"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
My focus right now is completing the Book of Mormon- but along the way my Father in Heaven has found opportunities to teach me and to remind me that his work is being done today, in my life and in the lives of others. I told you that I get caught up in the history of the BOM- I try not to- but it happens and I have been wandering around in a BOM haze- I have the Jaradites on my mind one day and then the destruction, wars and contention rattling around in my head the next day, and then comes the admonitions of righteous fathers to wayward sons- Oh I love this book. But I love also that we are taught today by a Prophet and by good and righteous men and women- who are called to lift us and admonish us.
Last Sunday I was lifted out of my BOM land as I was reminded of Elder Cooks conference address on "Looking Up"- and I needed this- and I am going to tell you why- and I am NOT proud of myself!! My sweet sister came to stay over night on Saturday. She was struggling with some things and because I love her- I was happy to help. Only I didn't really help. Sure, I entertained her with stories from my own life experiences, which in no way compare to what she is going through- we laughed and made cookies and played with the kiddos- and then I went to church and was reminded of this great talk from Elder Cook- And I wanted to just slap myself.
WHY, when my sweet sister needed encouragement, didn't I remind her to look up- why didn't I encourage her to find peace and comfort from her Father, who loves her so much. When I returned from church, I took a moment to tell her that I felt bad that I had not given her this encouragement. And we giggled, because that's what we do- but I want her to know that no matter what, looking up is the best thing to do. I know from personal experience that my Father in Heaven understands us, loves us, and wants us to know that we are of great worth to him. ALWAYS. He loves you! So, now that I have that off my chest, one more experience from this week that reiterated the "Worth of Souls" to me.
With my calling I have the opportunity to visit with the sisters at the Metro Jail for their week day R.S. meeting. This week our lesson was about abuse- tough subject for many of these woman- and I planned on shedding many tears- which I did- but not for the reasons that I had expected. I knew their stories would be difficult to hear- the circumstances (being in jail- awaiting sentencing) are certainly difficult- but to my surprise the sisters shared very little about themselves and how the subject of abuse related to them. And when they did share- they spoke of their "worth"-
I sat in the corner and cried.
What else could I do?
These sisters whose lives to you or I would seem complicated at best- chose to focus on the fact that they are worthwhile daughters of God. Not that they were- or that they could become worthwhile- but that they ARE! And they are so right! Our Father doesn't say that I am more worthwhile than another- or that another has greater worth than I- but that each soul is of GREAT worth. WOW! What a great week for learning it has been for me!
