Fixer Upper

I realized that I have a belief that even Heavenly Father can't fix me. I never knew that belief was there until a few minutes ago. I know differently, it's just a fear that I have, that I'm so damaged that no one will be able to mend me. Now that I've realized it, I know that Heavenly Father can fix anything. I've known this all along, I just didn't realize that annoying doubt was there. He's created me with His ultimate power and there is not limit to what He can do. I needed to clear that in my mind and be able to remember later. He loves me and will help me to be happy.

2 Nephi Chapter 6

Verse three: "For I am desirous for the welfare of your souls."

Jacob tells his people that he is worried for their souls. This made me think because, too often, I judge people. I think in my mind that someone is one way and that they should be doing this that and the other to better their lives. I think of all the logical reason they should be behaving better and I don't worry about the welfare of their souls. I should be worried about their souls above all else. If I try to rescue a person's soul out of love, it will make me remember that they are my Spirit sibling and they deserve to be saved just as much as I do, if not more.

Verse seven: " . . . for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me."

Verse thirteen: ". . . For the people of the Lord are they who wait for him . . ."

As I read these words, I thought to myself, "I wait." And I do. I wait for the Lord to come in His glory. He may come during my time and He may not, but I still know that He is coming and I wait. That gave me comfort to know that I will be counted as a person of the Lord, at least in that aspect. I have never doubted that He will come and I don't think I've ever realized that before I read this scripture the way I did. I know He will come and I've always known it, ever since I can remember. It's a real testimony strengthener to realize something like that.

Verse seventeen: "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered . . ."

This made me think of fairy tales and how wonderful they are in making a person to feel safe when they are thinking of the hero saving the day. I've often wondered if such heroes are supposed to represent Christ. The parallel seems to supports such an idea.

Verse eighteen: " . . . and all flesh shall know that I the Lord am they Savior and they Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

I felt smug when I thought of all the people who don't believe now finding out after the Savior returns. Sometimes I see in my mind's eye people suffering because they didn't believe in Christ and they did terrible things, like the people who killed Joseph Smith. I can see them writhing around at the realization that there is a God. Then I thought that I will be just like them. I may think that I know who the Lord is, but when it comes down to it, the day that He comes, I will be just like the others. I will know that the Lord is mightier and greater than I could ever imagine. Doesn't that make me just as lowly as anyone else? So much for smug, huh?

2 Nephi Chapter 7

Verse one: "Yea, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off forever? . . . Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mothers put away."

Verse three: "I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their coverings."

These verses remind me that the Lord doesn't cast people off, they work themselves up to that point of losing the Spirit. By the time it is time for them to be cast off, they have alienated themselves already. Heavenly Father provides the heavens with a covering of clothes, He will also provide for His children.

2 Nephi Chapter 8

Part of verse seven: " . . . fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."
Verse twelve: "I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto grass?"

"Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of man . . ."

These words reminded me of my fear of my family. My fear of not being accepted if I truly show what I believe. My fear of them really knowing the real me and rejecting it. Who am I to be afraid? "Fear not I am with thee, O be not a afraid. For I am thy God and shall still give thee aid." All of the strength of the universe is in the God that I believe in and I still couldn't find my courage.

Verse sixteen: "And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plan the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion: Behold, thou art my people."

For every person who ever feels afraid of man, they need only read this verse with an open mind and they will realize that God supports those who serve Him. The key is that you must serve Him with all of your heart. If you don't give your all to God, he may not assist you. Show Him that you are ready to be filled with His courage and He will give you that strength.