When my mother reached the age of 93, she took the challenge offered by her bishop to read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year--a mere two months of action time. In facing final health challenges Norma turned to reading the Book of Mormon as her solace and her strength. To her Bishop's astonishment, she read the Book of Mormon five times in two months. She remained educated, refined, and intelligent to the last, though she had gone through two World Wars, the Depression, and a lifetime of family, health, and financial tests, gaining strength by clinging to her scriptures.
In our last ward, a new move-in was a tiny roughed-edged older woman who, as a new convert, would bear her testimony of the goodness of God at every single opportunity. She was single with children long since out in the world, and her every mannerism spoke of the difficult, manual labor life she had led. One Sunday as the adult Sunday School class was about to begin, I sat by her and commented on her beautiful set of scriptures. She glowed at the comment, and leaned in to whisper to me, "You know I can't read, don't you honey? I bought these so that I could be close to them. Whenever I'm having a hard day, I hold onto them and feel their spirit." This sister had gone through abusive husbands, long hours of back-breaking work, and disappointments that she faced alone in this world, but she too gained strength by, literally, clinging to her scriptures.
Though each of these sisters tread different roads, many of the hardships were similar, perhaps even to some of our own challenges. Each of them crossed the finish line with a beauty of spirit that can only be obtained from a closeness to the Gospel and the scriptures and the Book of Mormon. "And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works." Alma 7:23-24 Verena
Each inspiring experiences but in a different way. The scripture you quote is one of my favorite - a good motto for life for all of us. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBishop Hildebrandt
I know that President Turley has a goal to read the Book of Mormon once per month this year. It can be done, if it is one of our priorities.
ReplyDeleteFive times in 2 months is really impressive.
Thanks for the stories.