The Light is Strong in This Storm-Tossed Vessel

No fear here! Ether Chapter 5 is Moroni’s testimony that these things are true and that they stand as a witness of the power of God’s word, “they shall stand against the world at the last day”. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the following chapter (Ether 6) Moroni is recounting the record of the Jaredites and how they were led with light through the storms and oceans of obscurity. That to me is a perfect description of what the scriptures and the Word of God does for us: a light to guide us in our darkest times, no matter how storm-tossed and wind-blown our lives become.

“After his experience with the Lord, the brother of Jared continued to diligently prepare himself for the journey ahead. So too must we hearken to the teachings of our prophets. The living prophets have counseled us time and again to put our lives in order . . . As we look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren, we see the doubt and fear of our times. Wherever these precious ones go in the world, they hear about unemployment, poverty, war, immorality, and crime. They wonder, 'How can we cope with these problems?' To find answers, they look back into our eyes and listen to our words. Do they hear us speaking faithfully and hopefully, despite the tribulations of our times? They need to see us continuing to pray and study the scriptures together, to hold family home evening and family councils, to serve faithfully in our Church callings, to attend the temple regularly, and to be obedient to our covenants. When they see our steadfastness in keeping the commandments, their fears will subside and their confidence in the Lord will increase.”

Hales, Robert D. “Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy.” General Conference April 2003.

Teach, Testify, and Lift Others Around You

We just live in a time where it's easy to get discouraged. I pray that each of my children will learn that no matter how bad things get, to always remember the example of the Savior. Keep teaching, keep testifying, and keep lifting the souls of people around you through kindness, genuine love, and service.

“In our day, we are bombarded by messages from many sources, both profane and spiritual. How can we determine the ones that are most vital to us? I suggest that we may look at the source of the messages and the motivation behind them. The Lord has given us a guide through the prophet Alma: ‘Whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.’ We must strive to be worthy so that we do not miss the profound messages that come from God. Ultimately, these messages include the sum total of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” 

-Did You Get the Right Message- James E. Faust - April 2004

"When we observe the last week of the Savior’s life from our earthly perspective, our first impression may be one of suffering and destruction. We may see only the Savior’s mother and others weeping at the cross, soldiers afraid, the earth in great commotion, rocks broken up, the veil of the temple rent in twain, and three hours of darkness covering the land. A similar scene of storms and destruction unfolded in the New World. In short, we see the terrible tempest raging.

But look again—this time through the eye of faith.

In the last, most agonizing weeks of His life, consider that Jesus taught, testified, lifted, blessed, and strengthened those around Him. He raised Lazarus from the dead, taught about His Father, set the temple in order, gave several parables, witnessed the widow offering her mite, instructed His disciples about the signs of His Second Coming, visited the house of Simon the leper, instituted the sacrament, washed the feet of the Apostles, and taught His disciples to love one another. He testified of His divinity as the Son of God and taught of the Comforter—the Holy Ghost. In His great Intercessory Prayer, He prayed to His Father for His Apostles and all who believe on their words, 'that they might have [His] joy fulfilled in themselves.' John 17:13

In His darkest hour, the light of peace and joy did not fade. It grew brighter!"

- Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy - Robert D. Hales 2003