David Butler in "Don't Miss This" study devotional gave a thought from Alma 54:12 that I've never thought of before. He points out that Moroni understood the need of women and children in the fight against the lamanites. He then references President Nelson's talk "Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel" Oct 2018. I've been studying it again for multiple mornings. President Nelson knew to fight the battles we were about to face he needed the women just as much as he needed the men.
In Oct 2018 Pres Nelson told the women of the church that we were needed. He told us, "My dear sister, we need you! We 'need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices.' We simply cannot gather Israel without you." He also says in the same talk, "My dear sisters, you have special spiritual gifts and propensities. Tonight I urge you, with all the hope of my heart, to pray to understand your spiritual gifts- to cultivate, use and expand them, even more than you ever have. You will change the world as you do so."
Have you thought on your spiritual gifts lately? Have you knelt in prayer to find out what they are and how to use them? Are you ready to act upon them when asked?
In the same talk by Pres Nelson in Oct 2018, he gives us 4 steps to help us be in tune with the spirit to learn how to cultivate our spiritual gifts.
1. 10 day Social Media Fast
- "What do you notice after taking a break from perspective of the world that have been wounding your spirit? Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy? Have any of your priorities shifted - even just a little? I urge you to record and follow through with each impression."
2. Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year
- "Please teach those whom you love what you are learning from the scriptures. Teach them how to turn to the Savior for His healing and cleansing power when they sin. And teach them how to draw upon His strengthening power every day of their lives."
3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance
- "For those of you who don't live near a temple, I invite you to study prayerfully about temples in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. Seek to know more, to understand more, to feel more about temples than you ever have before."
4. Participate fully in Relief Society
- "I urge you to study the current Relief Society purpose statement. it is inspiring. It may guide you in developing your own purpose statement for your own life."
I know that this talk was from almost 2 yrs ago, but I feel it is needed today just as much as it was when it was given. I remember that fall following his advice and I did grow closer to the Savior during that time period. I learned that one of my spiritual gifts is being bold and being willing to share that boldness.
Throughout my life being bold came pretty easy to me. Sure it was scary, but when I knew it was what I was supposed to do, I was able to move forward with boldness to do whatever it was that I was asked to do. Especially speaking my mind! Sometimes it wasn't so good, but most of the time speaking boldly about what I was passionate about was a good thing. People knew my standards and what I stood for because of my boldness.
As time moved forward people began to make comments about my boldness. I become the "joke" and I was too "molly mormon" because of my boldness. I still remember one time my dad telling me that I talked too much and need to let others have an opportunity. After that I backed off. I was afraid to share what I felt I was supposed to be sharing. I thought I needed to let others have a chance. As I continued to stay quite, my spirit started slowly dying. I don't know how to explain it or describe it. I just know I stopped becoming who I was supposed to be.
I still remember after President gave that talk, I wanted to follow. I wanted to learn my spiritual gifts and so I did what he told us to do. As I did, the answer to be bold came back. I was meant to speak when the spirit directs. There is always moderation in all things, so I think the wisdom in my dad's words to allow others opportunities to speak is important. But when the spirit directs me, I am to be bold and speak.
Honestly this is the whole reason I have a blog now. I would never have chosen to start writing on my own. But the spirit directed to me and I'm trying to stand with boldness.
I look forward to following President Nelson's words again and learning more of my spiritual gifts so I can help change the world! I hope you will do the same!
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