Thoughts on
FAITH
"In its broad sense, faith -- the assurance of things for which we hope, and the evidence of things not discernible through our senses -- is the motive principle that impels men to resolve and to act. "
James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp. 96, 100, 102.
Following the Spirit -- The following story was told to me in D&C 234 by Brother Caldwell concerning his very good friend Earl, who was a bishop of his ward. They had planned a big scout outing to Yellowstone. The arrived safely, and set up just in time for darkness to settle in. Then the disturbing news came over the radio. It reported that extremely fierce winds were due to strike and that all campers were to evacuate or remain where they were. As nighttime had already fallen, they decided to wait through the night and get up in the morning before the sun, and pack up their tents and belongings. They did so, but the storm was already in full force causing wild waves on the waters. Here were all these young boys, ready to go out in these canoes, facing a fierce body of water. The Bishop wondered how he had been inspired to wait through the night. The journey seemed impossible. They knelt and prayed but nothing happened, except maybe the storm grew worse! Discouraged and frustrated the bishop went up the hillside to pray on his own. The voice came to him, whether spoken out loud or to his mind is not know, just the fact that he heard a voice, that told him -- but you haven't gotten I your canoes! The bishop jumped up (he doesn't even remember saying Amen) and ran down the hill to the boys shouting to them to pack up the canoes. They didn't argue with him (he was a big man!) Then they faithfully and obediently pushed their tiny helpless canoes out into the death threatening waters. No sooner had they pushed off, but the air became still, completely still, and the waters were smooth. The traveled safely across to the other side, and once again, no sooner had they stepped to the ground but the winds picked up and the waves began as fiercely as before.
Sometimes we act by faith first. And then we receive the witness of the spirit. Then we receive the answers to our prayers.
The Faith of Little Mary
The father, a well digger, strong was he,
And as loving and kind as a father could be,
And Mary his daughter, five years old,
Was very much dearer than millions of gold,
To Mary her father was big, grand and nice,
So each had a treasure, beyond any price.
One day to the well, little Mary was sent
To take daddy’s lunch, how gladly she went.
But when she looked down, not a thing could be seen,
The well, like a pocket, was dark as could be.
The father saw Mary and heard her voice, too,
But made not a sound, just to see what she’d do.
She dropped to her knees, the dear little soul,
And called down, "Oh, Daddy, are you down this hole?"
"Why yes, Mary darling, I’m here at your feet,
Just drop my lunch for I’m ready to eat.
Just let it go easy, I’ll catch it all right."
She did and she saw it fall out of her sight.
"Why Mary, " said father, "There’s enough here for two,
Now this is the thing I would like you to do.
You jump down here to me and we’ll eat it together,
Down here in the cool and away from the weather."
"Oh, Daddy, I’m afraid, I can’t see you at all,
Be sure now you catch me and don’t let me fall."
‘Twas just for a moment she wavered in doubt,
Then closing her dear little eyes she jumped out.
In the darkness, yes, that was the test,
She trusted in faith in her father’s request,
And both were so happy he kissed her and smiled
Because of the sweet trusting faith of his child.
"Oh, sweet little Mary, you put me to shame,
How often my Father has called me the same,
But because it was dark I turned back in doubt.
Refusing the call, though his arms were stretched out."
--Anonymous
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