I Didn’t Want to Leave Zarahemla

               Throughout my blog I have created various posts about my personality, growth, and my gratitude toward the “Come Follow Me” program.  Last week Bro. Wilcox shared a lesson on “Not Leaving Zarahemla”

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRiZgJBzP-8&t=2852s

          Metaphorically that is where I raised.  I had heard about the outside world but had no desire to be out there among the wolves.  I feel blessed that so much of what others view as temptations were not tempting.  I never wanted to do drugs, smoke, attend parties, or what have you.  I was safe in Zarahemla.  That is where I wanted to be.

          I understand the need for some to leave Zarahemla in order to grow.  Unfortunately, due to poor choices, there are hardships that need to be endured.  It involves a lot of pain – not just for the individual who makes those choices but those who love said individual and don’t wish to see him or her be in bondage to dragons and such.

          We can choose our actions but not the consequence of those actions.  My siblings and I have always had great strength and wisdom to learn through the examples of others.  We watch and we learn.  I think my sibs are better at watching and learning than I am.  I still tend to judge others rather than look upon them with the same eyes as God does.  Still have not humbled myself but am working on it.

          I’m not happy to have shown what lies outside of Zarahemla.  And yet those are still my brothers and sisters who are living in bondage.  They may not be asking me to assist them directly – but there is a silent cry.  I know I need to respond.  But I would rather they come to Zarahemla than my going outside to look for them.  And somehow that feels wrong.  I need to go out among them without allowing myself to be swallowed up.  But to remain yoked with Christ for their return.

Missing the Bigger Picture

           I have written a few posts about things being blown out of proportion because of something in the background (here) or interpreted in a way that was never meant to be the forerunner (here) and will share a piece of the latter.

         I believe it was Corey’s senior year in high school when the student directory came out.  On the cover was an art student’s work depicting the mascot and school spirit.  [The artist] had signed his artwork “Zion” as he had with many (if not all) of his other pieces.  It wasn’t meant to stand out as the main theme of his drawing but rather blend into the design.  However an instructor who was anti-religion especially anti-LDS had discovered the “hidden” Zion and made such a great fuss over it that it drew much more attention to the drawing and the word than was intended.

          I don’t remember what year I had attempted to share Tara Parks video  – though it feels like it may have been three years ago.  I meant to put it on the RS page but had posted to the ward page instead (they both have the same area name) At the time I was in a different presidency than I am currently and had added the 1^st counselor to my monitoring list.  I did not get the approval for ward posting – which is fine as I had not intended to share with the ward but rather just the sisters. 

          My current bishop called the 1st counselor to see if I had posted the video to the RS page and requested that the video be removed.  I didn’t even notice the word “damn” had been used in the video until the third time I watched it – and only because I was looking for it.  So we took it down as it might be offensive to some members.  I think that is when our bishop decided to join the RS page – which is why I think it was three years ago (as that is how long he’s been a member of the RS page).  I think many members get so caught up in the letter of the law that they miss the big picture.  But okay.  I get it – but do they?  I thought Called to Share (here) did a great job with it.  Wish I had had it to refer to back then.

          I know the video had had at least one view before it was taken down (here 2nd example).  It was from a sister who had been inactive for and was returning to church and wanted to share the video with her husband.  Sometimes those who have struggled, are returning, or are unbaptized members who may express interest in the church.  How many of those people do we offend by removing said post?  What about Tara Parks? 

          Yesterday I noticed the cover on the RS page still had a Christmas theme going and so I decided to change it. I clicked on a photo that had been posted by another. She had posted the picture in June with a message that she was willing to share her lavender with anyone who wanted one.  That is the photo I used as the cover on the Relief Society page. Today I received a message from the bishop which indicated that he “loves the flowers on the RS page” but pointed out the gay pride flag in the background and perhaps I could crop it.  I explained the picture was from another member in the congregation and don’t feel I have the liberty to crop as I would be offending her and her household and countless others. 

So where is the greater offense?  To those who might have a Pharisee attitude or those who recognize the diversity and want to fellowship with those who may not be as righteous at one affiliated with the letter of the law of the Latter-Day Saint? 

           I mean, I get it.  Representing church.  Setting Boundaries.  When I initially set up the R.S. page I did not have the authority nor did I think to ask.  Someone suggested I change the name to the newsletter hand out – which I may do just to not confuse myself with the ward page.  It’s true I have not prayed about every decision I’ve made regarding the page.  Perhaps I should. We need to understand our hearts as the Savior would.  He didn’t follow the letter of the law.  He didn’t go out of his way to pass Samaria.  He performed miracles on the Sabbath.  He was in the wrong, you know.