Mormon 4 starts out describing how the Lamanites and Nephites went to war AGAIN! The Nephites held off the Lamanites and became wicked in their boasting of their own strength. They didn't give their credit to God for protecting them.
The Lamanites eventually beat the Nephites and slaughtered their women and children. When Mormon saw all of the war happening, he went and collected the Plates of Nephi from where Ammaron had placed them.
In Mormon Chapter 5, Mormon leads the Nephites in to battle again the Lamanites. Initially, they held them at bay, but then because of their wickedness they were slaughtered. Mormon tells the Nephites to repent and come unto the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who they used to worship! Mormon also promises that the Lord will hear the prayers of the righteous.
In Mormon Chapter 6, Mormon asked rhe King of the Lamanites if he could bring the Nephites to Cumorah and battle tge Lamanites there. The Lamanite King said yes so they gathered all of there people to the Hill Cumorah. Mormon buried the Plates he had at the Hill Cumorah for safe keeping.
Mormon saw that because of the Nephites wickedness they all were slain and 10,000 of his soldiers, too. The Lamanites walked among the dead Nephites and Mormon laid there still, so they didn't slaughter him but passed right over him.
All of Mormon people and 20s of 10 000s died but 24 people under Mormon survived, including Mormon's son, Moroni. Mormon grieved the loss of all of the Nephites to the Lamanites because they turned their back on Christ.
Likening these Chapters Unto Me
I absolutely understand and feel for Mormon in these Chapters. He was a good man of God and he wanted others to know that their obedience, faith, and goodness would protect them and keep them safe. He mourned the loss of all of them because they woukd not repent and because they no longer believed. 24 men did survive and Mormon's son Moroni. They were the people of God.
I have a great desire in my life to be obedient. I struggle with things sometimes like doubts about my personal abilities vs what I believe God wants me to be. I struggle with my self-esteem, but I absolutely know that I have Self Worth as the daughter of God.
Self Worth and Self-Esteem are different. I try everyday to thank God for my life however it looks. I ask God to make me into the best version I can be to glorify him alone; nothing of myself. I also ask God every day to let me feel joy even in suffering and he does.
I hurt every day over losses and trials (personal ), but I also genuinely smile, laugh, and feel real joy because I know God has a purpose for my eternal life and it doesn't matter in the end how man sees me, it matters how God sees me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made! I remember years ago a quote by President David O McKay that said, "No success can compensate for failure in the Home".
He was right. Money, status, callings, power, popularity, or anything else that makes us "feel good" will never make up for not living the Gospel, relying on God, having good relationships with your parents, siblings, spouse, and anyone else living in my home. Nothing.
Repentance is REAL and estrangement is, too but letting Heavenly Father take the helm of the Ship of my life will correct the course and allow the Savior to fix what is broken. I believe that! Everyone makes choices that have natural consequences and sometimes we do not get to see the fruits in this life of obedience to God, but the blessings do come! Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Hey it’s Patricia(Patty) Barbier. That last paragraph got me! My oldest two have cut me off, even from my grandkids. It hurts off and on something fierce! I lost track of time and I was going through a lot. I tried explaining it to them, but they did not want to hear it. I apologized neither of my oldest wanted to hear that either. They said they wanted to fix this but how can you fix something when they cut you off? I hope and pray it doesn’t last long. Heartbroken.
ReplyDeleteSoft Hugs, Patty. I wish I could say that I don't know this type of pain and that it has been resolved, but it hasn't and I do. I will pray for your family to be reunited. I know you love those girls and I love my adult kids, too. When other people influence them, it doesn't help. All we can rely on is Jesus Christ and that He knows your heart and He will be there for you forever. To be honest, all else can fall away but the Savior's Love remains. Also, pray for your kids that they will receive answers to their prayers, that they will find a way to forgive and that God in his goodness and mercy will make all things right in the end and that your kids do not receive harsh punishment from the Savior for what they are doing. I pray this every day. Lastly, I remember how alone I felt when others didn't understand what I was going through and they would judge me because apparently, "kids don't just walk away from good parents". Unfortunately, many of the folks who judged me are now experiencing their own adult kids walking away from them. I would never wish this on anyone. It's hard and yes it does feel a bit like a sort of hell. Having said this, I took this time and continue to take this time to better myself, create an emotional maturity and a sense of deep love for Christ, a strong sense of myself, and finding joy in every single day of my life. When we can forgive ourselves, better ourselves, find that joy and peace, then leave the rest to Heavenly Father, the miracles will happen. Honestly, too sometimes God turns people away from you to protect you! This is also true. Pray that your will and God's Will align for the best possible outcome for all of you. That's what I do, too.
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