The word is that the island I visited two years with the Episcopal mission group "was shaken but not devastated." The news was a great relief. I'd hoped that would prove to be the case.
I'm so grateful to see the outpouring of concern and support coming from Americans and others elsewhere in the world. I'm grateful that people are being moved by the spirit of solidarity and generosity.
I pray for a spirit of wisdom and insight to be with those who are trying to get aid where it's needed, so they will know how to cope with problems and be blessed to find solutions. I pray that aid workers will be blessed with strength—that they will be borne up on eagle's wings; that they will run and not be weary, walk and not faint. I pray for a spirit of solidarity to prevail among survivors as they wait for help, and look for food and water and other necessities, and do what they can to help the wounded and to start to rebuild. I pray that there will be not be violence and anarchy. I pray that the Spirit will comfort those who mourn and give a spirit of hope to those who are waiting for help.
Papa nou ki nan Sièl-la,
délivré nou ak sa ki mal.
In Christ's name, amen.
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2 comments:
Glad to hear of this bit of good news! The situation there is heartbreaking, and I don't think the addition to the mission of the Church––"caring for the poor and the needy"––arrived a moment too soon.
In a more general vein, I just wanted to say thank you; your book on the temple is one of the best I've ever, ever read. In fact, it is the only book I recommend to others before they go. (After being endowed, there are plenty of interesting resources, but most of them would've been over my head before I received my own temple ordinances.) In any case, it really made the endowment a much richer experience.
Also, I have enjoyed reading your blog from time to time when you talk about being a gay Mormon. I am also homosexual, and very much in the closet, except to my parents. For now, I am attempting the "celibate" route, but (as I'm sure you already know) it's hard... and painful. My Mom and Dad, God bless 'em, still think I can "change," and I'm sure they have the best of intentions, but I'm praying that one day they'll just come to accept the situation––it breaks my heart to break theirs.
Sorry for the rambling. :-) And thanks again.
Anonymous--
I appreciate your taking the time to leave a note. Amen to your comment about "caring for the poor and the needy"! For all I find obnoxious, and in some cases even abusive, about how the LDS Church is run as an institution, its ability to mobilize to help people during crises like this is a blessing.
About the temple book—you're welcome. :) It's nice to hear that the book helped a reader.
About being gay and celibate: I doubt I'm telling you anything you don't already know—but let me take the chance to be a second, or third, or four hundredth witness—when I say that you have to follow the guidance of the Spirit in deciding what path is best for you. If "it is not good that the man should be alone," then denying yourself the joy of sexual companionship is a really serious thing. On the other hand, if change ever comes in the Church's approach to homosexuality, it will come because gay celibate LDS shouldered the cross of celibacy, like black members shouldering the cross of priesthood denial prior to 1978. Do what you think the Spirit's telling you; change course if at some point the Spirit seems to be telling you that. Whatever happens, I hope you find joy.
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