As the events of the Newtown, Connecticut slaying have unfolded, it gives one a chance to reflect. As an American currently living in another country perhaps I have an out siders viewpoint and feel like I can assess the events from afar and maybe come to some conclusions. Not that I want to point a judgmental finger toward our country, but perhaps find the lessons to be learned in this tragedy so it can make some kind of sense.
As I have pondered why God has allowed this event to occur so close to Christmas when we should be filled with peace and joy I haven’t completely wrapped my mind around the answer. However while reading in the Book of Mormon this morning in 2 Nephi chapter 1 vs 7, I was hit hard by these words: “Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever”.
In this verse Lehi is talking to his son as a parent’s last words of advice before he dies. He says that this land (America) shall be a “Land of Liberty” so long as they serve him (God) according to the commandments which he hath given”. They shall never be brought down in to captivity; however if they are it shall be because of INIQUITY. If Iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes. I’m feeling like our land IS cursed and captive to wickedness; that it is not a land of Liberty.
The definition of Iniquity is 1. Gross immorality or injustice; wickedness. 2. A grossly immoral act; a sin. Perhaps our nation needs to use this event to reflect on the commandments of God that he has given all Christian people and asked them to live by. The basics: Remember our God, Have no graven images before God (maybe we all need to stop worshipping THINGS), Honor our parents and those who have gone before, Stop Killing, Stop committing Adultery, Stop lying, and Stop Coveting what other people have and start being grateful for what we Do have.
Furthermore, maybe we need to re- teach our congregations of all Faiths and remember the Christian Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done to you. I’m not saying that any of these teachings would have definitely prevented this 20 year old socially awkward and lonely boy from committing this horrific crime, but maybe if we focused on these Christian values more in our homes, schools, and businesses, that our upcoming generations could have a change of heart. Maybe just maybe this boy needed more people to accept him for who he was and stopped to think before they teased him or laughed at his strangeness. Maybe he needed just one or two people to stand up to those who said mean things and allowed him to feel like he had value. We all need this reminder. We have all said and done things to make fun of others, to belittle them, and to humiliate them at one time or another, I myself shamefully included.
If we want to help America stay free and not be “captive” to our wickedness, we must focus on changing our HEARTS to be more charitable to others and change our INIQUITOUS BEHAVIOR. All Faiths Christian or not, should have this common goal in mind for the future of our nation. Maybe one lesson to be learned here is that we need to remember the basic commandments and that sometimes horrific things are the only thing that will get our attention, so that we will humble ourselves to listen to these teachings and turn to God.
As for this Christmas Season….my heart aches for these families of the young and old who were slain. It breaks my heart to think of the Christmas presents that will remain unwrapped under 26 Christmas trees this year. As a mom of a 6 almost 7 year old who attends a public school, this event has hit very close to home. I sure know what I’ll be doing on Christmas Morning……holding that little boy with a grateful heart and saying a prayer for those who were robbed of that sweet experience this year. And then I’m going to pledge to God to have a more loving heart for all people and to remember the Golden Rule and teach it to my children. Maybe you can all join me in this pledge this year so that this horrific crime will not go by without a lesson learned. Thank you for reading this and may God Bless America.
5 comments:
Hi, I am totall blog lurker/hopper and have come across yours from time to time. Thank you THANK YOU for posting this. You said perfectly what my mind has been trying to communicate to my mouth. I have been repulsed by what people have said about this BOY who did this horrible crime. When I found out that he was just a kid himself, my heart just broke to pieces and I ached for him. Everyone involved, both families of the victims and the family of Adam Lanza, are suffering on an unimaginable scale. It's a good reminder to love as the Savior loves, at all times. You NEVER know of a person's struggles and what they are going through. As Plato said, "Be kind. For everyone is fighting a difficult battle." Thank you for posting this :)
You're awesome, I can tell this aspect of it really hit home with you, thanks for sharing. In response to this tragedy Jason forwarded me a wonderful talk from 2007, remember the one about the Amish community and the man who did a similar thing? It was beautifully written, I think it's by Elder Faust.
Well written, Geneva. May we all live a little better so that God will bless America.
Very well written my friend. I am blessed to have you in my life.
I have been thinking about you so much lately! I organized my jewelry box and found the cute earrings my sweet friend Geneva bought me from Hawaii😊. Miss ya tons and I must tell you your photography is professional. Hugs to your family!xoxo
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