This past Sunday I wanted to write about some of the feelings I had before the profoundness fleeted. We now arrive at church at 9am and our meeting block classes are held in reversed order: Relief Society first, then Sunday School, then Sacrament1 meeting. After making sure the children were situated in their new classes (Cannon is in senior primary now, can you believe it?) I headed into R.S. We were notified that a sister had very suddenly passed away this past week. She was older (about 65), but not that old. One moment she felt light-headed and then she passed out making her way across the room. Her husband caught her and proceeded to revive her. She passed out a few more times, revived and then was gone. She and her husband just returned home from their mission as the office couple in London about 4 weeks prior. They spoke in church the week after they returned. As I thought about this situation, my mind again reflected on a myriad of thoughts. My heart ached for Brother Hawley. During his talk upon coming home from their mission it revolved around how wonderful his wife was and how she was his ticket into the celestial kingdom. He told some funny and faith-provoking stories of their mission. I recalled being somewhat amazed at her talk as she bore testimony throughout her talk. I don't remember her taking a personal moment to talk about their mission. It was awe inspiring. I distinctly remember marveling about her talk, how her countenance radiated that she indeed believed what she said. Brother Hawley reminds me a lot of my own Dad. Cheerful, down-to-earth, stalwart in his duties and breathes the simpleness of a country way of life. I loved how he cracked jokes at the beginning about not liking the rain and holding an umbrella, the dirty air, and the London traffic. "Now that I got that off my chest, I can give my talk" is what he prefaced with. My mind reflected on how I had the privilege of having Sister Hawley serve in the Primary with me before they left for their mission. But after the tears rolled down my face and the relief society portion of the church block passed we entered Sunday School. Brother Hawley came in and sat down and that hour will be forever held dear to me. Our lesson topic was entitled "That Ye Might Believe That Jesus Is the Christ." In Isaiah 61:1–2 we talked about in what ways Jesus Christ has fulfilled the prophesies that Isaiah cites.
How he...
“Preached good tidings unto the meek” (verse 1).
“Binds up the brokenhearted” (verse 1).
“Proclaims liberty to the captives” (verse 1).
“Comforts all that mourn” (verse 2).
The Spirit was already so present in the room as we recognized the difficult time Brother Hawley was going through. How broken his heart must be at that time. But as he stood and bore witness of the incredible comfort he personally was given as he sat with his dearly departed eternal companion it was beyond words. He praised God for his abundance of love and bore such a profound testimony. His testimony was echoed again and again throughout the lesson and I know that I felt so blessed to be able to be in that room as the spirit of God accompanied his message of truth and peace.
As I have pondered this over and over again I feel so blessed. Just last night as we were reading scriptures together as a family we came across this scripture:
"Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity. And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope. And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity. And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me." Moroni 10:20-23, Book of Mormon
I testify that this brother did not despair. He and his wonderful wife live and lived lives of hope, incredible faith, and charity. He has great faith. Perhaps, it is through this mountain of a trial that it has been refined, but I know that he has incredible faith. And as promised, if ye have faith ye can do all things. I hope that I can be like that.
Another scripture also was very poignant as we read last night:
"And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ." Moroni 10:18
Praise the Lord, Jesus Christ, for his good gifts! I am so happy that when these difficult times come that I know he will comfort those that stand in need of His comfort! I know that Christ is a personal savior to each of us. As we experience broken hearts, are captive to weaknesses, receive the good news of the gospel, or have reason to mourn, He is the source of all truth and light.
1 Sacrament meeting: We sing hymns (hymn books are provided). Church members say opening and closing prayers. We partake of the sacrament (communion), which consists of prepared bread and water, blessed and passed to members of the congregation by priesthood holders. And we listen to two or more speakers who are usually members of the congregation. You might be surprised that we don’t have just one pastor or preacher. We do have an unpaid bishop who presides over each congregation (called a ward). http://mormon.org/worship/
1 comment:
We have had two sudden deaths in our neighborhood the last 2 months. One was a 70 year old woman with a very similar story to your Sister Hawley and then a 4 year old died net to his mother in her bed with croup. The spirit has been so much stronger in our Ward as we have all stepped up to surround these families in love. They have born beautiful strong testimonies of the love of the Savior. Thank you for sharing your testimony and experience.
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