Words.
We READ words. We WRITE words.
We SPEAK words. We WEAR words.
We THINK words. We FEAR words.
We SING words. We MAKE words.
We LIVE words.
We live OUR words.
Words are essential to our Being.
From where does a Word gain its' meaning?
Historically, I have no clue,
but when I want to know what a word means I flip through a Dictionary,
or type it into Google,
or I ask someone.
How do these sources give us the definition?
Words.
They use Words that are simpler or more well known to the average person to try to explain the meaning.
From where do these Words gain their meaning?
LIFE.
CULTURE.
EXPERIENCE.
WHO WE ARE.
US.
For Example:
Apple.
How would you describe an apple?
The general answer might be:
A fruit with a round-ish shape that comes in a variety of colors.
A person who likes apples may say:
A delicious fruit, crunchy, sweet, juicy.
Me:
A fruit, gritty, dull tasting, best eaten when fully covered with peanut butter. :)*
*Remember that not all views expressed by the author reflect the opinions of all Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
*Remember that not all views expressed by the author reflect the opinions of all Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Even the simplest of Words can mean very different things to different people.
As I sat in the chapel this past Sunday, I thought, "how often do I really think about what a Word means before I use it?"
When we teach as Missionaries we have a vocabulary that we frequently use and we do our best through these words to express to people the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but it can quickly become frustrating because the years of experiences that have given meaning to the Words that we use are truly indescribable.
FAITH
REPENTANCE
BAPTISM
RECEIVING THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST
ENDURING TO THE END
BAPTISM.
This is a Word that is used almost daily and that is very near to my heart.
It is impossible to explain what this Word means to me, but I want to try.
I remember the white dress sewn by my mother's hand and maybe the help of a few other family members.
I felt like a princess. I was nervous. I went into the water and placed my hand on my father's arm. He said a prayer and then emerged me completely into the water. My grandmother and grandfather spoke. Maw and Paw Paw. I received my first set of scriptures. They were so beautiful to me. I was eight years old.
That day I promised God that I would keep his commandments.
I promised to always remember his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
I took upon His name.
John 3:5
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
The next day was Sunday. During Sacrament Meeting, I went to the front of the chapel and sat in a chair. Hands were softly placed upon my head and I received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I felt God's love. I felt the presence of the third member of the God head. The experience was so sweet that even as a small eight year old, only a child, tears came to my eyes.
I received a remission of my sins.
I was cleansed.
God promised me that day that if I kept my promises I could have that feeling with me always to lead me and guide me to good things.
That day I was spiritually reborn.
For many years after that when people would receive the Holy Ghost, the memory of that day would again flood my mind accompanied with more tears. It is this memory that has continually guided me back to my Father in Heaven. I know he loves me and is mindful of me and that the precious gift he gave me is with me as I live righteously.
Every time I think I am alone. I am proven wrong,
time and time again.
That day and promise has made me who I am and who I am becoming.
This is WHAT we desire all people to experience. This is WHAT we invite others to do.
BAPTISM.
LIVE your WORDS.
Live YOUR Baptism.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/little-girl-flowers-760480?lang=eng&category=
