Testimony

P.D. Laws

High Council Speaking Assignment

Navarre Ward

21 Nov 2004

 

Testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives.

 

So said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Oct 2004 World General Conference of the Church.

 

I think we all claim to have a testimony; is what we have the "Real" thing? Has your life been changed by a testimony?

 

What is a "REAL" testimony anyway?

 

What are the key components of a testimony?

 

Why is it important for each of us to gain a personal testimony?

 

What are the consequences of not having a firm testimony?

 

Why are we obliged to share our testimony?

 

The substance of my talk is the answer to these questions. I naturally invite you to revisit Elder Ballard's talk entitled "Pure Testimony" as well.

 

First to the concept of what comprises a "real" testimony. Might I say in preamble my remarks here are not intended to offend anyone, only to educate and cause some reflection on all of our parts. Many of you will recognize the style and substance of some of our brothers and sisters testimonial styles in the following comparison. I have broken the components into a "IS" and a "IS NOT" for a side by side comparison:

 

A Testimony IS NOT…	A Testimony IS…
An adjunct to our belief system as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints	The foundation of our faith as Latter-Day Saints without which the marvelous and glorious restoration and the countless blessings and manifestations that followed would not have occurred. The testimonies of the countless faithful are the power by which the evil designs of the enemies of the Church have become but a low hollow murmur as the triumphant blast of Moroni's Angelic trump has sounded in the ears of the faithful in these the last days.
A static part of our belief system as Latter-Day Saints	Changes lives; as President Hinckley has said (quoting David O. McKay) concerning living the principles of the gospel: "It makes bad men good, and good men better"
A knowledge we gain through our own means or given to us by someone else.	Is borne of the Holy Spirit: (John 14:26) "But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance…. (wouldn't it be great to remember "all" of the things we knew before? And again in John 16:13:…He will guide you into all truth…and he will (show) you things to come."   A precious gift borne of the Spirit into the heart of every seeking son or daughter of God. "The testimony of Jesus IS the spirit of prophecy" (Rev 19:10). We who have this blessing must NEVER take it for granted!   While others may inspire us to seek a testimony, we might find just like that proverbial transferring missionary, if we are not firm and valiant in our own personal assurance from the Holy Ghost for ourselves, we are less likely to endure well the trials of this life as they relate to the constant quest of satan to destory our faith in the one thing that will ultimately save us forever!
Gained by a single event or bestowed by birth or association.	Elder Ballard: "Like almost everything else in life, testimonies grow and develop through experience and service." Laman & Lemuel, Nephi & Sam Within our own homes and Wards we see the disparity in the levels of activity/involvement with the saving principles and ordinances of the Gospel
Something you gain and maintain with little or no effort	Gaining and maintaining a firm testimony of the Restored Gospel throughout one's life is of the utmost importance
Testimonies that consist largely of "I am thankful" and "I love" and "I'm grateful for…"	Testimonies need to be based on the first principles of the Gospel from an early age according to Elder Ballard. Stating with sincerity and humility that which one "knows" (this is where the Holy Spirit comes into the equation; He will whisper into the heart and mind of every seeker the divine truths of our Savior's matchless Gospel; his "good news")   Most Church authorities agree a pure testimony consists of at least the following 5 pillars: God is our Father and Jesus is the Christ The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to our Father's Plan of Salvation Joseph Smith was and is the Prophet of the restoration. He has done more for the salvation of men in this world than any other man who ever lived in it with the exception of the Savior Himself" (D&C 135:3) The Book of Mormon is the Word of God, a book of holy scripture, the book the Prophet referred to as "the most correct book of any on the earth and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other books."" (DHC 4:461.) Elder Hugh Pinnock of the Seventy has called it "the most Christ-centered book ever written…"(4 Jan 92 Church News) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints IS the Lord's Church and Kingdom here on the earth: (D&C 1:30) "And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased…
Stories, travelogues, and lectures.	While most of us enjoy a good analogy or hearing about someone else's journeying to and fro, our testimony meetings should not be the forum for these types of information. D&C 50:17:   17. Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?   18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God.   19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?   20 If it be some other way it is not of God.   21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?   22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.   Do you remember and cherish the stories and travel stories you've heard in Testimony Meeting over the years?   On the uther hand…. How about the testimonies where your heart and mind were touched by the Holy Ghost as you heard and felt the words being spoken ratified to you by the Spirit?   We MUST teach each other by the Spirit! Elder Ballard counsels: "Again, please keep in mind that we are talking about sharing real testimony, not just speaking generally about the things we are thankful for. While it is always good to express love and gratitude, such expressions do not constitute the kind of testimony that will ignite a fire of belief in the lives of others."   Herein lies the difference between an effective and/or not effective testimony.
"No one else is getting up so I guess I'd better get up and fill the time"	We have a responsibility to use the time allotted by the Bishopric to it's fullest potential to change the lives of our brothers and sisters and to persuade them to "Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him" (Moroni 10:32) as directed in closing verses of the Book of Mormon However, Jumping up without the nurturing prompting of the Holy Ghost will probably lead to a testimony that may not edify or inspire those who are seeking this blessing. It is likely better to remain in our seat.   The silences we sometimes experience in some of our testimony meetings can be a great time for reflection and pondering the truths of the Gospel or recommitting ourselves to our Heavenly Father.   Elder Ballard reminds us :"clear declaration of the truth makes a difference in people's lives"

 

I challenge you to make a concerted effort to bear "pure" testimony! I promise you, it will ,ake a difference!

 

Why is it important for each of us to gain a personal testimony of the Gospel?

 

There are many reasons: I'll cite only 2

1. It would be irresponsible not to do so: (Abraham 3:25-26)
   

   25. And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
   

   26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever. Keeping our 2^nd estate requires a testimony and a great deal of endurance.
   

2. Importantly, it is the means by which we may be instruments in the Lord's hands to bring the Gospel to His seeking children. Moroni promises (Moroni 7: 31-33) ministering angels.
   

   31 …call men unto repentance, …to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.
   

 

32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.

 

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

 

 

The central chapters of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon give the account Abinidi and Alma and later the account of Alma son of Alma and the sons of Mosiah. This epic tale has all of the drama and intrigue anyone could hope for and is extremely instructive for us as to the power of testimony in their lives.

 

Abinidi is commanded by the Lord to call the Nephites to repentance and in so doing is captured and taken before the wicked king Noah and his priests. He bears fervent testimony to all assembled and is ultimately put to death for his unwavering testimonial, but not before the young priest of Noah named Alma attempts to get his sentence commuted. Alma went on to become a leader of the Lord's Church among the Nephites. Mosiah 18:35 reveals that Alma already had 450 followers at the time he fled the pursuit of Noah! Alma was valiant in his testimony which he initially received from hearing Abinidi testify to Noah.

 

In Mosiah Chapter 27 we find Alma the younger (son of Alma, priest of Noah) and the four sons of Mosiah are seeking to destroy the Church—An angel appears and commands them to cease their evil course.

 

Verse 8: Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.

 

9 And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.

 

10 And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king--

 

11 And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;

 

12 And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto them.

 

13 Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.

 

14 And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.

 

15 And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God.

 

16 Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.

 

17 And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.

 

18 And now Alma and those that were with him fell again to the earth, for great was their astonishment; for with their own eyes they had beheld an angel of the Lord; and his voice was as thunder, which shook the earth; and they knew that there was nothing save the power of God that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble as though it would part asunder.

 

19 And now the astonishment of Alma was so great that he became dumb, that he could not open his mouth; yea, and he became weak, even that he could not move his hands; therefore he was taken by those that were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his father.

 

20 And they rehearsed unto his father all that had happened unto them; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God.

 

21 And he caused that a multitude should be gathered together that they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and also for those that were with him.

 

22 And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength--that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.

 

23 And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort:

 

24 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.

 

25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

 

26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

 

 

The consequences of not having a testimony of the Gospel are profound and eternal as well as final in their execution. In short, if you and I don't attain, maintain, and strengthen as well as share our testimonies with others we will not only not merit a place in our Father's kingdom we will stand condemned before the Lord:

 

D&C 60:2

But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.

 

D&C 82:3-4

For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

 

Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law.

 

Personal Testimony

 

• Father & the Son
  
• Atonement
  
• The Prophet Joseph
  
• The Book of Mormon
  
• The Restored Church
  

 

 

Faith and Prayers

High Council Speaking Assignment for Sep 04

Fox Run Ward 19 Sep 04

P.D. Laws

 

[This address was never given as Hurricane Ivan struck Pensacola several days before (16 Sep 04)]

 

Why do the righteous suffer?

 

Why do "bad" things happen to "good" people?

 

Why do the innocent die young and the wicked live long?

 

Why is the cup always half-empty?

 

Is it all a matter of perspective?

 

Largely I think it is; OR a loss of perspective, a forgetting of the real reason we are on this earth.

 

Being lost in the Uintas

 

 

Elder Dallin H Oaks of the 12 has said:

 

Few experiences illustrate mortal feelings of joy better than the recovery of something precious we fear we have lost. The scriptures illustrate this experience. In the parable of the lost sheep, the shepherd invited his friends to rejoice with him, for he had "found [his] sheep which was lost." (Luke 15:6.) "Likewise," Jesus explained, "joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:7.) In another parable, a father rejoiced in the return of a prodigal son, explaining, "For this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found." (Luke 15:32.)

These experiences are symbolic of our eternal journey. The Fall has separated us from our heavenly home. We must choose which way we will go. Satan, who was separated from God and permanently lost, would like to see our separation become permanent also. Father Lehi taught that Satan's purpose is to make men miserable. "Because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, [Satan] sought also the misery of all mankind." (2 Ne. 2:18; see also 2 Ne. 2:27.) Those who yield to his enticings are on the way to the same miserable destiny as he. Shut out from the presence of God, they will be in "a state of misery and endless torment." (Mosiah 3:25; see also 2 Ne. 2:5.) As the Lord said about the wicked, "misery shall be their doom." (Moses 7:37.)

Much of the misery encouraged by Satan comes from losses. Satan experienced that kind of misery when he lost his first estate. Now he tries to inflict similar losses on those who have proceeded to mortality, the second estate. Satan encourages a loss of virtue, a loss of integrity, a loss of reputation, a loss of ideals, a loss of wholesome associations, and even a loss of life.

 

In contrast, our Heavenly Father created us to resist and to overcome such losses, to be whole, to have joy. He wants us to return to him, and he has provided a way for that reunion to be achieved. No wonder we say that his gospel is "a voice of mercy from heaven; … a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy." (D&C 128:19.)

 

 

 

 

The afflictions of the Saints shall be for their good (D&C 98 1-3)

 

    

 

1. VERILY I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;

 

2 Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament--the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.

 

3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord.

 

 

 

The Lord will fight the battles of Zion

D&C 105:Verse 14-19

 

 

14. For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil--I will fight your battles.

 

The Lord fights Israel's battles (footnote for fight) in Joshua chapter 10: the Lord halts the sun and moon in their movements and casts down great "stones" upon the Amorites and their allies in defense of the Israelites this action being summarized in this manner in verse 14 (Josh 10:14):

 

And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

 

15 Behold, the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine enemies; and not many years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have consecrated for the gathering together of my saints.

 

16 Behold, I have commanded my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to say unto the strength of my house, even my warriors, my young men, and middle-aged, to gather together for the redemption of my people, and throw down the towers of mine enemies, and scatter their watchmen;

 

17 But the strength of mine house have not hearkened unto my words.

 

18 But inasmuch as there are those who have hearkened unto my words, I have prepared a blessing and an endowment for them, if they continue faithful.

 

19 I have heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a trial of their faith.

 

 

D&C 108:7: Revelation given in response to Lyman Sherman who had been a member of the original First Quorum of the Seventy (having been released a month previous to this revelation) for 2 years (1835-37)

 

 

Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.

 

President Hinckley commented on this scripture in these terms in the 1982 April General Conference:

 

"We live in a society that feeds on criticism. Faultfinding is the substance of columnists and commentators, and there is too much of this among our own people. It is so easy to find fault, and to resist doing so requires much of discipline. But if as a people we will build and sustain one another, the Lord will bless us with the strength to weather every storm and continue to move forward through every adversity. The enemy of truth would divide us and cultivate within us attitudes of criticism which, if permitted to prevail, will only deter us in the pursuit of our great divinely given goal. We cannot afford to permit it to happen. We must close ranks and march shoulder to shoulder, the strong helping the weak, those with much assisting those with little. No power on earth can stop this work if we shall so conduct ourselves."

 

 

Another commentator has said:

 

 

Strengthen Your Brethren

The second area of counsel to Lyman Sherman dealt with his relationship with his brethren. The Lord instructed him to strengthen his brethren in the following four ways: (See D&C 108:7)

 

1.    All conversation

Regardless of our position or station in life, we all may have an influence upon someone by the way we speak about the leaders of the church. We may be the means by which someone follows or fails to follow counsel of the leaders. Someone's decision on this matter may be a direct result of the influence we have on their confidence in the leadership of the church. Speaking of the effect our conversations may have upon the attitude of others, Elder George F. Richards taught:

 

When we say anything bad about the leaders of the Church, whether true or false, we tend to impair their influence and their usefulness and are thus working against the Lord and his cause. When we speak well of our leaders, we tend to increase their influence and usefulness in the service of the Lord. In his absence our brother's character when assailed, should be defended, thus doing to others as we would be done by. The Lord needs the help of all of us. Are we helping or are we hindering? (CR, April 1947, p.24)

 

2.    All Prayers

Many times the presiding authorities of the church have testified that they have been strengthened because of the prayers of the membership. One illustration of such testimony was given by President Spencer W. Kimball:

 

I have all my life sustained my leaders, praying for their welfare, and I have in these past years felt a great power coming to me from similar prayers of the saints, raised to heaven on my behalf. (BYU Speeches of the Year, 1979, p. 164)

 

Prayer is a powerful tool. People can be strengthened through the prayers of others. There can be no doubt but that the leaders of the church are stronger because of the prayers of the membership in their behalf than they would be without the united faith and prayers of the saints.

 

3.    All Exhortations

Exhortations means teachings. As members of the Lord's church we are responsible to teach what the presiding brethren teach. We have no right to interpret or teach anything contrary to what they have said. We can strengthen the brethren by teaching and stressing that which they have declared to be true. Through our teaching, their witness is extended by repetition to additional listeners. Thus, their strength and effectiveness is increased.

 

4.    All Doings

When our actions, or doings, are in harmony with what the presiding brethren counsel, we are strengthening their position as well as our own. Where our lives reflect the counsel of church authorities, their influence is extended through our lives and thus they become a stronger influence for good in the earth. Strong leadership derives much of its strength from support.

 

It is not to be suggested that church leaders are infallible. They are mortal men. However, the Lord works through these men to bless the membership of His church. Such blessings are predicated upon the membership following their counsel, regardless of their human weaknesses. The prophet Joseph Smith taught the saints to look past the human weakness of the leadership and render obedience to their counsel. He said:

 

I showed them that it was generally in consequence of the brethren disregarding or disobeying counsel that they became dissatisfied and murmured; and many when they arrive here, were dissatisfied with the conduct of some of the Saints, because everything was not done perfectly right, and they get angry, and thus the devil gets advantage over them to destroy them. I told them I was but a man, and they must not expect me to be perfect; if they expected perfection from me, I should expect it from them; but if they would bear with my infirmities and the infirmities of the brethren, I would likewise bear with their infirmities. (TPJS, p. 268)

 

The same command given to Peter in Luke 22:32 (28-34) shortly after the Lord introduced the ordnance of the Sacrament:

 

28. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

 

29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

 

30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

 

31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

 

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

33 And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

 

34 And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

 

 

 

D&C 15:

Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

 

For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

 

And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone--

 

For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

 

Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

 

And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father.

 

 

The Stake President has challenged all of the Stake Leadership (and I'm challenging you) to plead with the Lord for a missionary experience in the next 90 days. Finding someone (or a family of someones) for the missionaries to teach the Gospel.

 

 

 

2 Nephi 26:18

Wherefore, as those who have been destroyed have been destroyed speedily; and the multitude of their terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away--yea, thus saith the Lord God: It shall be at an instant, suddenly--

 

2 Nephi 33:12

And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.

 

Moroni 10:3-5

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down unto the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

 

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Funeral Address for Michelle Nelson

16 June 2006

Bishop Paul D. Laws

 

I became acquainted with Michelle at Church when our family moved to the Pensacola area for the first time in 1994. She was beautiful inside and out and our relationship was to take on a special turn a short 2 years later.

 

I offer but a few personal observations about Michelle

1. She was extremely persistent (see hard-headed/stubborn): Those of you who have had anything to do with Michelle since the onset of her physical challenges so many years ago (and especially recently) know exactly what I mean. She was reticent to be cared for even in her extremity. She resisted the idea that Royette (or anyone else for that mater) should wait on her even when she was in extreme duress. She was a delightful waitress who many patrons would return to for service again and again. She would shelter the homeless, clothe the naked, and heal the afflicted whose hands "hung down". Countless are the number of days Michelle worked (while putting herself through school) and raising her sons Jeremy and Jim.
   
2. She had a remarkable love of children: In July of 1996 our fourth child, a girl who we named Joli, was born at Sacred Heart Hospital here in Pensacola. She was due in October and was extremely small. But like Michelle she was what some might call a "persistent soul". Her mother and I were not permitted to interact much with her due to the perils associated with her size and the policies of the hospital concerning her measly birth weight. Michelle was literally an "angel of mercy" who willingly surrendered nearly every free moment from her other duties in the hospital to nurture our "little angel". She was able to do for us and Joli what we so much wanted and desired but were prevented from doing. Many times since I have thanked her personally for these wonderful ministrations and now I say one last time publicly (and to you Michelle if you're listening) THANK YOU!
   
3. She was remarkably generous: She repeatedly throughout her life cultivated the Christ-like quality of charity. A fitting epilogue to her life and times might be these profound verses given by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian Saints:
   

   Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
   

   And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
   

   And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
   

   Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
   

   Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
   

   Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
   

   Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
   

   ¶ Charity never faileth:
   

    Charity never failed in Michelle's life. She would literally do anything for anyone anytime with no thought for the consequences to herself. While to some this might seem like a vulnerability of her I believe it will stand as a crowning achievement in her too brief life. Michelle refused to see bad in any person no matter who they were.

 

While our lives and the duration thereof is known only to the Lord, Michelle was "permitted to tarry" for what one might think was an exorbitant amount of time considering the fiery furnace of pain and misery through which she trod for the last few years of her life. As a young woman Michelle was given a special blessing in which she was told she would be an example and a strength to those around her throughout her life. She jokingly told Royette "when people see how miserable I am they can't help but feel better about their situations!!" That is SO Michelle!

 

While her life here on earth ended this past Monday between 5 and 6 PM. Her caring influence and the dignity of her perseverance will stand in bright remembrance to those who knew her for generations to come! What a marvelous fulfillment of her special spiritual endowment! What an excellent legacy!

 

Near the end of her life Michelle and I had the opportunity to review her spiritual standing before the Lord. It was a special moment for me to be with her at that sacred moment. Her concerns about her endurance seemed amazing to me! She was so patient in her afflictions. I was greatly enriched by that interview!

 

I feel Michelle had a solid gold soul! As you probably know the process or refining precious metals involves extreme heat to remove impurities. Michelle left the earth having endured the blast furnace of illness for many years. I believe she left purified before the Lord. Patience in her illness tried Michelle greatly. One last refining test. I say she passed!

 

 

 

 

Where is Michelle?

Should we mourn her passing?

Will we see each other again?

What do we each face when we step through death's door?

When Michelle passed through the veil of death she transitioned to the next phase of her existence as an immortal spirit waiting the morning of the first resurrection.

I would say to friends and family and all of the rest of you here assembled:

I know where she's at, and I know what she's doing!

    When one of our loved ones passes beyond the veil of this mortal existence the parting brings a deep sadness and longing to each of us that is left behind. We feel disconnected and alone, we pause and consider our own mortality and what we are doing with our lives. We long to know for sure what the future holds for us beyond the certain step with uncertain dimensions we call death. The passing of a loved one invites deep reflection. It may even invite anger at the perceived injustice of it all. I believe we may come to know and understand what the Psalmist testified of in the 30th Psalm:

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

JST Psalms 30:Verse 5

    But how can joy arise from the ashes of sorrow, when we are so clearly left behind? When our sorrow is so painfully fresh? How can we recover from the incredible vacancy that enters our lives?

The marvelous truth is that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to be reunited with our loved ones on the other side! He has prepared a plan with God our Heavenly Father that ensures eternal happiness and joy awaits each one of us. John chapter 3 verse 16 records probably the most often quoted passage in all of scripture:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

Everlasting life...this sounds like a long-term affair! When we come to terms with the eternal truth that we are eternal beings and that we will exist forever a massive measure of comfort enters our hearts. Job the afflicted prophet of old declared:

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

And [though] after my skin [worms] destroy this [body], yet in my flesh shall I see God:

Job 19: 25-26

The glorious remarkable truth which applies to Michelle and to each of us that we will have the ability in a future day to regain our physical bodies only with the added blessing of inheriting a perfected immortal body which is incapable of suffering all of the vicissitudes of this life. Imagine the joy Michelle will experience when she gets her immortal body especially given the recent decline of her earthly body!

The Holy Scriptures testify to us of the plan of God for his children's happiness. Let me share three of my favorites with you:

For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead.

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life…

John 5: 28-29

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

John 14: 2-3

A Prophet declared, speaking of those who mourn for their deceased relatives:

....when I talk to these mourners, what have they lost? Their relatives and friends are only separated from their bodies for a short season: their spirits which existed with God have left the tabernacle of clay only for a little moment, as it were; and they now exist in a place where they converse together the same as we do on the earth,

I have a father, brothers, children, and friends who have gone to a world of spirits. They are only absent for a moment. They are in the spirit, and we shall soon meet again. The time will soon arrive when the trumpet shall sound. When we depart, we shall hail our mothers, fathers, friends, and all whom we love...

 

Let us not unduly mourn the passing of Michelle. She is not gone forever nor doth she sleep! Her physical tabernacle resides in this chapel, her magnificent eternal spirit has taken its place among the millions that have gone before!

    I admire the quality of Michelle's perseverance in the face of adversity, and I hope that as we take a moment today to remember her, we might consider what more we can do in this world to be like her. Her perseverance, love of others, and endless charity are each worthy of emulation and imitation.

    I feel confident that Michelle is marveling in the splendor of the paradise in which she is a new citizen. She and Herb are certainly "catching up on old times". We too are drawing ever closer to the transition to eternity we call "death". May we each have peace and clarity knowing that there is indeed a place "prepared for us".