Very few could truly know the gravity of this subject. Fortunately, the literal definition is enough to show everything I need to say, which is: "This week was tough." Really it was actually a little depressing. If I could pin it down to two downfalls it would be these: Insolence and wicked tradition.
This week we had a for-sure baptism lined up with a young man, Marcos who changed completely. Before we taught him, he was depressed and under all sorts of drugs. After, he was bringing the scriptures to work just to read during break. In fact, he and his little brother were ready to be baptized, when the mother suddenly changed. First she denied the baptism of the little brother, then she began to lie about when Marcos was at home. One time, she even threatened to call the police on us! So, we'd begun teaching Marcos in the home of a member. He was really happy, and so excited to be baptized. Then, the day of the baptism, it happened. After the mother threatened to kick him into the street, he sadly come to us and said he won't be baptized. I won't lie, just about then I was ready to shake the daylights out of that woman, but in the end I just feel sorry for her. I have no idea as to what happened, but it is the insolence, negligence, and sometimes hatred that people have that sometimes bring us all down the wrong road. Fortunately, some of us have been blessed to know the Gospel in its fullness, and have found others that receive it with open eyes and a ready heart. If we always remember that somebody is there, waiting for the gospel and ready to receive it, we will never become dis animated.
Traditions is another thing. We all know that traditions can be a powerful tool to unite us as families, civilizations, and faiths. Unfortunately, this tool is not exclusive to the Lord. We've taught countless families this week, almost all of which have received powerful witnesses of the truth of our message, know that the church is true and sometimes even know that their church is wrong. But, they choose not to change. Why? Tradition. They have so much confidence in the traditions they have, they fear what could happen if they change. They see their families, their friends, their peers, and they fear that if they change, they will lose it all.
Really, all of us are victims of this. All of us have thousands of traditions, whether we label them as such or not. What we all need to do is sit down one day and think, "Is this really helping me, or is it limiting my potential?" Just as traditions prevent many from entering the true church, they stop others from going to college, lead others into addictions, keep others from work, and even make people believe they're nothing. Don't fall victim to them! I challenge all of you to do this. Think about every single aspect of your life and change those parts that Satan has control over. If you do, I can guarantee that you will feel more secure, more happy, and more one with God.
Anyway, thanks for enduring my council and lamentations. Remember, for every trial and time of darkness, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. For this very reason, we should never stop half-way. Thanks for the prayers and the support, I couldn't do this without all of you.
Elder Angus
Word of the week:
Bomba (bow-mbuh) Meaning bomb. Everyone down here thought the entire United states was being blown up. Unfortunately, I didn't know anything to tell them until this morning. (Thanks Mom) My prayers go out to all the victims and their families.
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