November 11, 2007, Observation:
Well, I let Jo Anne talk me into it. Last week we went out and bought a new, modified, Toyota Sienna van. We aren't rich -- just stupid, I suppose. Not knowing my life expectancy I told her I would like to go out in style when it was my time which she thought was a very good idea, although I was a tad disappointed she agreed so readily to any plans I had regarding my demise.
The Toyota is light-years better than the Dodge vans we have driven over the years. The Japanese do such a wonderful job -- it makes you wonder who really won World War II. In our new Toyota we seem to float effortlessly, and silently I might add, down the freeway. I can only compare the way our Dodge went down the freeway to a covered wagon traveling over rocks and ruts with those iron rims and no shocks.
Actually we are the proud owners of two vans as we are trying to sell the Dodge at this time -- better be careful what I say about the Dodge until we have made the appropriate deal. A few days ago my VIP (Very Important Philipino) caregiver, Rey, came into the bedroom to begin the process of getting me ready for the day. I asked him if he had seen Jo Anne and he said he thought it was her washing two vans out in our driveway. I told him when she came in I was going to demonstrate what constitutes a beautiful and successful marriage relationship. Sure enough, at the perfect moment she ran into the bedroom to choose the outfit of the day. I asked her where she had been all morning and she said, "Outside washing the vans." I asked her if she thought she had done a good job and she was only slightly offended at the question as she assured me that nobody could have done it better than her. I said, "But what about the windows -- I'll bet they will be streaky when the sun shines in." She responded, "Oh no!" She then told me how she had a special solution and a squeegee that did the windows better than our Mexican brothers at the local car wash. I then said, "But what about the chrome wheels? I'll bet they have hard water spots all over them." She bristled a bit but told me about her special solution for shining up and making them look like new. And then she said, "Don't even ask me about the tires because I have already put "Armour All" on them and they look great!" I could see that Rey was duly impressed with this interchange and I looked at him and said, "When you can have this kind of conversation with your wife you know you have the greatest marriage possible -- at least as a husband!"
Now don't you husbands get after your wives for not taking better care of your automobiles. Many wives never get the rare opportunity of being married to a quadriplegic on life support, and so many "normal" husbands never really come to know all of the hidden talents their wives may possess.
Seriously though, as I think of all that Jo Anne has done for me over the years I cannot help but think she has passed the Savior's litmus test of true discipleship contained in John 13: 34-35. One of my favorite hymns over the years, and probably many of yours as well, is based on these two verses. It is one of those late-night and early morning melodies, accompanied by the challenging words of Jesus, that run through my mind almost constantly when I am unable to sleep. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." [John 13:34-35]
I hope that just because these words are well known and oft repeated they will never become trite or lose their power to influence our behavior. I do believe that if we would learn to love one another as the Savior did -- ultimately giving his life for each one of us -- that most family and world problems would be instantly resolved. I believe the love the Savior described begins at home between husbands and wives and then extends on to their children and grandchildren. Beyond that we all have multiple opportunities each day of our lives to interact with business associates, fellow students, other members of the church, doctors, dentists, mechanics, gardeners, and etc. and etc. And how will we ultimately be known as Christ's true disciples? "... if ye have love one to another!" Is this love given grudgingly and only out of duty? I don't think so if it is the kind of love Christ has for us.
Sometimes Jo Anne expresses the sentiment to me that she feels that somehow, because she has never held hardly any high visibility administrative or teaching positions in the Church, she is somehow not as valiant in her testimony and commitment to the Savior as others may be. How wrong could she be based on the Savior's litmus test of true discipleship? If I understand the Savior's challenge to us to become his true disciples, Jo Anne is the "truest" disciple of Christ I have ever met. I'm afraid that if I were in her shoes I might come up lacking just a bit.
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Destruction of Sennacherib
October 24, 2007, Observation:
I am constantly amazed at the power and ability to paint vivid pictures in the mind and heart possessed by the 26 small letters that comprise the English alphabet. It truly is a miracle! Listening to books is almost as good as reading them, but not quite. I like to read at my own speed and think and ponder as images are created in my mind.
Words have the power to fill us with love, inspiration, great knowledge, despair, hate, and a host of other emotions. I was shopping at Costco the other day with Jo Anne -- a new Costco which they say is the biggest in the world -- what a joy -- for Jo Anne! She was not just aimlessly wandering through the aisles but was attacking each aisle in a very businesslike manner. I finally asked, "Jo Anne, do you know what you're looking for?" She gave me a withering look while responding, "No, but when I see it I will know it!" Her response was like a dagger in my heart and I tried to steer her to the free food samples which would hopefully help get me through this ordeal.
I have a few phrases I share with Jo Anne that can bring her from a state of peace and joy to one of anxiety and frustration -- like, "The game is going into overtime!" Or, "Just a minute, the 13th inning will be over anytime now!"
Over the years I have read many great books that have influenced my life, but the Scriptures have had the most profound influence of all. I love the King James Edition of the Bible. I know that new scholarship has given us probably more accurate translations, but somehow they don't have the same impact on my heart or spirit. Former generations read the Bible, loved it, and were profoundly influenced by the eternal truths contained therein. Great painters, sculptors, and poets, spent their entire lives creating magnificent works that always grew out of, and were inspired by canonized scripture. This certainly is not the norm in today's artistic community by and large.
The one example, out of thousands that could be shared regarding former day artists whose work was inspired by scripture, is a poem written by Lord Byron, the celebrated English poet. You will look long and hard to find somebody today inspired and desiring to write a magnificent poem about the Lord delivering Jerusalem and King Hezekiah from the Assyrian army under the leadership of Sennacherib, (2 Chronicles 32) as did Lord Byron in 1815. I am sure Lord Byron was inspired by King Hezekiah's words to his people as the Assyrian army was poised on the outskirts of Jerusalem to destroy it.
"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." [2 Chronicles 32: 7-8]
And then as they trusted in Jehovah and not the arm of flesh, Lord Byron would have read the following: "And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. " [2 Chronicles 32:21]
As you read this classic Lord Byron poem entitled "The Destruction of Sennacherib," if you will read it out loud I believe you will be able to hear galloping hooves, the wailing wind, and visualize in your mind what only the Lord God Jehovah could do to the mighty Assyrian army.
The destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron-1815
"The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,
when the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.
Like the leaves of the forest when summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen:
Like the leaves of the forest when autumn hath blown,
that host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!
And there lay the steed with his nostrils all wide,
But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride:
And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,
And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.
And there lay the rider distorted and pale,
With the dew on his brow and the rust on his mail;
And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,
The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.
And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,
And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;
And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!"
Yes, the Lord will fight our battles for us if we will have complete trust in Him and not in the arm of flesh! The scriptural recount in 2 Chronicles certainly inspired and impacted Lord Byron. I discovered the Scriptures as a young missionary over 40 years ago now, and although I am no scholar of ancient scripture, I have read them constantly and consistently through the years. The words of prophets feed my soul and bring the spirit of the Lord into my heart like nothing else can, it seems. As I approach "The Final Exam" I seem to have an increased desire to search the Scriptures and to share them with others, especially by family members, knowing how important these eternal truths and words have been in my own life.
A little over a year ago in speaking at eight-year-old Tanner Stratford's baptism (one of my grandsons) I quoted him 2 Nephi 31:20 and challenged him to memorize it. Every time I see him -- maybe that's why he is avoiding me -- I have him quote it to me. He says "Grandpa, wherefore ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore it ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold thus saith the Father, ye shall have eternal life!" At Rosa's Café and Tortilla Factory the other day, Tanner was chocking down a chicken enchilada and did not deem it a dignified setting for a scripture so I began quoting it to him -- incorrectly. He couldn't let me get away with it and set me straight as he struggled to handle the enchilada, a mouthful of refried beans and 2 Nephi 31:20. Tanner doesn't know it yet but he will never memorize, perhaps in his lifetime, more important words than those written by Nephi so many years ago. I know I haven't! Yes, 26 letters are truly magical, and more than that, when they become scripture -- the word of the Lord through his prophets.
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
I am constantly amazed at the power and ability to paint vivid pictures in the mind and heart possessed by the 26 small letters that comprise the English alphabet. It truly is a miracle! Listening to books is almost as good as reading them, but not quite. I like to read at my own speed and think and ponder as images are created in my mind.
Words have the power to fill us with love, inspiration, great knowledge, despair, hate, and a host of other emotions. I was shopping at Costco the other day with Jo Anne -- a new Costco which they say is the biggest in the world -- what a joy -- for Jo Anne! She was not just aimlessly wandering through the aisles but was attacking each aisle in a very businesslike manner. I finally asked, "Jo Anne, do you know what you're looking for?" She gave me a withering look while responding, "No, but when I see it I will know it!" Her response was like a dagger in my heart and I tried to steer her to the free food samples which would hopefully help get me through this ordeal.
I have a few phrases I share with Jo Anne that can bring her from a state of peace and joy to one of anxiety and frustration -- like, "The game is going into overtime!" Or, "Just a minute, the 13th inning will be over anytime now!"
Over the years I have read many great books that have influenced my life, but the Scriptures have had the most profound influence of all. I love the King James Edition of the Bible. I know that new scholarship has given us probably more accurate translations, but somehow they don't have the same impact on my heart or spirit. Former generations read the Bible, loved it, and were profoundly influenced by the eternal truths contained therein. Great painters, sculptors, and poets, spent their entire lives creating magnificent works that always grew out of, and were inspired by canonized scripture. This certainly is not the norm in today's artistic community by and large.
The one example, out of thousands that could be shared regarding former day artists whose work was inspired by scripture, is a poem written by Lord Byron, the celebrated English poet. You will look long and hard to find somebody today inspired and desiring to write a magnificent poem about the Lord delivering Jerusalem and King Hezekiah from the Assyrian army under the leadership of Sennacherib, (2 Chronicles 32) as did Lord Byron in 1815. I am sure Lord Byron was inspired by King Hezekiah's words to his people as the Assyrian army was poised on the outskirts of Jerusalem to destroy it.
"Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." [2 Chronicles 32: 7-8]
And then as they trusted in Jehovah and not the arm of flesh, Lord Byron would have read the following: "And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. " [2 Chronicles 32:21]
As you read this classic Lord Byron poem entitled "The Destruction of Sennacherib," if you will read it out loud I believe you will be able to hear galloping hooves, the wailing wind, and visualize in your mind what only the Lord God Jehovah could do to the mighty Assyrian army.
The destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron-1815
"The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,
when the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.
Like the leaves of the forest when summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen:
Like the leaves of the forest when autumn hath blown,
that host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!
And there lay the steed with his nostrils all wide,
But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride:
And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,
And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.
And there lay the rider distorted and pale,
With the dew on his brow and the rust on his mail;
And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,
The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.
And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,
And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;
And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!"
Yes, the Lord will fight our battles for us if we will have complete trust in Him and not in the arm of flesh! The scriptural recount in 2 Chronicles certainly inspired and impacted Lord Byron. I discovered the Scriptures as a young missionary over 40 years ago now, and although I am no scholar of ancient scripture, I have read them constantly and consistently through the years. The words of prophets feed my soul and bring the spirit of the Lord into my heart like nothing else can, it seems. As I approach "The Final Exam" I seem to have an increased desire to search the Scriptures and to share them with others, especially by family members, knowing how important these eternal truths and words have been in my own life.
A little over a year ago in speaking at eight-year-old Tanner Stratford's baptism (one of my grandsons) I quoted him 2 Nephi 31:20 and challenged him to memorize it. Every time I see him -- maybe that's why he is avoiding me -- I have him quote it to me. He says "Grandpa, wherefore ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore it ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ and endure to the end, behold thus saith the Father, ye shall have eternal life!" At Rosa's Café and Tortilla Factory the other day, Tanner was chocking down a chicken enchilada and did not deem it a dignified setting for a scripture so I began quoting it to him -- incorrectly. He couldn't let me get away with it and set me straight as he struggled to handle the enchilada, a mouthful of refried beans and 2 Nephi 31:20. Tanner doesn't know it yet but he will never memorize, perhaps in his lifetime, more important words than those written by Nephi so many years ago. I know I haven't! Yes, 26 letters are truly magical, and more than that, when they become scripture -- the word of the Lord through his prophets.
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Peace
October 14, 2007 Observation:
The status of my health is as follows: An old farmer wanted to sell one of his horses so he ran an ad in the local newspaper which in part said, "The horse doesn't look so good." A few days after the ad appeared a man drove out to his farm to examine the horse. The horse was just gorgeous and the price was more than right so he bought it thinking he had really put one over on the old farmer. Two days later he was back at the farm with his recent purchase. He said to the farmer, "Why didn't you tell me the horse was blind?" The farmer smiled weakly as he responded, "I said he didn't look so good!"
Well, I'm afraid I am like that old horse -- I don't look so good. However, I can see well enough to not be considered blind for which I am grateful. With very powerful reading glasses, sitting as close as I can to my computer monitor, and using large fonts, I am able to read and write. By the way, if you write to me please use a 12 point or higher font or I can't read it.
Everything is so relative in life. When I was first injured I thought things couldn't get much worse than being paralyzed and on life support; I didn't even think about what a blessing it was to have almost perfect vision, as well as hearing. Now, I don't think about being paralyzed, but have spent some time considering what a priceless gift sight is. Having essentially lost the ability to see out of my right eye and now having impaired vision in my left eye I actually went through a couple of days coming close to asking the question, "Why me Lord?" Thankfully I never got that low and instead, miraculously, began to feel grateful for what vision I still have.
My situation reminds me of the story of a great salesman, who after a serious car accident was left a paraplegic. His friends hesitated to visit him because they just could not imagine what he would be like now. Previously he had been so dynamic, enthusiastic, and happy that they just drug their feet all the way to his door not knowing what to expect. He opened the door and as he greeted them they instantly could see that except for not being able to walk, he was the same wonderful person he had been before. He said, "Before my injury I could do a thousand things. Now I can only do 500; however, I am not eating out my heart because of the 500 things I can't do, but am grateful for the 500 I can do."
Believe me, I will take whatever ability I have to see, and rejoice in it. I have a much greater empathy for those who are blind than I ever had before. With my "long distance" glasses I can watch TV pretty well, enjoy going outside, but can't see well enough to read the street signs. Actually, it has been a blessing to not be able to see really well as Jo Anne drives me about. I have lost the sense of impending doom that accompanied me on most of our journeys on the streets and freeways of Southern California, and I suppose will only realize how dangerous things have really been when it is too late to do anything about it.
Not having been able to read or write has caused me to do more pondering and reflecting than usual. For some reason, almost every evening or morning while I am in bed and not asleep, one scripture from the Gospel of John that has been set to music seems to constantly be playing in my mind. One of the things I miss most about my current situation is my inability to sing. I sang in a chorus at BYU, in the mission field, directed a seminary choir in Ogden, Utah, as well as serving as a ward choir director for a short period of time. For some reason every choir I conducted or sang in, we always learned and performed the following: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [John 14:27]
Those of you who have been privileged to sing this number, or have heard the Tabernacle choir sing it, are undoubtedly having the beautiful melody and harmony resonate through your mind and heart at this moment. I can never just recite these words but almost involuntarily sing them in my mind. And so, for some months, without consciously striving to do so these words and melody have almost constantly been in my mind in the late evening and early morning hours. I am kind of dense but I began to think the Lord was addressing the fact that my heart was somewhat "troubled and afraid," regarding the possibility of impending blindness. I believe that is undoubtedly part of it -- my heart was "troubled and afraid" -- sure evidence of a lack of faith in Christ and the power of the atonement. However, that was just part of the message the Lord wanted me to get as I began to analyze and ponder the words of the Savior recorded by John.
The verse begins "Peace I leave with you..." Yes, Christ was the Prince of Peace, and was not the great warrior the Jews expected to come to free them from the yoke of Roman bondage. He left the world in peace in the sense that no armed conflict erupted or was inspired by him during his ministry. That was important, but then he goes to the heart of the matter -- something I needed to understand. "... my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you..." Now he talks about another kind of peace -- my peace! And he doesn't just leave it with us; he gives it to us. The gift of his peace enables us to never let our hearts be troubled or afraid. If we seek him and trust in his goodness he will give us his peace -- not as the world giveth. His peace is spiritual in nature and hard to describe to one who has never felt it. Paul said it passes all human understanding -- and it does, but it is real. The peace the world has to offer comes from important institutions of men such as stable government, law and order, and in the minds of some, institutions like the United Nations. Unfortunately, the world's peace seems to have to be enforced by weapons of destruction -- quite an ironic paradox.
In retrospect I have needed this message from John 14:27 badly at this time in my life. Trouble and fear have thankfully been replaced by the peace that only the Savior can bring into one's heart. The Savior's gift of peace is priceless!
Dad/grandpa/Jack
The status of my health is as follows: An old farmer wanted to sell one of his horses so he ran an ad in the local newspaper which in part said, "The horse doesn't look so good." A few days after the ad appeared a man drove out to his farm to examine the horse. The horse was just gorgeous and the price was more than right so he bought it thinking he had really put one over on the old farmer. Two days later he was back at the farm with his recent purchase. He said to the farmer, "Why didn't you tell me the horse was blind?" The farmer smiled weakly as he responded, "I said he didn't look so good!"
Well, I'm afraid I am like that old horse -- I don't look so good. However, I can see well enough to not be considered blind for which I am grateful. With very powerful reading glasses, sitting as close as I can to my computer monitor, and using large fonts, I am able to read and write. By the way, if you write to me please use a 12 point or higher font or I can't read it.
Everything is so relative in life. When I was first injured I thought things couldn't get much worse than being paralyzed and on life support; I didn't even think about what a blessing it was to have almost perfect vision, as well as hearing. Now, I don't think about being paralyzed, but have spent some time considering what a priceless gift sight is. Having essentially lost the ability to see out of my right eye and now having impaired vision in my left eye I actually went through a couple of days coming close to asking the question, "Why me Lord?" Thankfully I never got that low and instead, miraculously, began to feel grateful for what vision I still have.
My situation reminds me of the story of a great salesman, who after a serious car accident was left a paraplegic. His friends hesitated to visit him because they just could not imagine what he would be like now. Previously he had been so dynamic, enthusiastic, and happy that they just drug their feet all the way to his door not knowing what to expect. He opened the door and as he greeted them they instantly could see that except for not being able to walk, he was the same wonderful person he had been before. He said, "Before my injury I could do a thousand things. Now I can only do 500; however, I am not eating out my heart because of the 500 things I can't do, but am grateful for the 500 I can do."
Believe me, I will take whatever ability I have to see, and rejoice in it. I have a much greater empathy for those who are blind than I ever had before. With my "long distance" glasses I can watch TV pretty well, enjoy going outside, but can't see well enough to read the street signs. Actually, it has been a blessing to not be able to see really well as Jo Anne drives me about. I have lost the sense of impending doom that accompanied me on most of our journeys on the streets and freeways of Southern California, and I suppose will only realize how dangerous things have really been when it is too late to do anything about it.
Not having been able to read or write has caused me to do more pondering and reflecting than usual. For some reason, almost every evening or morning while I am in bed and not asleep, one scripture from the Gospel of John that has been set to music seems to constantly be playing in my mind. One of the things I miss most about my current situation is my inability to sing. I sang in a chorus at BYU, in the mission field, directed a seminary choir in Ogden, Utah, as well as serving as a ward choir director for a short period of time. For some reason every choir I conducted or sang in, we always learned and performed the following: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [John 14:27]
Those of you who have been privileged to sing this number, or have heard the Tabernacle choir sing it, are undoubtedly having the beautiful melody and harmony resonate through your mind and heart at this moment. I can never just recite these words but almost involuntarily sing them in my mind. And so, for some months, without consciously striving to do so these words and melody have almost constantly been in my mind in the late evening and early morning hours. I am kind of dense but I began to think the Lord was addressing the fact that my heart was somewhat "troubled and afraid," regarding the possibility of impending blindness. I believe that is undoubtedly part of it -- my heart was "troubled and afraid" -- sure evidence of a lack of faith in Christ and the power of the atonement. However, that was just part of the message the Lord wanted me to get as I began to analyze and ponder the words of the Savior recorded by John.
The verse begins "Peace I leave with you..." Yes, Christ was the Prince of Peace, and was not the great warrior the Jews expected to come to free them from the yoke of Roman bondage. He left the world in peace in the sense that no armed conflict erupted or was inspired by him during his ministry. That was important, but then he goes to the heart of the matter -- something I needed to understand. "... my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you..." Now he talks about another kind of peace -- my peace! And he doesn't just leave it with us; he gives it to us. The gift of his peace enables us to never let our hearts be troubled or afraid. If we seek him and trust in his goodness he will give us his peace -- not as the world giveth. His peace is spiritual in nature and hard to describe to one who has never felt it. Paul said it passes all human understanding -- and it does, but it is real. The peace the world has to offer comes from important institutions of men such as stable government, law and order, and in the minds of some, institutions like the United Nations. Unfortunately, the world's peace seems to have to be enforced by weapons of destruction -- quite an ironic paradox.
In retrospect I have needed this message from John 14:27 badly at this time in my life. Trouble and fear have thankfully been replaced by the peace that only the Savior can bring into one's heart. The Savior's gift of peace is priceless!
Dad/grandpa/Jack
Thursday, August 2, 2007
If It Is Expedient in Christ
I wish everyone could have the opportunity just once of going to ER or intensive care as a quadriplegic on life support. Depending upon your kind of personality you would either come away from the experience with a greatly enhanced sense of humor or extremely frustrated. One of the first procedures you would be submitted to would be an x-ray. The x-ray technician has had drummed into his head that he must say "take a deep breath and hold it" to everyone he x-rays. He is like the MacDonald's employee who says to me when I ask for an order of french fries -- "would you like fries with that order?" Of course I would love to take a deep breath and hold it and I try to communicate that sentiment to the technician as best I can. They go forward with the x-ray with great misgivings and I always have the feeling that they are a tad upset with me because I have broken the cardinal rule of proper x-ray protocol.
The next thing that happens is that the doctor wants to redo my trachea system so I can't speak as loudly or as well as I normally do. I know there must be a profound medical reason for this but I have not discovered it yet. Now that I am unable to communicate in a normal way, the intensive care nurses begin to take care of me. During 12 days in intensive care, only one nurse is not Asian. Don't get me wrong, these are incredibly compassionate, competent and wonderful nurses, but with their English and my inability to speak, communication does become an issue. I start getting cold and ask the nurse to pull the blanket "up." She pulls it "down". I say, "No, pull it toward my head!" She pulls it toward my feet. This tug-of-war goes on for some time until the light turns on in her head and she says "Oh, you want the blanket "up." I ask, "Would you please put the head of the bed down?" I am invariably catapulted forward in a most agonizing manner. The nurse says, "Is that far enough?" My muffled response is "Head down, head down!" Having won the battle of the blanket and the position of the bed I am exhausted, and being unable to speak at all now, I am an ideal patient -- comatose -- for the next several hours.
The nurse next tells me that if I need help in case of an emergency to just pick up the remote and push the emergency button to call her. This makes me nervous for a number of reasons as you can imagine. First of all the nurse has not yet caught on that I can't move, and secondly what am I to do in case of a real emergency like my ventilator failing, or my hose popping off because the rubber bands were not properly attached to my trachea? When I express my concerns about this potential problem -- and especially with the hose popping up -- the nurse comforts me by saying "In this hospital we don't use rubber bands to hold the trachea on."
I really am not a wimp but I had a close family member or friend stay with me 24 hours a day for the 12 days I was in intensive care. Guess what? Had somebody not been there at my bedside as an advocate with the nurses, I honestly don't know that I would have made it out of there alive.
Actually, this particular brush with death was quite sobering for me. Yesterday our primary HMO doctor, Dr. Siddall, called to tell us she had been monitoring my surgery and recovery through the charts and written records that are kept. She said that it was the most dramatic account of a surgery she has read for many years. She said it took a giant team effort on the part of many skilled surgeons, other doctors, and nurses to keep me alive so the surgery could be performed. My blood pressure got so low on two occasions that the anesthesiologist had to quit administering anesthesia for a period of time. He was concerned I would be in great pain, but of course such was not the case, and in retrospect, all I can say is "Boy, I'll bet that hurt!" I don't know what Dr. Siddall's religious tradition is but she told us over the phone that making it through the surgery was an absolute miracle and that I must have some important mission yet to perform.
I do know that my life was preserved by the Lord. The priesthood blessings I received from my sons prior to my surgery were blessings of great faith and power. I know that death is an inevitable part of life but at times the Lord sees fit to prolong life. Two verses of Scripture from the Book of Moroni have taken on significant meaning as a result of my latest adventure. "And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." [Moroni 7:33] And then Moroni 10:23 is almost a direct quote of 7:33. In the first instance Moroni is quoting his father and the second time he uses these phrases is in the last chapter of his own writings. I think this truth was extremely important to both Mormon and Moroni.
My life was preserved because of faith -- my own faith, the faith of my family and friends, the numerous prayers offered in my behalf, and the priesthood blessings administered in faith -- and because it was expedient in Christ that such be the case. I am amazed at the number of Scriptures in the standard works in which the word "expedient" is used. Expedient: "... suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance." [Merriam-Webster online dictionary]
"And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient [suitable] in me" -- achieving a particular end in a given circumstance -- in my case, being healed from a dangerous surgery because it was expedient in Christ that such be the case.
I am extremely grateful that it was "expedient" in Christ that my life be preserved through faith on His name. Because of it, each day of mortality is such a precious gift.
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
The next thing that happens is that the doctor wants to redo my trachea system so I can't speak as loudly or as well as I normally do. I know there must be a profound medical reason for this but I have not discovered it yet. Now that I am unable to communicate in a normal way, the intensive care nurses begin to take care of me. During 12 days in intensive care, only one nurse is not Asian. Don't get me wrong, these are incredibly compassionate, competent and wonderful nurses, but with their English and my inability to speak, communication does become an issue. I start getting cold and ask the nurse to pull the blanket "up." She pulls it "down". I say, "No, pull it toward my head!" She pulls it toward my feet. This tug-of-war goes on for some time until the light turns on in her head and she says "Oh, you want the blanket "up." I ask, "Would you please put the head of the bed down?" I am invariably catapulted forward in a most agonizing manner. The nurse says, "Is that far enough?" My muffled response is "Head down, head down!" Having won the battle of the blanket and the position of the bed I am exhausted, and being unable to speak at all now, I am an ideal patient -- comatose -- for the next several hours.
The nurse next tells me that if I need help in case of an emergency to just pick up the remote and push the emergency button to call her. This makes me nervous for a number of reasons as you can imagine. First of all the nurse has not yet caught on that I can't move, and secondly what am I to do in case of a real emergency like my ventilator failing, or my hose popping off because the rubber bands were not properly attached to my trachea? When I express my concerns about this potential problem -- and especially with the hose popping up -- the nurse comforts me by saying "In this hospital we don't use rubber bands to hold the trachea on."
I really am not a wimp but I had a close family member or friend stay with me 24 hours a day for the 12 days I was in intensive care. Guess what? Had somebody not been there at my bedside as an advocate with the nurses, I honestly don't know that I would have made it out of there alive.
Actually, this particular brush with death was quite sobering for me. Yesterday our primary HMO doctor, Dr. Siddall, called to tell us she had been monitoring my surgery and recovery through the charts and written records that are kept. She said that it was the most dramatic account of a surgery she has read for many years. She said it took a giant team effort on the part of many skilled surgeons, other doctors, and nurses to keep me alive so the surgery could be performed. My blood pressure got so low on two occasions that the anesthesiologist had to quit administering anesthesia for a period of time. He was concerned I would be in great pain, but of course such was not the case, and in retrospect, all I can say is "Boy, I'll bet that hurt!" I don't know what Dr. Siddall's religious tradition is but she told us over the phone that making it through the surgery was an absolute miracle and that I must have some important mission yet to perform.
I do know that my life was preserved by the Lord. The priesthood blessings I received from my sons prior to my surgery were blessings of great faith and power. I know that death is an inevitable part of life but at times the Lord sees fit to prolong life. Two verses of Scripture from the Book of Moroni have taken on significant meaning as a result of my latest adventure. "And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." [Moroni 7:33] And then Moroni 10:23 is almost a direct quote of 7:33. In the first instance Moroni is quoting his father and the second time he uses these phrases is in the last chapter of his own writings. I think this truth was extremely important to both Mormon and Moroni.
My life was preserved because of faith -- my own faith, the faith of my family and friends, the numerous prayers offered in my behalf, and the priesthood blessings administered in faith -- and because it was expedient in Christ that such be the case. I am amazed at the number of Scriptures in the standard works in which the word "expedient" is used. Expedient: "... suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance." [Merriam-Webster online dictionary]
"And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient [suitable] in me" -- achieving a particular end in a given circumstance -- in my case, being healed from a dangerous surgery because it was expedient in Christ that such be the case.
I am extremely grateful that it was "expedient" in Christ that my life be preserved through faith on His name. Because of it, each day of mortality is such a precious gift.
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
Monday, July 2, 2007
Live Today, Learn Forever
Several weeks ago our oldest grandson, Michael Rushton, graduated from Murietta Valley high school. The graduation ceremony took place at the football stadium and it was a blistering hot day. Fortunately, Jo Anne and I were able to find a shady spot under the bleachers where we could sit, me in my wheelchair -- I always have some place to sit -- and she in a folding chair. We could see and hear the proceedings extremely well from our vantage point. One of the student speakers, a young lady, said something that attracted my attention, which is a remarkable achievement on her part given the heat of the day and the setting -- a football field overflowing with a mass of sweating moms and dads and grandparents.
She quoted Gandhi as follows: "Live as though you are going to die tomorrow; learn as though you are going to live forever!" I thought at the time what an important truth to incorporate into your life as a young high school graduate embarking on life's adventure. Of course, it is that kind of true principle that really ought to govern the lives of each one of us regardless of our age or station in life.
I guess the reason the Gandhi statement attracted my attention is because of my own life's experience. Since living on life support for 19 years, and having had several near-death experiences because of it, I am very aware of how fragile my own life is. Many of you have heard me describe my lifestyle as "Living on the Edge!" However, as I have thought about it over the years, I truly do believe that all of us are "living on the edge" and have no guarantee of what tomorrow is going to bring. I know how profoundly true James' statement is: "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." [James 4:14] [Emphasis added]
If what James says is true, and I know it is, Gandhi's advice about living as though we are going to die tomorrow, if taken seriously, could have a profound impact upon the way we live our daily lives. Does living our lives "as though we are going to die tomorrow" mean that we should strive to pack every waking hour with more fun, golf, exciting experiences, world travel, cruises, and etc.? I really don't think so. Don't get me wrong, I certainly do believe there is a place for all of the things that can bring us pleasure and enjoyment, but I have learned that at the end of the day the only thing that will really matter is the quality of our relationships with our family, friends, and especially with the Lord. This I learned as I was stretched out on a hospital bed in a trauma unit being told I would never move my body again, breathe on my own again, speak again, eat regular food again, or live outside a care facility. In that moment, having lost the use of my physical body, I realized that nothing I had done in my life really mattered for much except the relationships I had forged with my loved ones and with my Heavenly Father over the years.
I suppose with life being as fragile as it is that in living our lives as though we were going to die tomorrow, I would think that every day we would want to strive to be kinder, less judgmental, more loving to all we know, and striving to follow the Lord's admonition, "As I have loved you, love one another!"
Last Thursday a funeral service was held for Jo Anne's 88-year-old mother who had passed away Sunday evening. At her death, her posterity included her 10 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren numbering 141. All of her children and grandchildren who spoke on the program spoke with great tenderness of her love, nonjudgmental attitude, kindness, and intense dislike for any kind of contention or loud and angry words. One of her sons-in-law said to me after the service that this was one funeral in which the absolute truth was told about the deceased, without any need to embellish any aspect of her character. I knew her for 43 years and can honestly say that I never heard her say a mean or derogatory thing to, or about, any other person. It simply was not in her nature to do so, and therefore the love her children and grandchildren had for her was just absolutely immense. She had no degrees, was not rich or famous, but because of her life and the relationships she had with her loved ones she "... did not taste of death, for it was sweet unto her." To be loved as she was by those who matter the most -- family and friends -- is to have lived a successful life. I am sure I will never achieve it, but each day, not knowing whether it will be my last or not, I want to try to emulate this wonderful character trait possessed in such rich abundance by Jo Anne's mother.
I also have strong feelings about the second part of the Gandhi statement, "... learn as though you are going to live forever!" I have a little feeling for what it might be like to enter a world where we no longer have a physical body. For over 18 years now my life has basically been a life of the mind and spirit. I cannot adequately express how important is the knowledge, especially gospel knowledge and a love for the scriptures and other good books, I stored up in my mind and heart before my accident. And because of my situation I am now privileged to spend hours each day learning and discovering new truths. I suspect I have read more great books and learned more, especially during the last 10 years, than in any other 10 year period of my life. The truth be known, we are going to live forever, and: "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." [Doctrine & Covenants 130:18-19]
In my own mind, to quit learning is to quit living! "... How dull it is to pause, to make an end, to rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use! /As tho' to breathe were life! /Life piled on life Were all too little, and of one to me Little remains:/ but every hour is saved From that eternal silence, something more, /A bringer of new things..." [Ulysses, Alfred Lord Tennyson]
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
She quoted Gandhi as follows: "Live as though you are going to die tomorrow; learn as though you are going to live forever!" I thought at the time what an important truth to incorporate into your life as a young high school graduate embarking on life's adventure. Of course, it is that kind of true principle that really ought to govern the lives of each one of us regardless of our age or station in life.
I guess the reason the Gandhi statement attracted my attention is because of my own life's experience. Since living on life support for 19 years, and having had several near-death experiences because of it, I am very aware of how fragile my own life is. Many of you have heard me describe my lifestyle as "Living on the Edge!" However, as I have thought about it over the years, I truly do believe that all of us are "living on the edge" and have no guarantee of what tomorrow is going to bring. I know how profoundly true James' statement is: "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." [James 4:14] [Emphasis added]
If what James says is true, and I know it is, Gandhi's advice about living as though we are going to die tomorrow, if taken seriously, could have a profound impact upon the way we live our daily lives. Does living our lives "as though we are going to die tomorrow" mean that we should strive to pack every waking hour with more fun, golf, exciting experiences, world travel, cruises, and etc.? I really don't think so. Don't get me wrong, I certainly do believe there is a place for all of the things that can bring us pleasure and enjoyment, but I have learned that at the end of the day the only thing that will really matter is the quality of our relationships with our family, friends, and especially with the Lord. This I learned as I was stretched out on a hospital bed in a trauma unit being told I would never move my body again, breathe on my own again, speak again, eat regular food again, or live outside a care facility. In that moment, having lost the use of my physical body, I realized that nothing I had done in my life really mattered for much except the relationships I had forged with my loved ones and with my Heavenly Father over the years.
I suppose with life being as fragile as it is that in living our lives as though we were going to die tomorrow, I would think that every day we would want to strive to be kinder, less judgmental, more loving to all we know, and striving to follow the Lord's admonition, "As I have loved you, love one another!"
Last Thursday a funeral service was held for Jo Anne's 88-year-old mother who had passed away Sunday evening. At her death, her posterity included her 10 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren numbering 141. All of her children and grandchildren who spoke on the program spoke with great tenderness of her love, nonjudgmental attitude, kindness, and intense dislike for any kind of contention or loud and angry words. One of her sons-in-law said to me after the service that this was one funeral in which the absolute truth was told about the deceased, without any need to embellish any aspect of her character. I knew her for 43 years and can honestly say that I never heard her say a mean or derogatory thing to, or about, any other person. It simply was not in her nature to do so, and therefore the love her children and grandchildren had for her was just absolutely immense. She had no degrees, was not rich or famous, but because of her life and the relationships she had with her loved ones she "... did not taste of death, for it was sweet unto her." To be loved as she was by those who matter the most -- family and friends -- is to have lived a successful life. I am sure I will never achieve it, but each day, not knowing whether it will be my last or not, I want to try to emulate this wonderful character trait possessed in such rich abundance by Jo Anne's mother.
I also have strong feelings about the second part of the Gandhi statement, "... learn as though you are going to live forever!" I have a little feeling for what it might be like to enter a world where we no longer have a physical body. For over 18 years now my life has basically been a life of the mind and spirit. I cannot adequately express how important is the knowledge, especially gospel knowledge and a love for the scriptures and other good books, I stored up in my mind and heart before my accident. And because of my situation I am now privileged to spend hours each day learning and discovering new truths. I suspect I have read more great books and learned more, especially during the last 10 years, than in any other 10 year period of my life. The truth be known, we are going to live forever, and: "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." [Doctrine & Covenants 130:18-19]
In my own mind, to quit learning is to quit living! "... How dull it is to pause, to make an end, to rust unburnish'd, not to shine in use! /As tho' to breathe were life! /Life piled on life Were all too little, and of one to me Little remains:/ but every hour is saved From that eternal silence, something more, /A bringer of new things..." [Ulysses, Alfred Lord Tennyson]
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The United Herd
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Power Of The United Herd
Several Sundays ago as my good friend Brian McInnis was conducting fast and testimony meeting as a counselor in the bishopric, he said something in his testimony that I thought was a very profound truth concerning life. Brian loves to watch the Discovery Channel and especially the programs about nature and wildlife. He told us about a program he had recently watched about a herd of Water Buffaloes in Africa. The herd was on its way to a watering hole and just as they got there several lions leapt out of the heavy brush and attacked a small calf which was the smallest Buffalo in the herd. The Lions had probably been stalking the herd for miles determining which water buffalo was the most vulnerable, and would provide them with the best lunch.
The lions inadvertently dragged the calf down into the water and as they were attempting to kill it several alligators came up out of the water and grabbed onto the calf as well. The poor thing was probably wondering why he had ever bothered to get up that day. Do water buffaloes sleep lying down? I don't know. Anyhow, the calf was having an unusually bad day. As the tug-of-war between the lions and the alligators persisted and became more intense, suddenly the father and mother buffalo -- bull and cow -- charged with all their might and were able to drive off a lion or two. They however, were no match for all the lions and alligators that had attacked their child, but unexpectedly the entire herd gathered together and as a group charged the lions and the alligators and with horns and hooves drove off the enemy and saved the little calf's life.
Mom and Dad could not, by themselves, have saved their child from the lions and alligators; it took the entire united herd to do the job. Families, extended families, the inspired organization of the Church that includes home and visiting teachers, bishops and stake presidents, youth advisers, and seminary and institute teachers and classes, constitute our "united herd" and are absolutely essential to save our vulnerable children from the spiritual lions and alligators stalking them and us.
There are spiritual predators -- as cunning and ferocious as physical lions and alligators -- stalking us today and seeking to devour the most vulnerable among us. Our spiritual predators or enemies today, I believe, are more dangerous to us ultimately, than Al Qaeda, Hamas, and other predatory terrorist groups that seek to blow up and destroy our physical bodies. What are some of these spiritual predators or terrorists? As you think about it you will undoubtedly create your own list, but I think they must include many of the false precepts of men that Nephi saw in vision would corrupt churches and people in our day: "... they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men." [2 Nephi 28:14]
It is not my intent to give you my complete list of the false precepts of men but they would include false religious precepts, false educational precepts, false political precepts, and false moral precepts with which we are bombarded almost daily. Tragically, as Nephi envisioned our day, he saw that most people had gone astray save it be a few who were "the humble followers of Christ," and even many of them were blown up spiritually so to say, because they hearkened to these precepts of men.
And then, of course, some of the spiritual artillery and land mines used by the Adversary includes such things as illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and pornography. All of these things can be addictive and can result in our being eaten alive spiritually. It takes the united effort of family, good friends, and Church to protect and also help deliver those who are already in the jaws of these spiritual alligators and Lions before they are destroyed.
Many years ago while serving as a bishop, a good visiting teacher discovered that a young married woman with two sweet children that lived in our ward was being abused verbally and physically by her husband. He had become involved in, and addicted to, pornography and had been very unfaithful to his wife. He was involved in many wicked practices that had driven away the Spirit from his life and he was a danger to his wife and children because of it. After a brief visit with her, she gave her consent for me to call her father who lived in a distant state. After explaining to him what was happening to his daughter and grandchildren he caught a flight that night and arrived in Orange County the next morning, took his daughter and two grandchildren immediately back to the airport, and flew them home. He acted very well the part of the bull water buffalo charging onto the scene to save his daughter.
About two years ago I received a letter from this now older middle aged woman who wanted to tell me the rest of the story. She had been granted a divorce from her abusive husband, had married a very good man, and now had four or five children who were doing very well in life having served missions and married in the temple. She just wanted to express her appreciation and gratitude for the love and support manifested to her from the members of our ward at a very critical time in her life. What might have happened to her and her children had it not been for loving friends and a father who were willing to do battle in her behalf to release her from the very dangerous circumstances of her life?
Sickness, disabling accidents, and the death of a loved one can also inadvertently become spiritual alligators or lions that can drive us away from our Heavenly Father through depression and a loss of faith. When I was injured almost 19 years ago now, I was overwhelmed at the support given to me, not only by my family, but by so many others as well. For the month following my accident, fellow high priests took turns sitting with me through the night, reading scriptures to me, talking to me, singing hymns, and just being there. I cannot describe what a comfort this was to me at that trying time. Sunday after Sunday while I was in the rehabilitation hospital, 30 or 40 friends would stop by during the day to visit. I enjoyed every minute of their visits and was strengthened and buoyed up by their love and support. This love and concern has endured 19 years now and has enabled Jo Anne and I to press forward knowing that we are surrounded by a loving "herd."
"And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind..." [Moses 7:18]
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
The Power Of The United Herd
Several Sundays ago as my good friend Brian McInnis was conducting fast and testimony meeting as a counselor in the bishopric, he said something in his testimony that I thought was a very profound truth concerning life. Brian loves to watch the Discovery Channel and especially the programs about nature and wildlife. He told us about a program he had recently watched about a herd of Water Buffaloes in Africa. The herd was on its way to a watering hole and just as they got there several lions leapt out of the heavy brush and attacked a small calf which was the smallest Buffalo in the herd. The Lions had probably been stalking the herd for miles determining which water buffalo was the most vulnerable, and would provide them with the best lunch.
The lions inadvertently dragged the calf down into the water and as they were attempting to kill it several alligators came up out of the water and grabbed onto the calf as well. The poor thing was probably wondering why he had ever bothered to get up that day. Do water buffaloes sleep lying down? I don't know. Anyhow, the calf was having an unusually bad day. As the tug-of-war between the lions and the alligators persisted and became more intense, suddenly the father and mother buffalo -- bull and cow -- charged with all their might and were able to drive off a lion or two. They however, were no match for all the lions and alligators that had attacked their child, but unexpectedly the entire herd gathered together and as a group charged the lions and the alligators and with horns and hooves drove off the enemy and saved the little calf's life.
Mom and Dad could not, by themselves, have saved their child from the lions and alligators; it took the entire united herd to do the job. Families, extended families, the inspired organization of the Church that includes home and visiting teachers, bishops and stake presidents, youth advisers, and seminary and institute teachers and classes, constitute our "united herd" and are absolutely essential to save our vulnerable children from the spiritual lions and alligators stalking them and us.
There are spiritual predators -- as cunning and ferocious as physical lions and alligators -- stalking us today and seeking to devour the most vulnerable among us. Our spiritual predators or enemies today, I believe, are more dangerous to us ultimately, than Al Qaeda, Hamas, and other predatory terrorist groups that seek to blow up and destroy our physical bodies. What are some of these spiritual predators or terrorists? As you think about it you will undoubtedly create your own list, but I think they must include many of the false precepts of men that Nephi saw in vision would corrupt churches and people in our day: "... they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men." [2 Nephi 28:14]
It is not my intent to give you my complete list of the false precepts of men but they would include false religious precepts, false educational precepts, false political precepts, and false moral precepts with which we are bombarded almost daily. Tragically, as Nephi envisioned our day, he saw that most people had gone astray save it be a few who were "the humble followers of Christ," and even many of them were blown up spiritually so to say, because they hearkened to these precepts of men.
And then, of course, some of the spiritual artillery and land mines used by the Adversary includes such things as illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and pornography. All of these things can be addictive and can result in our being eaten alive spiritually. It takes the united effort of family, good friends, and Church to protect and also help deliver those who are already in the jaws of these spiritual alligators and Lions before they are destroyed.
Many years ago while serving as a bishop, a good visiting teacher discovered that a young married woman with two sweet children that lived in our ward was being abused verbally and physically by her husband. He had become involved in, and addicted to, pornography and had been very unfaithful to his wife. He was involved in many wicked practices that had driven away the Spirit from his life and he was a danger to his wife and children because of it. After a brief visit with her, she gave her consent for me to call her father who lived in a distant state. After explaining to him what was happening to his daughter and grandchildren he caught a flight that night and arrived in Orange County the next morning, took his daughter and two grandchildren immediately back to the airport, and flew them home. He acted very well the part of the bull water buffalo charging onto the scene to save his daughter.
About two years ago I received a letter from this now older middle aged woman who wanted to tell me the rest of the story. She had been granted a divorce from her abusive husband, had married a very good man, and now had four or five children who were doing very well in life having served missions and married in the temple. She just wanted to express her appreciation and gratitude for the love and support manifested to her from the members of our ward at a very critical time in her life. What might have happened to her and her children had it not been for loving friends and a father who were willing to do battle in her behalf to release her from the very dangerous circumstances of her life?
Sickness, disabling accidents, and the death of a loved one can also inadvertently become spiritual alligators or lions that can drive us away from our Heavenly Father through depression and a loss of faith. When I was injured almost 19 years ago now, I was overwhelmed at the support given to me, not only by my family, but by so many others as well. For the month following my accident, fellow high priests took turns sitting with me through the night, reading scriptures to me, talking to me, singing hymns, and just being there. I cannot describe what a comfort this was to me at that trying time. Sunday after Sunday while I was in the rehabilitation hospital, 30 or 40 friends would stop by during the day to visit. I enjoyed every minute of their visits and was strengthened and buoyed up by their love and support. This love and concern has endured 19 years now and has enabled Jo Anne and I to press forward knowing that we are surrounded by a loving "herd."
"And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind..." [Moses 7:18]
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
Friday, June 8, 2007
Enduring it Well
Last week Jo Anne hosted a bridal shower at our home. One of the ladies who attended brought her son to visit with me while the shower was going on. This was such a great blessing to me to be cloistered away in my bedroom with some male companionship and protected from the girlish fun, festivities, and chatter that 40 women inevitably bring with them to a bridal shower. I was not reluctant however, to partake of the good food and dessert I must admit.
The young man I was privileged to visit with was badly injured in the mission field while riding his bicycle. His pancreas was severely damaged and his life was in jeopardy for some time. For months he was unable to eat and consequently lost about 50 or 60 pounds. After many priesthood blessings, fasting and prayer on behalf of many, and skilled doctors performing a delicate surgery, he once again is beginning to be able to eat and is regaining his health and strength. Hopefully if everything keeps going well he will be able to return to his field of labor in another six months.
He is a wonderful and special person. He was attending USC on an academic scholarship before entering the mission field, and is a young man of great potential and promise. Having been very successful in life before his mission he was also being very productive and effective as a missionary, and then came this unfortunate accident which could easily have cost him his life. What has happened to him, I am sure has caused him much serious reflection.
He had many questions he wanted to ask me about a variety of things and I truly had a delightful time visiting with him. Toward the end of our conversation he asked what I thought was a question for the ages. He said, "Brother Rushton, what do you think I should learn from this experience?" It seems like such a simple question and yet at the same time it is so very profound. In asking the question I knew he had been doing a lot of soul-searching regarding why he would ever have had to experience this kind of problem while serving the Lord with all his heart in the mission field.
What follows is, in essence, what I tried to share with him that evening, but in more detail, as I have had time to reflect on it for a few days. The first thing that came into my mind was that hopefully he would learn patience. However, in saying patience I really mean much more than just patience. The Scriptures would call it learning to "endure." But it is more than just learning to "endure." When my own accident occurred I was 50 years old, had served a mission, married in the temple, had served as a bishop and stake president, and with all that experience behind me felt that I was strong enough to endure what had happened to me. In my mind I would say to myself "Jack, you can get through this. It won't be easy but you can do it. Just gird up your loins and gut it out." And so, like a man in a cold wind and rain storm, in a sense I turned up the collar of my coat, turned my back to the storm, gritted my teeth and endured. Guess what? It didn't work! I was miserable, my family was miserable, and I began to learn that apparently just enduring was not enough. It was then I stumbled upon a great truth I had read for years but had not registered with me. In Doctrine & Covenants 121 as Joseph pled with the Lord to find some meaning to his own brand of adversity the Lord said to him: "And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." [Doctrine & Covenants 121:8] [emphasis added] Of all the Scriptures that admonish us to endure to the end, this is the only verse I can find that tells us how to endure -- "endure it well." For someone in my situation this was an important revelation. I came to learn that it is not enough just to endure but we must endure it well. If we endure it well we won't just be gritting our teeth and turning up our collar against the storm, but we will be experiencing peace and joy that will enable us to be productive, to serve others, and to especially be a blessing to our loved ones.
You are probably saying, "Well, Jack, that is all well and good but how do you get to that point in your life where in the midst of adversity you are able to rise to a level beyond just enduring, but enduring it well?" Again, the answer came to me personally from the Scriptures. It comes from that same context of Joseph learning great lessons about the purpose of adversity while incarcerated in Liberty Jail. The Lord went on to tell him, after listing many of the trials Joseph had already suffered, the following: "... and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." [Doctrine & Covenants 122:7] [emphasis added]
For some time, but especially after my accident, I pondered upon that verse a great deal. I would often ask myself, "Why are terrible things that happen to us supposed to be for our good?" I just didn't get it! Yes, I know they give us experience but is that all? Was being paralyzed from the neck down and living on life support the rest of my life for my good? Was it for the good of this young missionary to almost lose his life in a bicycle accident while serving a mission for the Lord? Finally after really many years of pondering I think I finally got it. You all probably are not as dense as I am and undoubtedly already have it.
All of the horrible things that can happen to us in mortality will only be for our good if they humble us, drive us to our knees, and make us more dependent upon the Savior and less dependent upon the arm of flesh. Adversity can either drive people away from faith in Christ or to an increased faith in Him. When one comes to understand that he is not strong enough, smart enough, talented enough, etc. to make it on his own through this mortal experience and comes to Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the Savior can strengthen the individual through the healing power of the atonement to "endure it well". Then the adversity truly will be for our good. I think I also have a deeper feeling for what King Benjamin said about mankind since coming to the realization I can't do it on my own. "... I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come... And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God..." [Mosiah 4:11-12]
And so my young friend, hopefully you will learn to "endure it well" and turn to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, casting your burden upon him with complete trust and faith in his goodness. If you do so, I believe I can promise you, because of my own experience, you will always be able to rejoice and be filled with the love of God regardless of what life may bring your way.
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
The young man I was privileged to visit with was badly injured in the mission field while riding his bicycle. His pancreas was severely damaged and his life was in jeopardy for some time. For months he was unable to eat and consequently lost about 50 or 60 pounds. After many priesthood blessings, fasting and prayer on behalf of many, and skilled doctors performing a delicate surgery, he once again is beginning to be able to eat and is regaining his health and strength. Hopefully if everything keeps going well he will be able to return to his field of labor in another six months.
He is a wonderful and special person. He was attending USC on an academic scholarship before entering the mission field, and is a young man of great potential and promise. Having been very successful in life before his mission he was also being very productive and effective as a missionary, and then came this unfortunate accident which could easily have cost him his life. What has happened to him, I am sure has caused him much serious reflection.
He had many questions he wanted to ask me about a variety of things and I truly had a delightful time visiting with him. Toward the end of our conversation he asked what I thought was a question for the ages. He said, "Brother Rushton, what do you think I should learn from this experience?" It seems like such a simple question and yet at the same time it is so very profound. In asking the question I knew he had been doing a lot of soul-searching regarding why he would ever have had to experience this kind of problem while serving the Lord with all his heart in the mission field.
What follows is, in essence, what I tried to share with him that evening, but in more detail, as I have had time to reflect on it for a few days. The first thing that came into my mind was that hopefully he would learn patience. However, in saying patience I really mean much more than just patience. The Scriptures would call it learning to "endure." But it is more than just learning to "endure." When my own accident occurred I was 50 years old, had served a mission, married in the temple, had served as a bishop and stake president, and with all that experience behind me felt that I was strong enough to endure what had happened to me. In my mind I would say to myself "Jack, you can get through this. It won't be easy but you can do it. Just gird up your loins and gut it out." And so, like a man in a cold wind and rain storm, in a sense I turned up the collar of my coat, turned my back to the storm, gritted my teeth and endured. Guess what? It didn't work! I was miserable, my family was miserable, and I began to learn that apparently just enduring was not enough. It was then I stumbled upon a great truth I had read for years but had not registered with me. In Doctrine & Covenants 121 as Joseph pled with the Lord to find some meaning to his own brand of adversity the Lord said to him: "And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." [Doctrine & Covenants 121:8] [emphasis added] Of all the Scriptures that admonish us to endure to the end, this is the only verse I can find that tells us how to endure -- "endure it well." For someone in my situation this was an important revelation. I came to learn that it is not enough just to endure but we must endure it well. If we endure it well we won't just be gritting our teeth and turning up our collar against the storm, but we will be experiencing peace and joy that will enable us to be productive, to serve others, and to especially be a blessing to our loved ones.
You are probably saying, "Well, Jack, that is all well and good but how do you get to that point in your life where in the midst of adversity you are able to rise to a level beyond just enduring, but enduring it well?" Again, the answer came to me personally from the Scriptures. It comes from that same context of Joseph learning great lessons about the purpose of adversity while incarcerated in Liberty Jail. The Lord went on to tell him, after listing many of the trials Joseph had already suffered, the following: "... and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." [Doctrine & Covenants 122:7] [emphasis added]
For some time, but especially after my accident, I pondered upon that verse a great deal. I would often ask myself, "Why are terrible things that happen to us supposed to be for our good?" I just didn't get it! Yes, I know they give us experience but is that all? Was being paralyzed from the neck down and living on life support the rest of my life for my good? Was it for the good of this young missionary to almost lose his life in a bicycle accident while serving a mission for the Lord? Finally after really many years of pondering I think I finally got it. You all probably are not as dense as I am and undoubtedly already have it.
All of the horrible things that can happen to us in mortality will only be for our good if they humble us, drive us to our knees, and make us more dependent upon the Savior and less dependent upon the arm of flesh. Adversity can either drive people away from faith in Christ or to an increased faith in Him. When one comes to understand that he is not strong enough, smart enough, talented enough, etc. to make it on his own through this mortal experience and comes to Christ with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the Savior can strengthen the individual through the healing power of the atonement to "endure it well". Then the adversity truly will be for our good. I think I also have a deeper feeling for what King Benjamin said about mankind since coming to the realization I can't do it on my own. "... I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come... And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God..." [Mosiah 4:11-12]
And so my young friend, hopefully you will learn to "endure it well" and turn to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, casting your burden upon him with complete trust and faith in his goodness. If you do so, I believe I can promise you, because of my own experience, you will always be able to rejoice and be filled with the love of God regardless of what life may bring your way.
Dad/Grandpa/Jack
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