. My life’s mission is to provide a baby step
in that direction.
I’ve experienced to a small degree the power of unity in my
own life. All my life, I’ve said personal
prayers and have been blessed by so doing.
But when my husband and I started holding evening couple prayers – and not
just saying a prayer but really pouring out our heart’s desire and confessing
our sins and seeking the Lord’s power in our lives, the prayer was
different. I could feel the Lord’s
sanction of our unity and my abilities had increased as well as my
desires. We have had an increase in our
love for one another and an increase of love for the Savior. As well as an alignment of goals and communication. Yes – Unity is powerful.
I’m not sure where to go from here, in order to COUNSEL
TOGETHER of those with whom I desire to rescue from ignorance, addictions,
false traditions, deceptions, and distractions.
But I reinforced my desire to be united in that effort. And if I pray about that desire, I know the
Lord will provide a solution somehow. . . . . .
someday.
